NZFF

$10m plan for airport terminal
THE DOMINION POST -  13 SEP 2006
By KAY BLUNDELL

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The new owners of Paraparaumu airport have unveiled ambitious plans for the site, including a $10 million terminal.

Paraparaumu Airport Holdings' major shareholder Noel Robinson said architects Warren Mahoney had been appointed to design the terminal, which he hoped to start building at the end of next year.

Designed in the shape of an aeroplane wing, the 200-metre long terminal was part of a $750 million airport-business park development plan announced for the 131-hectare site in May.

The terminal would be used for small airlines, aviation training, aircraft maintenance and as a place for air logistics companies, Mr Robinson said.

"We will have a lot more people flying in and out of the airport once we have the terminal built, which will be the heart of the development," he said.

As well as interest from national airport operators, six businesses based in New Zealand and Australia have said they wanted to move to the development, including a leading international hi-tech firm keen to establish 400 jobs, he said.

In response to community concern, Paraparaumu Airport Holdings planned to delete residential zoning at the site and retain two runways, after originally announcing the second east-west runway would be ditched.

It would now be moved slightly south and shortened, Mr Robinson said.

Kapiti Aero Club president Graham Barrell welcomed the news that the second runway would remain.

The overriding concern, gleaned from the first round of talks involving 300 face-to-face meetings, was that the airport be retained as a strategic asset, he said.

"We are also working with iwi to resolve some genuine concerns."

Airport plan takes Maori kite theme
THE DOMINION POST - 2 OCT 2006
By KAY BLUNDELL

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A "Winged" terminal design has been unveiled as the focal point of a revamped Paraparaumu airport.

Architects Warren and Mahoney have designed the 200-metre long, $10 million terminal, resembling the shape of a Maori kite, to be the centre of a $750 million business-airport development planned at Paraparaumu airport.

Paraparaumu Airport Holdings' major shareholder Noel Robinson said half a dozen air operators from around the country and Australia had expressed interest in the terminal, which would include training and conference facilities, a restaurant and hangars.

The terminal, two runways and business park on the 131-hectare site would enable Kapiti to "come of age", Warren and Mahoney director John Coop said. With its huge employment potential, it could become the hub of the district.

"Though essentially Kiwi, the terminal design had to be much more ambitious than the No 8 wire mentality, something unique in New Zealand and reflecting Kapiti Island as a natural icon. The development is the way New Zealand has to go to get sustainable communities."

The terminal featured environmentally smart concepts, including use of natural materials and recycled rainwater. The plan included public walk and cycle ways and a strong presence of local artworks.

Paraparaumu Airport Holdings consulted more than 300 people and hopes to start building at the end of next year. A zone change is required for the development. The application will be heard by independent commissioners.