Progress Update: 23/12/2010

The Lake Tekapo Footbridge Society Inc. has now been in existence for 13 months for the sole purpose of building this bridge over the Tekapo River.
In that time the society has accomplished the following.

1. Canvassed all ratepayers for opinions re the construction of a footbridge and has received overwhelming support.
2. Had preliminary concept and structural design completed.
3. Has had preliminary estimates made of the cost of the design.
4. Held a fundraising launch, at which Helen Clark was guest speaker, where over $11 000 was raised. This is a significant achievement for a small community of less than 400.
5. Had a website, www.laketekapofootbridge.co.nz designed and operating on-line.
6. Applied for resource consent from ECan.
7. Received minimum design standards from Meridian.
8. Erected a sign and coin collector near the proposed bridge site.
9. Received seeding funding from Lake Tekapo Community Board and Meridian.
10. Applied to Tourism NZ for major funding.

Consultant fees, surveying fees, and ECan resource consent costs have been waived to a total of $13 500. Total amount raised when taking work-in-kind into account is approximately $32,000.00.

Fundraising efforts continue with two summer/autumn events planned. Opportunities are available for interested parties to donate through the website or to become Friends of the Footbridge. The coin collector near the proposed site is already proving to be worthwhile.