MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2016

Invercargill Airport named Regional Airport of the Year

Invercargill Airport was announced as winner of the Regional Airport of the Year 201nvercargill Airport named Regional Airport of the Year6 award at the New Zealand Airports Conference, held in Nelson Thursday night.

The award recognises Invercargill Airport’s success in completing its $13 million redevelopment project, resulting in positive outcomes for the airport, its passengers and the wider community.

The project began in 2011 with a full commercial review, the objective being to deliver a financially sustainable operation for the long term as well as a functional, modern and safe building that represented Southland.  Construction was completed in early 2016, and the new terminal was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key in April this year.

Partnership with key stakeholders and a focus on long term regional, community and economic benefits were factors taken into consideration in the judging process.

“It is clear that Invercargill Airport have succeeded in their aim to create a terminal building which Southland can be proud of.  Since opening, it has lifted the spirits of those working at and passing through the airport, and presented a great first impression of the region,” said Beca Principal/Technical Director, Airports, Tristan Hughes, who presented the award.

In accepting the award, Invercargill Airport General Manager Nigel Finnerty described the project as “a story of innovative thinking, engagement and most of all collaboration.”

“It’s transformed the airport from a dated 1960s building to a modern, functional and practical gateway for Southland.  But to make it happen it’s been a massive effort from everyone involved.

“From the idea generators, the designers who took the idea and gave it form and the contractors who built it to the people of Invercargill and Southland who engaged and supported the project, the users of the airport and those who work or run businesses on the site – all had to work hard to make it into what it is today,” Mr Finnerty said.

A focus on collaboration with key stakeholders – shareholders, major customer and the city and region – was evident throughout the project, which began with a public survey to assess community needs prior to commencing the terminal design.

Invercargill City Mayor Tim Shadbolt said it was this level of engagement with all stakeholders and the owner, Invercargill City Council, that paved the way for unanimous approval for this project to proceed and the ultimate success of the project.

“I can say with authority that the airport development project has received nothing but positive feedback from the community,” he said.

As one of Invercargill Airport’s key customers, Air New Zealand was also involved intimately throughout the process to ensure airline schedules and the experience for the travelling public could be enhanced.

Air New Zealand Regional Affairs Manager Ian Collier praised Invercargill Airport for taking a partnership approach to the project, resulting in an outcome that has proved to be both practical and enduring for the region.

“The forward thinking design, simplicity and functionality of the terminal has been of great benefit to visitors and locals alike,” Mr Collier said.

“The region has good reason to be incredibly proud of this impressive gateway to Southland,” he added.

Invercargill Airport Chairman of the Board of Directors, Joe O’Connell said it was an honour to receive recognition for the successful redevelopment, and that this success was a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

“The Invercargill Airport team, the board, our team of contractors, Invercargill City Holdings Limited, the Invercargill City Council, Air New Zealand, airport users and our local community – we can all stand proud knowing we have created a fantastic facility that provides a great first impression for our visitors and appropriately reflects the modern, vibrant region that Southland is,” he said.

Invercargill airport was also highly commended for the Project of the Year 2016 award category, which was won by Queenstown Airport.

For more information, please contact Invercargill Airport Chairman of the Board of Directors, Joe O’Connell, phone 027 277 9201 or email joe@ajo.net.nz