Poneke Wellington's City to Sea bridge designed by Rewi Thompson and John Gray with sculptor Para Matchitt. Photo: Paul McCredie
The Wellington Civic Trust says it won't be appealing a court judgement which will allow the council to proceed with demolition of the City to Sea bridge.
Earlier this week a judicial review into the process Wellington City Council used to decide to demolish the bridge, was thrown out.
The bridge is situated above Jervois Quay. It provides a pedestrian link between the city centre and waterfront and is also an iconic feature of the Civic Square area.
"Wellington City Council appears to have unlimited ratepayer funds. We do not," said Trust Chair Helene Ritchie.
"We who act in the public interest with no personal gain whatsoever have reached the limit of our resources which includes the generosity of experts, the public, and our own contribution."
Ritchie said they were also being threatened with being awarded costs against them, which would be considerable.
"Since the Court decision, denied an extension by council, we have had only three days to decide whether to appeal," she said.
"Normally there are 20 working days (a month) to lodge an appeal."
Protest action couldn't save the bridge. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens
Ritchie said instead of taking further court action the trust were asking the council to delay any demolition so close to an election and leave the issue for the next council to consider.
Local body elections will take place in October.
"We plan to go on leading a fierce fight to save the Bridge including civil disobedience if necessary," Ritchie said.
"We will continue to urge this current council to stop this civic vandalism and this waste of ratepayers funds on demolishing the bridge."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
