A massive new hangar complex at Ōhakea Air Base is one of the largest and most complex defence construction projects ever undertaken in New Zealand.
Defence Minister Peeni Henare turns a sod at the site of the Manawatū facility, which will house the four P-8A Posiden aircraft. Photo: Supplied / Defence Force
Construction officially started today on the Manawatū facility to house the four P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which will replace the Orion fleet in use since the 1960s.
Defence Minister Peeni Henare turned sod at the site of the facility, which will sprawl over an area the size of three football fields.
The Te Whare Toroa site will house new, larger P-8A Poseidon planes set to be rolled out in 2023.
Henare said that after the delays caused by Covid-19 it was an exciting milestone and one that had been hard fought.
"We want to see the skies over the mighty Manawatū buzzing again and of course that is incredibly exciting."
Henare said the aircraft would allow New Zealand to fulfil its duties as an international citizen.
"The P8 aircraft will deliver support to New Zealand's maritime surveillance activities, resource protection, humanitarian and disaster responses - here in Aotearoa and to the Pacific and abroad."
The project will cost about $250 million and hundreds would be employed in the process of building it.
When it is done the New Zealand Air Force Number 5 squadron will relocate from Whenuapai in Auckland to the base.
Airforce Chief Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark said about 250 would make the move.
"Our people are looking forward to integrating into the community and contributing, not just to life on base, but the local schools, businesses and raising families here in the region."
NZDF troops at the Ōhakea Air Force Base. Photo: NZDF
He said getting away from big-city house prices was also attractive for personnel.
"It's definitely easier to establish yourself as a family in the Manawatū and Rangitikei regions then it is in Auckland at the moment."
Manawatū mayor Helen Worboys said she and other nearby mayors visited Whenuapai to allay any fears staff have about life in the provinces.
She said the construction project and squadron move was a boon for the local economy.
"They rely on local employment and local talents.
"This is a awesome opportunity for a young person or even somebody who's looking for a career change, maybe [because of] Covid [someone doesn't] have a job anymore - this is the place to come."
Local woman Karen said it was not just the economy that would get a boost from the squadron relocating.
"Our local netball and rugby clubs, our soccer clubs will benefit as well ... tennis, the whole lot ... will benefit."
The hangar complex is due to be completed in in the first part of 2023.