Major resilience upgrades strengthen Kaitaia Airport for the future

Major improvements at Kaitaia Airport are taking shape as the Te Tari Whakatau funded

$5.4 million Resilience Upgrade Programme quickly moves ahead, strengthening an

important piece of transport infrastructure for Kaitaia and the wider Far North.

With the main runway resurfaced, substantial drainage improvements completed and new

aircraft fuel facilities now underway, the programme is addressing some of the airport’s key

long-term infrastructure needs. Planning has also progressed for a new terminal building that

will serve both travelers and the local community.

While the airport provides scheduled passenger connections, it also plays a crucial role in

supporting other essential regional services. It is regularly used for patient transfers and to

fly in medical professionals working from Kaitaia Hospital, making its continued reliability

vital to the region.

The current investment is intended to support safe, reliable airport operations for at least the

next 10 to 15 years.

Far North Holdings manages and operates Kaitaia Airport on behalf of Far North District

Council and is overseeing delivery of the resilience upgrade programme.

Runway and drainage improvements delivered

A major milestone was reached in May with the resurfacing of the sealed main runway and

apron. The works were delivered during a carefully planned 10-day airport closure, with

contractors Downer drawing on specialist support from its Australian engineering team to

complete the project with minimal disruption.

Significant drainage improvements have also been completed, including upgraded swales

and new sub-soil drainage along both sides of the runway. Together, these works have

substantially reduced the risk of flooding impacting the airport runway areas.

Far North Holdings Airports Manager Tyler Ngapo said the improvements represent a

significant investment in the airport’s long-term future.

“This has been a comprehensive transformation of Kaitaia Airport, focused on enhancing regional resilience and serving the Far North.”

New aircraft fuel facilities underway

The programme has now moved to installation of new Jet A1 and AvGas fuel tanks

beginning on 24 August. It has now been over 10 years since Kaitaia Airport operated a

dedicated aircraft fuels facility, such as the one under construction.

Work will complete in November, delivering another important resilience improvement for

Kaitaia Airport.

New terminal building planned for Kaitaia Airport

The Far North District Council has decided to construct a new future proofed airport terminal

building replacing the existing 1970’s building.

The new airport terminal is designed as an efficient modern space representing and

servicing the needs of the Te Hiku community.Tyler said,

“The construction of the new airport terminal is particularly exciting. This will be the most visible part of the resilience upgrade programme and will incorporate elements that reflect the Te Hiku community as well as providing a modern secure facility for airlines, passengers and visitors to enjoy.”

Planning for the new terminal building targets for construction during 2027/28 and includes

improvements to carparking, road access, and garden areas surrounding.

Far North Holdings will deliver the programme on behalf of Far North District Council,

working alongside airport owners Ngāi Takoto and representatives from Te Paatu,

Patukoraha and Ngāi Tohianga, who together make up the Airport Partnership Team.