Taupō Airport’s new $9.72m terminal building was officially opened earlier this month, having been blessed and receiving its first incoming flight in February.
TwentyTwo’s David Lambie has been providing commercial advice to Taupō District Council and the Airport Authority throughout the project. “It has been such a privilege to be involved with such a committed team who really have delivered a special building for the community. The cultural narrative that runs through the building design and fitout is really something special. It speaks directly to the location; it is effective, relevant and moving”.
The building construction and carpark were included in Taupō District Council’s 2018-28 Long-term Plan with work starting in July 2021 as a result of an increase in traffic over the years.
Designed and built by local firms Shelter Architects and Watts Construction, Mayor David Trewavas says the new terminal is “an asset to our entire district. It looks absolutely fantastic and is distinctly Taupō”.
The local firms worked with local artist Delani Brown on elements of the interior which features local materials, including two huge rimu logs salvaged from Pureroa Forest, thanks to the generosity of Te Kotahitanga o Ngati Tuwharetoa and local hapu Ngati Te Kohera. There is also a mauri stone from Tauhara Quarry and the interior abodo timber cladding was sourced from around Broadlands. The images on the two feature walls were captured by Taupō’s Jeremy Bright.
“The interior of the terminal is just as unique as the overall design of the building” says Project Manager Pernille Fletcher, making for a uniquely Taupō welcome to visitors from outside the district, as well as a clear reminder to locals that they’re home.
“The new terminal has been a real labour of love for the project team. Being involved in a project that will be an iconic asset to our district for years to come meant they brought a lot of passion to the project.”
David Lambie was quick to add that special mention is needed for the whole project team for their efforts, but in particular Philip King and Pernille Fletcher for their leadership, Paul Raven for his extraordinary design, Delani Brown for his vision and Trevor Watts for his construction expertise and commitment.
