A beacon of innovation

12/12/2023

Emerging from Kaitorete, the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre is a beacon of innovation, established by a world-leading joint venture between mana whenua of Kaitorete - Wairewa Rūnanga and Te Taumutu Rūnanga - and the Crown.

Tāwhaki is weaving together mātauranga Māori and cutting-edge innovation in aerospace and environmental rejuvenation to create enduring opportunities for the Kaitorete whenua, our communities and Aotearoa.

Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure team are proud to be a part of it.

Nestled between Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere and the Pacific Ocean, a short 50-minute drive from Ōtautahi Christchurch, Tāwhaki is scaling up their aerospace centre with a sealed 1km runway to enable new crafts and companies to take flight and access space. This will provide critical infrastructure for the country’s fast growing aerospace sector.

Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre is already supporting epic advancements in aerospace, underscoring its reputation as one of the world’s best locations to take flight. The recent world-first integration of an uncrewed aircraft into controlled airspace over multiple test flights was launched and piloted from the site, attracting global interest. Adding new facilities to retain local companies and attract new operators from here and abroad is predicted to deliver over 1,300 high paying jobs and over $2b in economic benefits over the next 10 years.

The project kicked off with a sunrise karakia, a spiritual ceremony attended by Craig McKenzie, Canterbury Regional Director, and the team from Downer. Craig described the experience, stating, "We were privileged to attend a sunrise Karakia Whakawātea at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete. The Karakia was held to remove any tapu on the land and to call for the safety of all team members working with Tāwhaki at Kaitorete."

Currently, the Downer team are engaged in ongoing earthworks, laying the foundation for the first coat of sealing scheduled January 2024.