A new pier has recently been constructed in the Christchurch suburb of New Brighton, located in New Zealand's South Island. This structure was built on the site occupied for some 70 years by a former pier. The fundraising momentum for the new pier was maintained by the efforts of a number of dedicated New Brighton residents over some 30 years following the original pier's demolition. Conceptualized through a geographical and historical overview, the relationship between the original pier's symbolism and that created by the new pier is explored from the perspective of long-time community members. The data gathered in this study indicate that the key drivers behind the new pier's construction were a desire for the re-emergence of shared meanings within the community and outsiders' recognition of New Brighton as the focal point of Christchurch. These motivations overshadow the new pier's role as a facilitator of commercial tourism development.