LOCALS ON THE TOOLS AS PART OF TAUPŌ AIRPORT UPGRADE

LOCAL CONTRACTORS HAVE BEEN confirmed for the next stage of the upgrade to the Taupō Airport Terminal and the Airport carpark. The upgrade will see the construction of a new terminal building designed by local architects Stephenson and Turner and built by Watts Construction, as well as improved parking facilities to be constructed by CAMEX. This work follows on from an upgrade of the Airport's water and wastewater infrastructure in 2020.

The project has a budget of $9.237 million and will be funded with $3.367 million allocated in Council's 201828 Long-term Plan, a $5 million grant from the Crown's Provincial Development Unit, and $870,000 from the Ministry of Transport.

The existing airport terminal was built in 1979 and chief executive Gareth Green said the new terminal and improved parking would be of great benefit to locals and visitors alike.

“Our district is growing and more and more of our community are moving around the country for work or travel,” Mr Green said. “This upgrade makes that much more convenient, but it also means that visitors are given a really great first impression of our district – and an equally great impression when they fly out.”

Airport manager Rhys Frearson said that the upgrade was a considerable boost to the district's transport infrastructure and it would be followed at a later date by an expansion of the airport apron to allow for additional capacity. “The current building is really stretched beyond capacity,” he said. “The new terminal is going make a huge difference to our operational capability, whilst providing a great customer experience and leaving a lasting impression for those passing through.”

Construction is expected to get underway in July. We will keep the community updated with disruptions but please be mindful and give yourself plenty of time to check in.