Tō Mātou Waitohu
Tō Mātou Waitohu
Nelson Airport is a place where paths converge with ease - where people, journeys, and energy come together in a natural rhythm. Inspired by Te Pūtahi, the meeting of many streams - of movement, of thought, of purpose - it reflects how we create space for connection.
Like the tides in the estuary, we offer calm and renewal. Designed for ease and clarity, this space is shaped by the open skies and generous spirit of Te Tauihu — and by the flowing connections that guide us onward.
Our tohu (logo mark) is inspired by the flight of the kuaka (bar-tailed godwit). Kuaka undertake the world's longest migration, travelling non-stop for eight days between Aotearoa and Alaska. They can be found resting for several months in the areas surrounding the airport.
The channel that flows through the tohu reflects the migration path, pausing briefly at the centre just at the kuaka pauses on its long journey. This moment of stillness represents connection, purpose and renewal before the journey continues.
Kuaka take off and land in great numbers, moving as one in a funnel or spiral formation. This flowing flight path symbolises connection, convergence and unity. Our spiral is inspired by this flight pattern and the banding on the tail feathers of the kuaka.