First sod turned on major Taupō Airport redevelopment

An image of the new terminal being constructed at Taupō Airport. Image / TDC

Appropriately enough for a working airport, the blessing and sod-turning at the site of a new Taupō Airport terminal was accompanied by the roar of aircraft engines, light planes taxiing past and a helicopter coming and going.

Only when the karakia were said, the speeches were finished and the spade ceremonially plunged into the turf, did the din finally abate, just as the invited guests were beginning to disperse for the traditional cup of tea to lift the tapu and conclude proceedings.

The $9.2 million airport upgrade is being funded by the Government's Provincial Development Unit ($5m) and the Ministry of Transport ($870,000) in partnership with the Taupō District Council which has allocated $3.367m for the remainder.

It includes a new airport terminal, carpark extension and the airside apron enlarged to operate larger aircraft safely.

Reverend Peace Mitchell blessed the work that was about to begin and all those doing it, airport upgrade project manager Philip King made a speech and mayor David Trewavas, who made a surprise appearance after a bout of ill-health, joined with deputy mayor Christine Rankin in digging a shiny spade into the grassed area next to the current terminal.

Rev Peace Mitchell blesses the site of Taupō Airport's new terminal with (from left) mayor David Trewavas, project manager Philip King, strategic relationships manager David Rameka. Photo / NZME

That spot will be the site of the 1000sq m new terminal, which is expected to be complete, along with the carpark and apron extensions, by November 2022 in time for Taupō to host the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

The current terminal, which was built in 1979, will continue to be used until the new one is complete and at the same time the new carpark will also be constructed. The apron expansion to allow for additional capacity will follow later.

Airport manager Rhys Frearson says the upgrade is a considerable boost to the district's transport infrastructure.

Taupō Airport's existing terminal dates from 1979 and the carpark has been too small for years. Photo / File

"At peak times, when we have multiple scheduled passenger aircraft services on the tarmac at the same time, the current building is really stretched beyond capacity," he said.

"The new terminal is going to make a huge difference to our operational capability, whilst providing a great customer experience and leaving a lasting impression for those passing through."

Mr King said the day of the blessing, which also happened to be the first day of Matariki, the Māori new year, was an auspicious day to begin. He acknowledged the members of the airport redevelopment steering group, the artists, architects, project managers and staff involved.

The first stage of the Taupō Airport terminal upgrade, laying water and wastewater pipes, was completed late last year. Photo / TDC

The airport upgrade project got under way last year after the-then Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones came to Taupō to deliver a Provincial Growth Fund putea (grant) of $6m and kick off the design phase.

The first construction phase of the project began last December when new wastewater and water pipes were laid.

With the terminal and carpark now under way, mayor David Trewavas said it was "a huge day for the Taupō district".

"We've been fighting and fighting for this ... Connectivity is so important to this district and for that connectivity you've got to have the right product looking sharp to attract visitors here," he said.

"It's been a lot of work, a lot of trips to Wellington, a lot of late nights in Wellington. The amount of work that's gone into achieving this Crown funding was a significant milestone.

"It's an exciting day to be getting a new airport in this community."

Cr Christine Rankin, who was a member of the steering committee for the project, said it had taken the effort of many people working together.

"It's been intense at times but it's so rewarding to stand here today and know it's going to start and in the not-too-distant future it will be here for us to be proud of. It's a huge project for us and it's one of our top priorities and I think the whole community is going to benefit from it."