Defence Minister Judith Collins has officially opened a new multipurpose facility for the P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft fleet at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea.
“This 20,000 square metre facility is a significant Government investment in the future of the New Zealand Defence Force,” Ms Collins said at the official opening today.
“As I look around, I can’t help but think that the scale of this structure represents the scale of operations that lie ahead. It is
not lost on me that in the years to come, many significant national and international operations will start right here.”
The purpose-built headquarters was constructed by a Ministry of Defence-led project team, with New Zealand Defence Force personnel embedded, and in close partnership with dozens of companies in the construction industry.
“It is a building that can train, sustain and support up to 320 personnel with its two aircraft hangars, maintenance and support facilities, spare parts warehouse, and mission support centre. For the first time, it brings together a range of training and support tools for air crew, maintenance and support personnel,” Ms Collins said.
The facility, named Te Whare Toroa after the albatross that adorns RNZAF No. 5 Squadron’s crest, was built as part of the $2.34 billion project to procure four new P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the New Zealand Defence Force.
At the ceremony, Secretary of Defence Brook Barrington said the facility provides infrastructure of national significance.
“Not only is the building crucial to the New Zealand Defence Force and its new fleet of P-8 Poseidon aircraft, it is also adding significantly to our store of national resilience,” said Mr Barrington.
“Te Whare Toroa is designed to withstand a huge earthquake, with 180 percent more seismic capacity than a regular city office building, along with back-up power supplies. Add to this the highest security standards and you have a facility of such utility and such resilience that it becomes a national asset.”
The construction of a new Royal New Zealand Air Force training facility within Te Whare Toroa, including a full-motion flight simulator, is underway and will be ready for use from 2026.
