Raupo Rattler, 2000-2001
Wood (siligna) and brass, fibreglass rods, copper tube, aluminium, glass, bone and stainless steel components.  Bridge length 18 metres, tapering rods 250mm high.
Site-specific commission, Brick Bay, Matakana, North Auckland.  
The percussive bridge crosses a raupo swamp at Brick Bay Farm, North Auckland, as a celebration of the wetland. Walking on the bridge is fun and can’t be done quietly. The sinuous, sixteen metre bridge has narrow saligna decking planks off-set from a central pivot, so that the planks always lie askew. The rods are supported by copper sleeves. The bridge planks rock as they are stepped on, tilting the rods connected to each plank, and shaking the percussion rattles placed near the rod tips. The hollow, aluminium, raupo-shaped rattlers are echo chambers, fitted with small percussive elements, stainless steel cables, sinkers, bath chain, beads and cut-off teaspoons that are connected so that they clap together. The volume of sound and the colour of the rods increases and intensifies towards the centre of the bridge. The colours of the rods were chosen to enhance the subtle colouring of the surrounding swamp plants.