- Terminal will celebrate region’s unique culture and heritage, and be built to global sustainability standards.
- Model is on display at airport and the community is invited to share their feedback.
On September 7th, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced Provincial Growth Fund support of $5.5 million towards the Gisborne Airport terminal redevelopment.
Along with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister Jones was shown a model of the proposed new terminal, which promises to be an iconic gateway to the region.
Representatives from airport operator Eastland Group, their shareholder Eastland Community Trust, Ngai Tāwhiri and Gisborne District Council talked through some of the features that will make this terminal one of a kind.
“Given Tairāwhiti’s relative isolation from the rest of New Zealand, solid air connections in and out of the region are paramount to growing our economy and our tourism offering,” said Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd.
“The vision is for an iconic building that is uniquely Tairāwhiti. We believe the concept – developed in collaboration with Ngai Tāwhiri, who hold mana whenua over this area – is something our region will be proud of for generations to come.”
Showcase for our region and our stories
The design of the new terminal will take its cues from the surrounding landscape and local history, with references to Te Kurī a Pāoa/Young Nick’s Head and the extensive use of materials such as wood and stone. Carvings and other artworks – along with digital media – will showcase the stories of our region. The design will also link in to the Tairāwhiti Navigations projects.
The community will be invited to contribute their ideas to a large scale map of the region, which will be a major feature inside the terminal.
“The current terminal building is over 50 years old, becomes overcrowded when flights land and depart, and is simply not fit for purpose,” said Mr Todd. “It needs earthquake strengthening, and must be expanded to accommodate the ever-increasing passenger numbers.
“From a practical point of view, visitors will experience a significantly expanded footprint. There will be separate arrivals and departures gates, large seating areas, a baggage carousel, and redeveloped and extended carparking. Air New Zealand design principles have been applied to help ensure a smooth flow of passengers and visitors throughout the building.”
A world-first design
Andrew Gaddum, general manager ports, added that the terminal is designed to meet stringent sustainability criteria.
“We’ve worked hard to design a building that meets the high standard of the Living Building Challenge. This is the most advanced measurement of sustainability in the built environment in the world. Tairāwhiti is a region of firsts, and we’re aiming to be the first airport terminal in the world to achieve this goal.”
ECT welcomes PGF support
Eastland Community Trust chief executive officer, Gavin Murphy, welcomed the announcement of Provincial Growth Fund support for the terminal build.
“The collaboration with mana whenua is critical for great stewardship of what is ultimately a community asset. Provincial Growth Fund backing suggests Government supports the approach of key community stakeholders prioritising a significant gateway to the region – most importantly, one that recognises and celebrates our culture and heritage.
“From an economic development perspective, it will add real value to the region’s Tairāwhiti Gisborne brand and our tourism offering. When you stand in this terminal, you will know you are in Tairāwhiti. Visitors and those coming home will be greeted with a meaningful and authentic experience, as well as material showcasing all the region has to offer for those who live, work and visit here.
“We look forward to finalising the Trust’s role, alongside other partners, in developing a terminal that the community will be proud of.”
The terminal project is ‘spade ready’ and Eastland Group is aiming to commence work on site before the end of the year.
The terminal model is now on display at Gisborne Airport, and feedback is welcomed on the official Gisborne Airport Facebook page: @GisborneAirport
