In 2017 a major redevelopment of Nelson Airport began. There was a desperate need to build a bigger terminal to cope with current passenger numbers then and prepare for future growth in passenger numbers transiting through Nelson Airport. The existing terminal had been opened in 1975. On October 5th representatives from local Iwi were invited to perform a dawn blessing of the new site prior to it's official opening on October 9th, 2018. This included the installation of a gifted polished and carved touchstone which is placed just outside the main arrival/departure gate. The ceremony was attended by local Iwi, local MPs, local Mayors, Nelson Airport staff, project contractors and other invited guests.
Dawn ceremony to bless new terminal