The inauguration of the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre and its new sealed runway at Kaitorete marks a significant advancement for Aotearoa New Zealand’s aerospace industry.
The official opening on Friday propels the country further into a prominent position on the global aerospace stage but and underscores the partnership with Ngāi Tahu’s Warewa and Taumutu Rūnanga, melding indigenous knowledge with modern technological prowess.
Central to the centre’s ethos is the collaboration with the mana whenua of Kaitorete, embodying a holistic approach that integrates mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) with aerospace innovation.
Tāwhaki director David Perenara-O’Connell emphasises the uniqueness of this mission, saying, “We believe this mission is truly unique. The way in which we weave together mātauranga Māori with cutting-edge innovation in aerospace and environmental rejuvenation, marks a new era in sustainable land use.”
Backed by a $5.4 million grant from the Government’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund, the centre is poised to generate substantial economic benefits, including over 1300 high-value jobs and up to $2.4 billion in economic growth over the next decade. The facility has already attracted leading aerospace companies, such as Wisk Aero, Dawn Aerospace, and Kea Aerospace, leveraging its strategic location for testing and trial flights, including horizontal space launches and stratospheric exploration.
