Airport improvements fuelling a brighter future

The latest stage of the multi-million-dollar upgrade to Kaitāia Airport is hitting new heights, with two new fuel tanks now being installed.

Work began last month (August) to install the new Jet A1 and AvGas fuel tanks as part of the airport’s Resilience Upgrade Programme.

It has been more than 10 years since Kaitāia Airport has had a dedicated aircraft fuel facility, making the new tanks an important addition. Construction is expected to be completed in November.

The fuel facility follows a major milestone in May, when the airport’s main runway and apron were successfully resurfaced. 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 in the runway area.

With the runway resurfaced, drainage improvements completed, and new fuel facilities underway, the next exciting stage will be replacing the terminal building, with work expected to begin next year.

Far North Holdings Airports Manager Tyler Ngapo says the improvements represent a significant investment in the airport’s long-term future.

“The construction of the new airport is particularly exciting,” he says. “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.”

The terminal project also includes improvements to carparking, road access, and surrounding garden areas.

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 medical professionals to Kaitāia Hospital, making the airport’s continued reliability vital to the region.

The Resilience Upgrade Programme is being funded with $5.4 million from the Office for Māori Crown Relations - Te Arawhiti and $2.4 million from Far North District Council (FNDC). The current investment is intended to support safe, reliable airport operations for at least the next 10 to 15 years.

Far North Holdings will deliver the programme on behalf of FNDC, working alongside airport owners Ngāi Takoto and representatives from Te Paatu, Patukoraha and Ngāi Tohianga, who together make up the Airport Partnership Team.

Read more about the upgrade programme here.