Far North Holdings Ltd
Airports
Far North Holdings Ltd (FNHL) owns or operates Bay of Islands (Kerikeri), Kaitaia and Kaikohe Airports and has Airport Authority under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport
209,145 passengers passed through the airport during the years 2003 - 2007.
FNHL holds MAF Place of First Arrival authority for Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport under the BioSecurity Act 1993 and is seeking similar status with NZ Customs.
Flights from overseas, generally of a private / charter nature of up to 12 passengers, are now able to undergo MAF quarantine clearance at the airport. This provides a benefit to local businesses such as taxis, buses and accommodation by keeping income within the Far North District.
FNHL holds Life Line Utility authority for the Bay of Islands Airport under the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act. This gives the ability to keep the airport open during events of civil emergency for fuelling and as a base for emergency services and evacuation.
Airport Development
In 2006 and 2007, the following works were carried out:
Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport
To improve accessibility, safety and appearance to visitors the:
- Entrance road was widened and sealed
- Road frontage landscaped
Through the generosity of a local artist, and as a
joint project between Far North District Council and FNHL, two Potus
were placed in the garden, just inside the entrance, welcoming visitors.
Pedestrianisation from Carpark to Terminal:
- Pay & Display covered and lit. Funds reinvested in airport development
- Generated $10,000 per annum and spent on terminal improvements
- Pedestrian crossing from Pay & Display through garden to terminal provides improved safety and visibility to customers
- Speed bumps
- Bollards in place at terminal to define pedestrian safe space and a drop off and pick up zone.
Terminal alterations:
- Check in area relocated
- Conveyor belt for baggage added
Extension of Arrivals area:
- Better passenger traffic flow
- Improved under cover baggage collection
- Car Rental companies to move out into specially redesigned offices in the old Terminal building
Departure Lounge area increased:
- Flat screen television
- Automated flight schedule TV
- New PA system
Outdoor Seating:
Tables and seating added out from the Departure Lounge:
- To take advantage of the sunny aspect
- Creation of more space for waiting
Extension to the western end of the Salt Air hangar has been completed to provide more aircraft space.
Major strengthening works were undertaken on the runway enabling the landing of larger jets to take place - up to a landing weight of 22,000kg.
The apron was widened to accommodate the Air New Zealand Link 50-seat Bombadier Dash 8 Q300 which started operation in June 2007, replacing the Saab Metroliner.
Preparation work for the runway overlay commenced in November 2008 to sustain increased demand and additional weight.
The car storage and valet service has been completed in November 2008 and is operated by the Hertz Car Rental franchisee.
The verandah roof of the Terminal Building was repaired and the building repainted. New signage has been installed.
Upgrade of the Airport toilets and increased facilities for increased use of the terminal.
Taxiway drainage has been improved and the runway surface performance
has been increased
to 22,000kg.
Kaikohe Airfield is operated by Far North Holdings Ltd primarily as a recreational airport. Current operations include a Gliding Club, Model Aircraft Club and a Skydiving operation.
