It's been the scene of rowdy behaviour including drinking, partying and even public defecation - but locals in Auckland's Māngere Bridge are fed up and taking matters into their own hands.
For years now, Māngere Bridge has been a nighttime hotspot for people to gather. But locals say it often spirals into anti-social behaviour and makes people feel threatened.
A group of locals has resorted to blocking off the road that leads to the bridge on weekend evenings to enjoy some peace and quiet.
A public meeting was held on Tuesday to address their concerns. Police attended the meeting, along with Neighbourhood Support, to discuss the progress being made in regards to anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the old Māngere Bridge.
But locals Newshub spoke to want their local officials to act faster.
The new Māngere Bridge - a $38 million project - was opened in August. But since then, locals say it's become an even more popular late-night party spot, which has forced them to take matters into their own hands.
Lucie Newport, who lives near the bridge, is part of a group of locals who block off access to the road that leads to the bridge, on Friday and Saturday nights, using makeshift barriers.
"We have seen here people partying really loud, playing loud music on speakers; we have seen arguments and fights, we've seen broken bottles, we've seen defecation on the road - we have seen some pretty bad, anti-social behaviour," Newport told Newshub.
It's not a new problem. Similar concerns were raised in 2019 after two people were shot in a firearms incident at the bridge location. Locals say they don't want a repeat of that.
There are parking restrictions and an alcohol ban is in place, but locals say the rules are largely ignored, and the parking sign is small and facing the opposite direction to the road.
Locals want to trial what would eventually be a permanent vehicle barrier from 10pm to 4am.
"We had a community-led meeting today with Auckland Transport, the local council, the local police, Neighbourhood support and some of our community members," Sarah Fair, Neighbourhood Support Area Coordinator Māngere Bridge, told Newshub.
"However, we are a little bit frustrated and disappointed that the local board did not attend this meeting, because we really wanted their input."
Māngere Bridge Local Board chairperson Nick Bakulich told Newshub he sympathises with the locals, but says ultimately, blocking access to a public road is illegal and they could be putting themselves at risk.
He says more lighting has been installed in the area, and there are security cameras. He says he's requested that Auckland Transport dispatch security to the area on the problematic weekend evenings.
Counties Manukau West Area Commander Inspector Matt Srhoj told Newshub police are "continuing to work together to ensure the area remains accessible and safe for the community and improve the situation while a long term solution is sought".
"Police continue to monitor the site and the activity," he said.
"We continue to strongly encourage anyone who is aware of potential incidents or offending to report them to police so we can identify those involved and take the necessary action."
