This photograph was taken in November 2023 of the footbridge at Holben/Te Wharangi Reserve in Foxton Beach. The bridge linked the playground with the public toilets and bicycle course and spanned the wetland/pond in the Reserve.

In 2023 a weight limit was put on the bridge due to its age and condition. At the time of writing (12th of March 2024) the bridge was being replaced with a new one of a different design. 

This photograph was taken by Foxton photographer Jacob Brookie using a 1960 Agfa Flexilette camera loaded with Fomapan 200 film. This was a family camera of an unusual design where the photographer looked down into a viewing hood which showed what was and was not in focus (i.e a twin-lens-reflex). This design was not uncommon- but it was in 35mm cameras like the Agfa.

This photo was scanned from one owned by Bob Ayson of Foxton. Unfortunately we still need to name it.

This photo was scanned from one owned by Bob Ayson of Foxton. Unfortunately we still need to name it.

during construction

This colonial-style, 4 bedroomed, rural house on 1.0513 Ha was listed for sale online in January 2014.

It was described:

• Driving up the road and seeing this home for the first time will make you appreciate the location and the ambiance this property provides.
• Views of the river and bush out one window and Tararuas out the other.
• Large home just waiting to share the spoils with a family who enjoys swimming, biking, and having room to move.
• 5 small paddocks to graze and a decent lawn to play or create more gardens.
• 1.0513ha

Inscription on reverse reads: “Donated by Mrs E Thomas 5/77 Suspension Bridge over Otaki River Otaki Gorge Sat. 6 Mar 1926

The suspension bridge over the Otaki River in the Otaki Gorge. Taken Saturday 6 March 1926.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Donated by Mrs E Thomas 5/77 Swing Bridge Otaki Gorge 1931

Swing bridge over the Otaki Gorge, with five people standing on the bridge.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Flood water under trestle bridge”

Flood waters beneath the Whirokino trestle bridge.A lone man stands on the bridge watching the flood waters below

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Penciled on back: “Removing old Waikanae Railway Bridge. Jim Brown.”

Removing the old railway bridge over the Waikanae River at an unknown date. A crane is to the left of the photograph and workers sit atop the old bridge.

1 B&W photo print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Inscription on reverse reads: “15-5-63”

The shingle road, northern approach to the Opiki toll bridge. Twin brick towers support steel cables which support the bridge. In the left background is the chimney of the then demolished flour mill. The twin towers have inscribed panels on them each telling of the history of the bridge.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”