Whakatāne Airport’s terminal, with its Historic Place (Category 1) status, has undergone a remarkable transformation. UFL Group provided furniture solutions that honour Roger Walker’s iconic architecture, while delivering modern comfort and functionality for today’s travellers. Roger Walker’s iconic design, with its flamboyant use of turrets, cylinders, and pyramid shapes, presented unique design constraints. The airport team needed to maximise seating capacity, whilst respecting the building’s architectural integrity to complete this mini-revamp project.
The impact has been transformative. Almost doubling the available seating ensures passengers and visitors are comfortable, whilst enjoying Rere Espresso, already renowned in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
“Absolutely amazing. To be honest, most people have been in disbelief,” says the airport chief executive. “Most popular comments have been modern, spacious, clean, and UNREAL.”
And as the manager explains: “Our terminal is an icon and protected under Heritage NZ rules. Putting in the new furniture just brought the refurbishment together, creating a great space for the travelling public. Worth every cent!”
UFL’s design demonstrates how thoughtful furniture selection can breathe new life into heritage architecture, creating spaces that honour the past while serving the future.
“Absolutely amazing. To be honest, most people have been in disbelief,”
says the airport chief executive.
“Most popular comments have been modern, spacious, clean, and UNREAL.”
