| 3 “There’s a real buzz in the sector right now, and we’re excited to be part of it.” Tāwhaki National Aerospace: Tuatara Structures T T Kelly Deeks Unique place for aerospace innovation The Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre offers a rare combination of easy access from a modern city to a vast, flat, unpopulated landscape. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre is advancing the aerospace industry in Aotearoa, recently opening its new hangar, Whaitiri, on Kaitorete near Christchurch. The hangar is key to supporting the growth of New Zealand’s aerospace industry and positions Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre as a world-class location for aerospace testing, campaigns, and operations. Whaitiri follows the completion of a sealed 1km runway in early 2024 and together they provide critical infrastructure specifically designed to enable innovators to test their advanced aviation technologies and provide access to space. Tāwhaki Head of Aerospace Stan Topping says the completion of the hangar marks a significant step in capability available at the centre. “We’ve already got a sealed runway, and now a purpose-built hangar that companies can operate from,” he says. “People can come here to do test and evaluation work, from ground-based testing through to flying operations, all in one place. The ability to rapidly test and develop technology and systems is vital for aerospace sector growth.” Located just one hour from Christchurch International Airport, the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre offers a rare combination of easy access from a modern city to a vast, flat, unpopulated landscape. The area is also close to the ocean to the south with low surrounding air and sea traffic, making it suitable for future launch activity. These geographic features and low radio interference make it one of the best locations in the world for aerospace activity. Whaitiri is already in use, with several aerospace organisations conducting trials and development work on site. Stan says the new facility has been designed to be flexible and functional. “It’s a hangar first and foremost, but it also includes an office workspace, so it’s ideal for companies who need to set up a project base, do assembly and integration, fine tune their systems, and get flying.” Tāwhaki is a joint venture between mana whenua for Kaitorete – Te Taumutu Rūnanga and Wairewa Rūnanga – and the New Zealand Government. The project is distinctive not only for its technological aspirations but also for its strong emphasis on the rejuvenation of Kaitorete. The 25km-long stretch of land between Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and the Pacific Ocean is home to precious and threatened species of flora and fauna, from the Canterbury spotted skink to the majority of surviving specimens of shrubby torararo. It is also a site of rich history for mana whenua as a former trading route for generations of Māori. Stan says the balance between high-tech development and rejuvenation is at the heart of its kaupapa: “We’re showing that you can do aerospace in a way that’s respectful of the land and led by indigenous values. That’s what makes Tāwhaki and the centre unique.” As New Zealand’s aerospace industry continues to expand, the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre is positioning itself to be a key enabler of that growth. Stan says Whaitiri is just the beginning. “There’s a real buzz in the sector right now, and we’re excited to be part of it,” he says. “We’ve got the space, we’ve got the infrastructure, and we’ve got a team that’s passionate about supporting companies and the country to succeed.” • Education • Commercial • Hospitality • Carpet Tiles •Vinyl • Autex 0800 867 028 | www.modocommercial.co.nz Excellence in electrical contracting for new commercial & residential Family operated business | Competitive pricing | Free onsite consultations FREIGHT WAREHOUSE SCANIA OFFICE & WAREHOUSE 0800 252 002 www.pbinz.com info@pbinz.com YOUR DESIGN BUILD SPECIALISTS 021 980 650 0800 GO 4 RNR (0800 46 4 767) admin@rnrplumbing.co.nz www.rnrplumbing.co.nz RNR • Plumbing • Gas • Drainage • Blocked Drains • Bathroom Alterations • Backflow Prevention • Camera Inspections RNR Plumbing Ltd plumbing | gas | drainage HEALTH & SAFETY MADE SIMPLE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=