After months of work, the airport yesterday unveiled and officially reopened its redeveloped first floor.
The rejuvenated terminal space features two new artworks that tell the stories of Kāi Tahu: an interpretation of Mauka Atua — the mountain range extending along the breadth of the Taieri Plains — by Xoe Hall, and a kūwaha (gateway) by master carver Steve Solomon.
In a statement, Dunedin Airport chief executive Daniel De Bono said the extensive redevelopment marked a "significant milestone".
"It’s been a privilege to work with mana whenua and to see the results of that come to life in such a powerful way through these tremendous artworks, creating a real sense of place."
The airport had worked with Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou to integrate Kāi Tahu narratives and values into the wider terminal enhancement project.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou upoko Edward Ellison welcomed Dunedin Airport’s commitment to celebrating these narratives.
"Many of our pūrākau [stories], historical moments, cultural practices, wāhi tīpuna [ancestral places] and wāhi taoka [places of significance] are inextricably linked to the landscape surrounding Dunedin Airport.
"Visually embedding our stories into the design of Dunedin Airport acknowledges our enduring connection to this landscape, upholds the stories passed down through generations of Kāi Tahu whānau, and enables our descendants to recognise themselves in places that, for millennia, have been a source of life for their tīpuna."
The first floor was also enhanced with new lounge areas and Airspresso’s new Provenance restaurant.
Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said the transformation was "absolutely stunning".
"What a welcome for visitors to the terminal and the South." — Allied Media
