Terminal opening

Vital gateway: The vision behind the $12.5m Gisborne Airport terminal re-build was to create a place 'that reflects and shares the unique stories of Tairawhiti'. Pictures by Liam Clayton

The second and final stage of the new Gisborne Airport terminal is almost completed and after a dawn blessing service this week the doors will open to the public.

The chief executive of Eastland Group Matt Todd said it will be a significant day for the community and everyone who has been involved in the project.

A blessing service will be held before 5am on Wednesday and the completed terminal will then be fully open for business.

Eastland Group, the regional infrastructure company, operates the airport on behalf of Gisborne District Council.

“The airport is a high-profile and vital gateway to the region, which helps support tourism and economic activity and keeps us connected to the rest of New Zealand,” said Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd.

The project has been years in the planning.

“The vision was to create a place that reflects and shares the unique stories of Te Tairawhiti.

“Construction was delayed slightly due to the Covid-19 lockdown, so to finally see it come to life is very exciting.

“I would like to acknowledge everyone who has played such an important part in this project, particularly Ngai Tawhiri, who hold mana whenua over this area,” he said.

“Also, Trust Tairawhiti and the Provincial Growth Fund, who have contributed significant funding and made this development possible.

“Thank you to the community who have been so supportive, and patient, while we built the terminal and kept the airport running at the same time.”

Mr Todd said the project was a testament to all the contractors and Eastland Group's project management team that the whole process has gone so smoothly.

The new terminal was funded by Eastland Group ($2 million), Trust Tairawhiti ($5 million), and the Provincial Growth Fund ($5.5 million).

Construction began in March last year.

“The building was completed in two stages to ensure the airport kept operating, which was a logistical challenge.”

The first stage opened in late November 2019.

“From Wednesday, the check-in area will move to the left and newest end of the terminal. In its place will be the new arrivals area with indoor baggage carousel,” Mr Todd said.

“Parking will stay the same for now, as the finishing touches are made to the building during the coming weeks.”

Visitors to the terminal will be greeted by the sight of the full tahuhu soaring along the length of the ceiling.

Sir Derek Lardelli designed the tahuhu, which represents manaia — the mana of the people.

The CNC computer controlled carving on plywood panels was fabricated by Makers of Architecture and developed in partnership with consultant Karl Johnstone and Tennent Brown Architects.

Over the next few months more features will be added, including digital displays and a regional tourism showcase, with some important additional design and cultural elements to be revealed.

Mr Todd said an official opening ceremony will be held at the airport in early November.

“This will be the greenest airport terminal in New Zealand, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, rammed earth walls and many other innovative features.

“From Wednesday, we invite everyone to come and visit, enjoy a coffee or a slice of the café's famous banana loaf and explore this incredible new terminal.”

Mayor Rehette Stoltz said Wednesday would be an exciting day for the region.

“This gateway into Te Tairawhiti is now a beautiful, fit-for-purpose facility that also shares the stories of who we are.

“Congratulations to everyone involved.”