Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre Opening

The Tāwhaki Joint Venture, a collaborative effort between the New Zealand government, Te Taumutu Rūnanga, and Wairewa Rūnanga, proudly announces the opening of the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre and its new runway at Kaitorete, near Christchurch, New Zealand.

This landmark development signifies a major leap forward for New Zealand's rapidly expanding aerospace sector. Transforming a previously unpopulated area just 50 minutes from the Ōtautahi Christchurch CBD, the site now boasts a 1-kilometre sealed runway, taxiway, and vertiport, with plans for cutting-edge hangar facilities on the horizon.

The skies over Tāwhaki are already active with domestic and international companies such as US-based Wisk Aero carrying our trials of groundbreaking technology which are vital to getting regulatory approval. Local companies Kea Aerospace and Dawn Aerospace who are developing the next generation unmanned technology will have access to the stratosphere and space through the horizontal launch infrastructure.  

Horizontal Launch to Space

“Having this key infrastructure so accessible is hugely enabling for the whole sector, It will be transformative to the development of our rocket-powered aircraft, the Mk-II Aurora.”

- Dawn Aerospace Co-Founder James Powell.

The Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre is expected to become a vital link for regulatory bodies, innovators, and key industry stakeholders, fostering a safe and sustainable aerospace industry. By integrating mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) with the latest in aerospace innovation and environmental stewardship, Tāwhaki is Ushering a new era of sustainable land use and positioning New Zealand as a leader in the global aerospace industry.

Read their full media release here