Taupō Airport serves as a vital transport hub and has witnessed a consistent increase in traffic throughout the years. Consequently, the upgrade of the terminal building and car park became a crucial element in Taupō District Council’s 2018-28 Long-Term Plan. 

With a budget of $9.237 million, the project aimed to accommodate the growing influx of visitors and locals traveling both within New Zealand and internationally.

The development of a new terminal building at Taupō Airport was led by head contractor Watts Construction, who engaged Off-Grid Electrical to complete the electrical works on the project. The objective was to construct a new terminal adjacent to the existing one, facilitating the smooth operation of the airport during the upgrade period.

The Off-Grid team initially worked on dismantling the old cabling and removing lighting poles in the existing building. In the new terminal building, the team focused on power installation, lighting, data systems, Alcom’s (digital radio network), feature lighting, PA systems, wiring, CCTV, and Metservice work. The total project required 2,475 man-hours.

Off-Grid Electrical established a strong working relationship with Watts Construction, working alongside their team throughout the project. Sean McCullough, Director of Off-Grid Electrical comments “We had clear and easy communication channels between us and Watts Construction, which ensured a timely completion of the job.”

Throughout the new terminal building’s development, local cultural influence and significance were heavily incorporated into the design. Murals and sculptures within the terminal building, represent and celebrate the māori cultural influence of the Taupō area. Notable elements included salvaged rimu logs from Pureroa Forest, a mauri stone from Tauhara Quarry, and interior abodo timber cladding, all sourced from surrounding areas. Off-Grid Electrical installed the feature lighting that illuminates these elements, further increasing the wow-factor of these art installations. 

Taupō Mayor David Trewavas, commented in a nzherald article that the new terminal was a credit to all involved and was “distinctly Taupō”.

“This is going to be an asset to our entire district,” he said. “It looks absolutely fantastic.”

As a proud Taupō business owner, Sean echos this sentiment “We’re proud to have been a part of a project that will ultimately be the first stop for many visitors who visit the Taupō region. To know that our work is reflected in their first glimpses of Taupō, that is a really awesome feeling.”

The completion of the upgraded terminal building at Taupō Airport achieved the crucial milestone of enhancing local tourism set by Taupō District Council. Feedback provided by Taupō Mayor, David Trewavas commended the work done by the Council and the contractors involved. Off-Grid Electrical were proud to have been a part of creating an asset that not only enhances the airport’s functionality but also expresses its distinct identity. The new terminal, with its blend of modern infrastructure and local cultural influence, serves as an inviting gateway for visitors to experience the uniqueness of Taupō, contributing to the growth of local tourism and fostering economic development in the region.