Embedded in the concrete footpath is a story. This story is about Papatoetoe’s 150th Jubilee. It is about the Second Tāmaki Bridge Plaque. In 2012, New Zealand artist Denis O’Connor was invited to create heritage markers. These markers would be unique to the area.
The Second Tāmaki Bridge Plaque is part of a series. They were installed in early 2013. The sites are along a route. It runs from Tāmaki Bridge. It continues through Hunters Corner and old Papatoetoe. It ends at Kohuora Park. This plaque is the first in the sequence. You can see it here on the Papatoetoe side of the Tāmaki Bridge.
O’Connor’s series includes different markers. There are triangular markers. There are rectangular interpretation blocks. There are also milestone artworks. His inspiration came from original tōtara mileposts. These were installed along Great South Road in the 1860s.
The Second Tāmaki Bridge Plaque is made of bluestone. This is similar to the blue chip once used to surface roads here. O’Connor designed a special toetoe motif. It acknowledges the plant’s cultural and historical significance. He chose a typeface. It reflects the time when Papatoetoe became a commercial hub around the 1920s.
The design is intended to traverse decades. It spans from the 1860s to today. It references key elements and events. These are important in the community’s development.
The Tāmaki Bridge itself has a long history. The first bridge opened in 1851. This led to greater settlement. This included Papatoetoe. It also included areas south of the Tāmaki River. The original bridge was made of scoria piers. These were connected by wooden platforms. It was rebuilt in 1859.
Traffic accidents damaged the bridge sides in the late 19th century. Manukau County made it an offence. Driving over the bridge faster than walking pace was illegal.
By the 1920s, Ōtāhuhu residents wanted the bridge reconstructed. They felt it was dangerous. In 1932, the Ōtāhuhu Borough Council and Manukau County Council widened it. They concreted the archway and road over the original bridge.
In 1900, Onehunga Borough’s mayor Dr William R. C. Erson faced charges. He broke the speed law. He was attending an urgent medical case. He was not penalized.
From 1912, the bridge marked a boundary. It was between the Ōtāhuhu Borough Council and the Papatoetoe Borough Council. Ōtāhuhu became part of Auckland City in 1985. Papatoetoe became its own city in 1965. It merged with Manukau City Council in 1989. Since the creation of the supercity in 2010, the bridge marks a transition. It is between Papatoetoe and Ōtāhuhu.
The Second Tāmaki Bridge Plaque reminds us. It is a gateway to the past. It is also a celebration of community. It represents Papatoetoe’s unique history. It bridges the gap between then and now.