Auckland Airport has revealed a new Legacy tribute at its international terminal, including the return of a life-like statue of Jean Batten, one of New Zealand’s great aviation Influencers.
Part of the old main carpark outside the international terminal has been transformed into an upgraded 19,500m2 outdoor plaza.
The developments, which are delivering a significant uplift and smoother experiences for travellers, saw the cast bronze statue of Batten removed for safekeeping and conservation work in late 2022.
The Batten statue returns, this time to a more prominent position, welcoming and farewelling customers in the fully revamped space.
Auckland Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer Mark Thomson said The Jean Batten statue had provided a central focal point as part of the newly designed spaces, transforming the customer experience at the international terminal.
The statue sits surrounded by extensive native planting with 22 large Pōhutukawa trees re-located from across the precinct and more than 4,000 new plants from local nurseries, creating outdoor spaces with a unique feel of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The landscaping surrounds the new covered walkways linking the soon-to-open Transport Hub, long-term parking, hotels and the terminal itself.
Thomson said the refresh of the international terminal’s outdoor area was done with real thought to matching customer’s expectations of arriving and departing from New Zealand’s main international gateway.
“Whether you’re a visitor to New Zealand or you call this place home, we wanted that first – or last – moment on New Zealand soil to be a great experience," said Thompson.
“Tourism is a big part of our economy, with travellers coming here to experience our incredible outdoor environment. We challenged our landscape designers to come up with something that showcased the natural beauty of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland within an airport environment. You’ll see that reflected in not just the mature pōhutukawa, but in the volcanic stone landscaping features that flow through the gardens."
Previously high on a stone plinth, Batten is now down at ground level, arm outstretched in a wave greeting and farewelling travellers.
Thomson said Auckland Airport was thrilled to have the Batten statue return as part of its legacy tribute.
“While this is a small part of the seven and half hectare re-development underway, it provides a wonderful touchpoint to our history. Jean Batten was an accomplished New Zealander and deserves to be celebrated in the heart of our outdoor space,” he said.
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