Guests included Iwi and hap? from across Tairāwhiti, the Mayor and councillors, the Hon Kiri Allan and the Hon Meka Whaitiri, Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran, and many of the people who have played a part in the creation of this iconic building.
The new terminal was funded by Trust Tairāwhiti ($5 million), Eastland Group ($2 million), and the Provincial Growth Fund ($5.5 million).
At the opening, Trust Tairāwhiti trustee John Clarke spoke on behalf of Chair Dr Paul Reynolds.
"The five million dollar distribution from Trust Tairāwhiti is the single largest distribution in our history.
Modernising our airport and ensuring it can serve our communities into the future will not only help local people stay connected, but it will also be a powerful enabler for regional wellbeing " He Tohu Ora.
"This project has been a great collaboration, and I would like to acknowledge the contributions of all involved.
Firstly Ngai T?whiri, who have"mana whenua over the area and worked closely with Eastland Group on the project."
The Trust are fortunate to have"worked with Sir Derek and Rose Lardelli from Lardelli Arts for the past two years so it's no surprise to me to see the magnificent t?huhu, showcased proudly here."
"We would also like to acknowledge Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust."
Also, Karl Johnstone and the many other local artists who have collaborated to make this terminal uniquely Tairāwhiti. We recognise Gisborne District Council, who are the owners of the airport."
Thanks to our fellow project funders " the Provincial Growth Fund and Eastland Group."
"Our airport is of national and regional significance, and the funding of this project reflects that.
And a special thank you to everyone else involved, providing services, supplies, and expertise to bring this incredible regional asset to completion.
We thank you all for your contributions, particularly in the challenging year we have had with COVID-19. The building is a stunning"gateway into our region."
It represents Tairāwhiti and is something that we can all be proud of. The facility will serve locals and manuhiri alike, and you will always know where you are when you are welcomed to, or farewelled from,"our region."
At the opening, two magnificent pare over the main airside and landside entrances were revealed. They were carved by Tiopira Rauna and his students at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Whirikoka Campus.
The Trust congratulates Eastland Group for delivering such an important regional project to such a high standard. And, for their commitment to sustainability, which is evident throughout the building. In fact, the airport terminal is the most sustainable in New Zealand.
The building is 100 percent self-sufficient.
There are solar power panels on the roof, rainwater is harvested off the roof, water is recycled and used in the bathrooms. There is also a series of rammed earth walls, a mixed mode ventilation system and energy-saving lighting.
Left to right: Gisborne Airport manager Murray Bell, Eastland Group chief operating officer Andrew Gaddum, Eastland Group business development general manager Alice Pettigrew, Trust Tairāwhiti trustee Ailsa Cuthbert, Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran, Taha Rakau Stewart, Hon Kiri Allan, Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp (Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust), Mayor Rehette Stoltz, Stan Pardoe (Ngai T?whiri), Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd, Trust Tairāwhiti chief executive Gavin Murphy. Front: Tiopira Rauna from Te W?naga ? Aotearoa and Eastland Group chairman Matanuku Mahuika.