Exact Opening Date – The third and current Patea Bridge was officially opened on Saturday, March 21, 1959. The bridge was formally opened by The Hon. H. Watt, the Minister of Works at the time. Distinguished Attendees: Mr. J. O. Riddell (Chairman of No. 8 Roads Council) gave the opening remarks. Mr. G. W. Corbett (Mayor of Patea) and Mr. A. Murphy (Deputy Chairman of Patea County) delivered local addresses. Mr. R. E. Jack (The Member of Parliament for the Patea Electorate

Historical Context First Bridge: Built in 1874 by William George Bassett and Richard Randle. Second Bridge: Replaced the original structure in 1894.Third Bridge: Opened in 1959 as the current road crossing in Patea. Local Milestones: The 1959 bridge opening coincided with a transitional era for Patea, which also saw the closure of the South Taranaki Shipping Co. port operations later that same year.

From 1865 until the first bridge was built in 1874, Mr Alfred Wood was the Ferryman. He was paid £10 per year for this essential job and a small dwelling was provided for him and his family near the river crossing. He was also the first Harbour Master for Pātea from 1871 – 1882.

This video has been produced using film footage from Albert Halls collection plus still photos from the Patea Historical Society.

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