Prix Versailles - Exterior Award

Te Hono - New Plymouth Airport Terminal has won the Special Exterior Award at the 2021 Prix Versailles announced at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 16th December.  Te Hono was up against 5 other international airports including an $8 billion upgrade for New Yorks LaGuardia Airport.

The cultural narrative of the land in which the building sits was seamlessly intertwined throughout the design of the building to ensure Puketapu's legacy will remain.  Together with design team Beca and builders Clealands they have created an international award-winning terminal building, with a unique story behind the design.

“Everyone involved in this project put in hard mahi to create an innovative, world-class airport building that tells a Taranaki story and showcases our unique heritage. Coming on top of New Plymouth winning the World’s Most Liveable City award and NPDC’s Bowl of Brooklands being named Aotearoa’s Best Big Venue, we couldn’t be prouder – it’s a fantastic celebration of our Sustainable Lifestyle Capital,” said New Plymouth District Mayor Neil Holdom (TBC).

While the last two years had been extremely challenging for airports around the world, but the award recognized New Plymouth Airport is well placed for a brighter future, New Plymouth Airport chief executive David Scott said.

“This is a massive lift for everyone involved and we couldn’t be happier.  We look forward to sharing Te Hono with travelers from around the world for many years to come,” said Mr Scott.

Te Hono’s design encompasses the entire terminal and reflects the Puketapu origin story of Tamarau at the northern end, Rongoueroa at the southern end with a Tuahu panel in the centre with a figurine depicting their child Awa-Nui-A-Rangi.

Hapu member and cultural design lead Rangi Kipa said being named a Prix Versailles finalist was quite different to other awards the airport had received because it took it beyond a parochial view associated with New Zealand awards.

The terminal opened in March 2020.