$15m upgrade to boost Ohakea air force base

A new passenger and cargo terminal costing up to $15 million is about to be built at Ohakea air force base.

The terminal will be able to handle up to 250 passengers and cargo. It will have facilities for biosecurity, customs and immigration processing.

The 5700-square-metre building will also include a function centre for 750 people and will have a large kitchen to cater for international military flights.

The air force has called for expressions of interest from building contractors by next Monday.

Construction is expected to start early next year and be completed by the end of the year.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced the project after opening a new $43m maintenance support squadron building at the base.

“This is part of our five-year programme of essential infrastructure projects for the RNZAF to provide the critical facilities required by the air force for the future,” Dr Coleman said.

Major investments at the base in the past decade include new hangars and a reconstruction of the runway.

- © Fairfax NZ News