What else would be possible

• Smart lighting: the bridge could serve an “urban barometer”, using smart lighting to visually reflect atmospheric and environmental conditions (via live sensors) and mood of the city (via txting)

• Smart posters could line the pedestrian walkway. Technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC) would enable people to shop as they walk

• Travelators:  the bridge could feature travelators to allow pedestrians to walk comfortably and quickly from the CBD to Northcote, and enjoy the best views of the Waitemata Harbour

• Turbines attached to the base of bridge piers could utilise tidal power to generate electricity and drive the travelators and other bridge electrics

• The cantilevered cable stay mast of the bridge would have its own island.  The island would protect it from being hit accidentally by ships.  Both the island and the bridge mast would present tourism and recreational opportunities

• Viewing facilities for yacht match-racing and other harbour activities could be integrated into the covered walkway at the apex of the bridge

• Each New Year, Auckland could hold court with the world for the two hours before Sydney celebrates.  The new bridge could become the stage for spectacular smart lighting events and other festivities. The rest of the world could be engaged through digital media and social networking, using the interactive technologies available on the bridge to project images and sentiments