And The Winners Are... (Wellington Airport Community Regional Awards) | Wellington International Airport buys iSite | International Departure Fee To Remain Unchanged | $76 million extreme makeover for WellingtonAirport | Kiwi media company wins rights to Wellington Airport | Construction of Southern Runway End Safety Area (RESA) | A New Zealand music future for Wellington Airport | Wellington Airport seeks new Duty Free Proposals | Wellington Airport goes Wild at Heart for the World of WearableArt® | Another Major Player on the Radar | And The Winners Are... (Wellington Airport Community Regional Awards) | Wellington Airport Takes Further Step toward Safety Areas Appointment of New Chief Executive | Pacific Blue Airlines new services from Wellington | Christmas Tree Festival Attracts Local Support | Air NZ and Wellington Airport reach agreement | A new face, a new name, a new home | Lord of the Rings Exhibition | The stage is set... | One premiere down. One to go! | Lord of the Rings | Statement on the Commerce Commission's decision | Airport Retail Park Unveils Anchor Tenant | Airport Backs Government Decision on Airfield Pricing | Support for Lyall Bay Surf Reef Resource Application | Air New Zealand’s Fare Increase | Court Action Against Air New Zealand | Increased Aeronautical Charges | Arbitration Award on Valuation Methodologies | Submission to the Commerce Commission | Aeronautical Charges | Airport Retail Park - Resource Consent | Qantas-Air NZ decision |New Service Station Development | First Anniversary of New Terminal Opening | Stagecoach Flyer Takes Off | PM Officially Opens Airport | Public Celebration Draws 20,000 | 747 Wows A Crowd | Dawn Blessing for Airport Terminal
And The Winners Are... (Wellington Airport Community Regional Awards)
- Heritage and Environment - Golder Cottage (UHCC)
- Health and Wellbeing - Refugee Family Reunification Trust (WCC)
- Sport and Leisure - Wellington Rugby Referees Association (WCC)
- Educational and Child Youth Development - WellTrust (PCC and UHCC)
- Arts and Culture - Capital Theatre Productions (WCC)
Overall Winner - WellTrust
On Thursday 17 November, Community Groups from all over the region were recognised for the hours of voluntary work that they have contributed to the Greater Wellington Region. Wellington Airport hosted the award ceremony, announcing the winners from the five categories. These categories are Health and Wellbeing, Heritage and Environment, Sport and Leisure, Educational and Child Youth development, and Arts and culture.
Each council within the Wellington Region - Upper Hutt, Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Hutt City and Wellington City - previously held their own award functions, and the winning groups from each council were eligible for the region wide awards.
This is the second year that Wellington Airport, in association with The Community Trust of Wellington have sponsored these awards. They recognise the value of the voluntary work that strengthens our communities and contributes so strongly to the vibrancy of our region.
WellTrust, the overall winner, will now represent Wellington at the TrustPower National Community Awards, being held in Greymouth, March 2006.
Media Release Date: 18/11/2005
Wellington International Airport buys iSite
Wellington International Airport Ltd announced today that it has bought out-of-home advertising company, iSite, from Gould Holdings.iSite is New Zealand's second largest provider of out-of-home advertising sites, principally billboard sites in Auckland, Christchurch and at Wellington Airport.
iSite won the advertising concession at Wellington Airport earlier this year in a tender process.
"The iSite team have proven their ability to us over the course of this year. They've built a well-earned reputation with advertising clients, property owners and local authorities", said Simon Draper, CEO of Wellington Airport.
The iSite management and staff will remain in place under Paul Kenny as CEO. The team has a brief to continue to grow the company and its standing in the marketplace. "We've worked with Wellington Airport for some time now and we're delighted to have the company come on-board as shareholder", said Mr Kenny.
Wellington Airport earns significant non-aeronautical income from advertising and has already invested in newer, better advertising fixtures on its own property. "We believe that out-of-home advertising will grow as a proportion of total advertising spend as the sector matures and advances. Our own experience shows that well situated and managed displays deliver value to advertisers and are appealing to the public", said Mr Draper.
The price for the acquisition has not been disclosed.
Media Release Date: 01/11/2005
For more information please contact:
Simon Draper 04 385 5141
Andy Scotland 04 385 5106
International Departure Fee To Remain Unchanged
Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL) announced today that it has reached agreement with airlines to hold the international departure fee steady at $25 per adult and $1 0 per child. This decision has been arrived at after open and informed discussions with airlines and consideration of recent changes in the funding of security services.From 1 October, the $5 per passenger fee previously paid by WIAL to the Aviation Security Service and Civil Aviation Authority will be included in an airline ticket levy. Savings secured by Wellington Airport from the changes in security funding will contribute to the costs of enhancements in WIAL's facilities required to meet regulatory changes and to ease current passenger congestion.
Media Release Date: 28/09/2005
For more information please contact:
Simon Draper
Chief Executive Officer
04 385 5141.
$76 million extreme makeover for Wellington Airport
Wellington Airport announced today that it will invest up to $76 million over the next two years to expand and upgrade the terminal to accommodate traffic growth, extend the runway, improve parking facilities, and position Wellington to take advantage of future long-haul flight options.
"Our goal is to give Wellingtonians and visitors the airport they crave," said Chief Executive Simon Draper. "Air travel has become more accessible, but it's still exciting for most travellers – and the experience begins and ends at the airport. Our upgrade will create a more enjoyable and stimulating terminal with a lot more space in the international lounges, funky retail outlets that reflect the Wellington scene and iconic New Zealand products, more duty free shopping, and expanded and reconfigured processing areas."
The $41 million investment in the terminal upgrade will include a significant expansion and redevelopment of the international lounge. The new international terminal will have eight aerobridge international departure gates, up from the current six (two of which are and will remain "swing gates" available to domestic aircraft as well as international). It will also include capacity to park wide-bodied aircraft, including the new long-haul Boeing 787, which will be launched in 2008 and is capable of flying direct from Wellington to Singapore and many other long-haul destinations.
"The 787 will revolutionise Wellington tourism and business, and is something we are absolutely determined to achieve," said Mr Draper. "However, the extra international departure gates are needed now. Growth on trans-Tasman volumes means the international lounge, arrivals areas and aircraft gates are congested during peak periods and we need to address this urgently."
Since the beginning of 2004 the number of international airlines operating from the terminal has grown from four to six, while the Gold Coast and Nadi have been added as destinations. The Australian budget airline Jetstar has also announced it will begin flying in New Zealand later this year. Wellington architects Studio of the Pacific Architecture and Warren Mahoney are doing the design and construction work is scheduled to begin early next year and be completed by late 2007. |
"The design brief included a requirement to reflect Wellington's status as a vibrant and daring cultural city," said Mr Draper. "In terms of Wellington Airport's overall retail environment, we are very keen to broaden the range of outlets and greatly increase local content so that it fully reflects the diversity and sophistication of Wellington's retail scene. We'll be approaching retailers who we believe are as ‘Wild at Heart' as we are."
Wellington City Mayor Kerry Prendergast said: "This is fantastic news for Wellington and a sign that Wellington Airport has confidence in this city's future, not just from a business perspective, but from a tourism perspective as well. Wellington will continue to grow as a significant business centre and a tourism destination, and we need to be prepared for it with sound infrastructure. We congratulate the company on its foresight."
In addition to the terminal upgrade, the investment includes a $23 million extension of the southern end of the runway by 90 metres to deliver an additional safety precaution. An option analysis into lengthening the runway's northern end is also underway.
"This project is principally driven by a desire to further improve safety at the airport. The expansion will bring us into line with best practice internationally. Naturally, we don't rule out extra runway length where we can deliver it at a reasonable cost. The 787 is able to operate long haul off the current runway, but all improvements are worthwhile and there are some existing short-haul aircraft that suffer limitations on our runway."
Some $12 million has been earmarked for car-parking redevelopment. This will provide a better quality of service, and a wider range of choice for customers, both in terms of facilities and prices. The upgrade will include additional decks, more undercover parking, better weather protection and different price points.
Mr Draper said Wellington Airport is initiating discussions with airlines on the changes, and is talking with its retail outlets on the terminal changes. The incumbent duty free operator has a lease until 2009 and will be amongst those tendering for a new, expanded lease, along with several others from Australasia, Asia and Europe.
Adds Positively Wellington Tourism's Chief Executive, Tim Cossar: "Wellington Airport is a major funding partner of Wellington's consumer marketing campaign in Australia. Almost one in four international visitors to Wellington are from Australia and Wellington Airport is playing a key role in ensuring this market continues to grow. The financial support of Wellington Airport has allowed Positively Wellington Tourism to grow its marketing in Australia and to become the first region in New Zealand to implement a significant consumer marketing campaign. This new investment is another positive step in growing Wellington tourism."
Concluded David Newman, Chairman of Wellington Airport and of major shareholder Infratil: "We have been working very closely with other stakeholders to improve Wellington's connectivity to the world. We're committed to helping the city grow and we're here for the long haul."
For further information please contact:
Simon Draper 04 385 5141 or Andy Scotland 04 385 5106
Media Release Date: 04/08/2005
Kiwi media company wins rights to Wellington Airport
Wellington Airport is proud to announce the appointment of iSite as its new advertising partner. iSite are a New Zealand owned company who specialise in offering a varied media portfolio which places them in a unique position in the ‘out of home' advertising market. iSite are progressive and not afraid of breaking new ground, which is a good fit for Wellington Airport.
Earlier this year, Wellington Airport tendered the right to operate advertising at the airport and received five tenders. Three of those tenders were shortlisted, and one party subsequently decided to withdraw from the tender process when advised that they had not been shortlisted.
The tender demonstrated a strong field of out of home advertising businesses, two of whom have emerged from consolidations of home grown NZ companies (iSite and Honk Outdoor were both shortlisted). Wellington Airport has enjoyed a long and productive association with our incumbent concessionaire, Look Outdoor and we were very pleased to shortlist their tender.. All the tenderers demonstrated a strong capability and credibility in the market. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and Wellington Airport is sure that iSite will deliver great results to advertising clients and airport customers.
"We are confident that with iSite as a partner we can offer exciting and new opportunities to clients", comments Andy Scotland, General Manager Marketing. "As part of Wild at Heart brand, the airport has signalled a more open and creative attitude to tickling customers' interest. We've changed the look and feel of several areas, introduced bands, entertainers, and interactive displays and we see up-beat advertising as another exciting part of the customer experience."
The upgrade of the advertising sites will take place over the next two months and will include super sites, wall wraps, plasma screens and interactive displays.
Media Release Date: 20/05/2005
Construction of Southern Runway End Safety Area (RESA)
Date: Sunday, 29th May 2005 Time: 4pm
Place: Sunderland Room, Conference Centre, Level 2, Main Terminal
Wellington International Airport Limited
(free parking chits will be issued to all meeting attendees)
To meet international safety standards, Wellington Airport is about to begin construction of a safety area at the Southern end of the existing runway, technically termed a Runway End Safety Area, or RESA. A RESA provides an extra margin of safety beyond the runway proper to allow for an under-shooting or over-running aircraft.
This will require the realignment of Moa Point Road and the construction of a 175m long road-underpass following the building-up of the land for the RESA. Works are scheduled to commence in August of this year, and will continue for approximately 75 weeks (17 months).
If you:
- Want to find out more about this significant project;
- Want to know how the project may affect you;
- Want to know how it is proposed to deal with any concerns arising during construction
…then we invite you to attend the meeting on the 29th May.
For Further information, please contact Chris Dillon, Airport Planner
Wellington International Airport Limited, Tel: 385 5153.
Media Release Date: 20/05/2005
A New Zealand music future for Wellington Airport
Inspired by NZ Music Month and Wellington Airport's "Wild at Heart" theme, Wellington Airport and the CD and DVD Store have joined forces to bring you a funky new music programme to match Wellington's image.
This music will be programmed by the CD and DVD Store, and dominated by NZ music, along with quality music from other places that meet the high NZ standard. As this programme progresses, there may be opportunities for staff and customer input, to encourage a "Wild at Heart" approach to their time in the airport.
Since August last year, we have been showcasing Wellington musicians in the terminal on Friday nights. Improving the quality of our terminal music is a logical extension of this programme, and it is fantastic to be able to encourage the growth of NZ music with the support of the CD and DVD Store.
Also for New Zealand Music Month this May, Wellington Airport and the Piano Shop are coming together to provide a display of melodious pianos in the terminal. One in four New Zealand households owns a piano, and a musical upbringing is the key to creating future stars of New Zealand Music.
Media Release Date: 13/05/2005
Wellington Airport seeks new Duty Free Proposals
Wellington International Airport Limited has issued an Expression of Interest document for its duty free operation. Expressions of Interest are to be sought from leading operators including DFS Group, The Nuance Group, King Power and Alpha Retail.
"Our incumbent duty free operator, DFSNZ, has four years to run on what was an unusually long lease" said Wellington Airport CEO Simon Draper. "We have worked together since the opening of the new terminal and have witnessed considerable growth in their operation. We have been in private discussions with them for some time and we have worked in good faith to try to agree a deal for the longer term. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of both parties, that has not been possible. Naturally this does not preclude them from the next stage of discussions."
He admitted that it was unusual to seek a new retail tenant so long before the expiry date of the existing lease. "But this will be a welcome change for operators who are used to having to tender and commence trading in very short timeframes. We are seeking a duty free partner to work with us through planning and implementation of terminal redevelopments, and to commence trading in stages as those developments permit. This is very likely to involve trading during a transition period while DFSNZ continues its current lease and this is permitted under our lease arrangements. Naturally, the intention is to transition our duty free business completely to a new contract."
Please see attached for the Expression of Interest documentation.
EOI's will be accepted until May 24th 2005.
Media Release Date: 03/05/2005
Wellington Airport goes Wild at Heart for the World of WearableArt®
On Monday 4 April in the main terminal at Wellington Airport , the World of WearableArt® (WOW®) is moving in! For the next month, we will be showcasing twelve of the top award-winning garments in a display at the southern end of the terminal.
Featuring the winner of last year's Montana Supreme WOW® Award, Eos, by Nelson designer Claire Prebble, this display showcases the most brilliant and beautiful designs to come from the creative hub that is the World of WearableArt®. In addition there will be video footage from past shows, displayed on two huge plasma screens.
Wellington Airport is proud to be a key supporter of WOW's Wellington campaign, as WOW embodies perfectly the "Wild at Heart" concept engendered by Wellington Airport . As Simon Draper, Chief Executive of Wellington Airport says, "WOW is a perfect fit with the Wellington we all love and believe in. It's a privilege to have such talented people displaying their work at the airport."
Tickets for the shows, on September 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30 and October 1and 2, are available at www.worldofwearableart.com .
Photo opportunities are available after 4pm Monday afternoon.
Media Release Date: 04/04/2005
Another Major Player on the Radar
A second big name retailer will open its doors, and the way, to bigger, better and faster shopping for the Wellington region.
Briscoes Homeware is the newest arrival at the Airport Retail Park in Lyall Bay.
Wellington International Airport announced today that construction had commenced on a new store, covering more than 2,500 square metres, for Briscoes Homeware.
This follows The Warehouse which opened its second largest New Zealand store at the Airport Retail Park in October last year. At nearly 10,000 square metres, The Warehouse is the size of two rugby fields and the anchor of a site custom made for serious bargain hunters.
Wellington Airport GM Commercial, Nick Wareham, said the arrival of Briscoes Homeware cemented Stage One of a plan to bring the best and the biggest together.
"We listened to what people wanted and that was one site and one stop. They didn't want to drag their families around the city when they can do all their shopping in one location".
"The Airport Retail Park was designed specifically to make shopping easier and already the response, and customer numbers, have exceeded expectations".
Mr Wareham said Briscoes Homeware would be open before Christmas 2005 and active negotiations were continuing with other big retailers keen to be on site by the end of this year.
"Stage One will cover more than 18,000 square metres of shopping with nearly four hundred free car parks so we are working carefully to ensure other retailers coming on board are up to the mark for our customers".
Media Release Date: 18/01/2005
Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, The Winners
| Hutt City Council | Kapiti Coast City Council | Porirua City Council | Upper Hutt City Council | Wellington City Council | |
| A: Heritage and environment | Korokoro Environmental Group | Otaki Heritage Bank Preservation Trust | Guardians of the Pauahutanui Inlet | Upper Hutt Forest & Bird | Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves |
| B: Health and Wellbeing | Wainuiomata Helping Hand | Kapiti Emergency Medical Services Trust | Porirua Community Services Centre | Timberlea Resident's Association | Catacombs Incorporated |
| C: Sport and Leisure | Otaki Gymnastics Club | Riding for the disabled, Hutt Valley Group | Living Streets Aotearoa, Wellington Branch | ||
| D: Educational and Child Youth Development | Project K Hutt Valley | Kapiti Toy Library | Taeaomanino Trust | Team Xtreme | Shakespeare Globe Theatre, NZ Inc. |
| E: Arts and Culture | Hutt Wearable Art | Friends of Kapiti Libraries | Porirua Community Arts Council | Expressions Art and Entertainment Centre | The Adam Foundation |
The winners are...
A: Heritage and Environment - Guardians of the Pauahutanui Inlet
B: Health and Wellbeing - Kapiti Emergency Medical Services Trust
C: Sport and Leisure - Riding for the disabled, Hutt Valley Group
D: Educational and Child Youth Development - Shakespeare Globe Theatre, NZ Inc
E: Arts and Culture - Porirua Community Arts Council
Representatives of the winning groups:
Guardians of the Pauahutanui Inlet - Margaret Richards, Cynthia Peterson, John Wells.
Kapiti Emergency Medical Services Trust - Dr. Chris Lane, Liz Jessop.
Riding for the disabled, Hutt Valley Group - Adrienne Manthel, Shiel Barr.
Shakespeare Globe Theatre, NZ Inc - Dawn Sanders, Robert Linterman.
Porirua Community Arts Council - Helen Smith and one other.
The overall winner, of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Supreme Award was:
Shakespeare Globe Theatre NZ Inc
The Shakespeare Globe Centre is essentially a voluntary organisation that was established in 1991. It has 420 members and hundreds of volunteers.
In the past year, the Shakespeare Globe Centre has:
- Organised the National Shakespeare Schools Production - a week long intensive Shakespeare programme for 46 students selected at the Sheilah Winn Festival of Shakespeare in Schools
- From these 46, 20 were selected to form the 2004 Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company who travelled to the UK in July this year for workshops, talk-shops, performances, rehearsals and their own performance on the Globe stage.
- Organised the Sheilah Winn Regional and National Festivals of Shakespeare in Schools. 350 students performed in the Regional Festival and 475 in the National festival
- Continued to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Museum Hotel for a student to study at Toi Whakaari
The Shakespeare Globe Centre is not about creating actors. It has a major focus providing exposure to young people of a range of skills and future career paths. While some do follow a career in theatre, others find the oratory and performance skills useful for other fields such as law or business management.
Media Release Date: 24/11/2004
And The Winners Are... (Wellington Airport Community Regional Awards)
A: Heritage and Environment - Guardians of the Pauahutanui Inlet (PCC)
B: Health and Wellbeing - Kapiti Emergency Medical Services Trust (KCDC)
C: Sport and Leisure - Riding for the disabled, Hutt Valley Group (UHCC)
D: Educational and Child Youth Development - Shakespeare Globe Theatre, NZ Inc (PCC)
E: Arts and Culture - Porirua Community Arts Council (WCC)
On Tuesday 23 November, Community Groups from all over the region will come together to be recognised for the hours of voluntary work that they have contributed to their communities. Wellington Airport will host the awards announcing the winners from the five categories. These categories are Health and Wellbeing, Heritage and Environment, Sport and Leisure, Educational and Child Youth development, and Arts and culture.
Each council within the Wellington Region - Upper Hutt, Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Hutt City and Wellington City - has previously held their own awards functions to determine their winning community groups and the supreme winners will be announced at a function at Wellington airport.
In previous years, Trustpower has sponsored the Community Awards. When they were no longer able to do so, Wellington Airport, along with The Community Trust of Wellington recognised the value of these awards and the value of the voluntary work that strengthens our communities and contributes so strongly to the vibrancy of our region. This led to their decision to continue them, and to allow the winners to be chosen not only from the central regions, but also from the outlying Kapiti Coast and Upper Hutt regions.
Wellington Airport will also be showing off its new brand "Wild at Heart" which reflects Wellingtons playful and untamed character. It is about the wild weather, the display of emotion and passion at an airport and the airports open-minded approach to business.
Wellington Airport Community Regional Awards are to be held tomorrow, Tuesday 23rd November 2004 at 5.30pm in the Main Terminal.
Media Release Date:22/11/2004
Wellington Airport Takes Further Step toward Safety Areas
Wellington International Airport has taken a further step toward creation of runway end safety areas (RESA) by lodging a planning application for works at the southern end of its runway. The proposal for the southern end of the runway involves creating a traffic underpass for Moa Point Road to allow additional areas of pavement, relocating the instrument landing system and changes to the layout of taxiways. Construction will take at least 14 months to complete at the southern end of the runway, once approvals have been received. Options for works at the northern end are still under consideration.
Simon Draper, Chief Executive of Wellington International Airport, said "We have decided to take a lead on RESA and in doing so we have considered public interest in aviation safety. In the process, we consulted with airlines and regulators on how to best provide additional safety precautions, while also ensuring that Wellington's runway is not reduced in length".
RESA works within the airport boundary do not require special approval. However, the works over Moa Point Road and the southern sea wall area will require planning consent. Wellington City Council will publicly notify the application and there will be opportunities for submissions.
Consultation to date with interested parties has shown general support for the works and Wellington Airport is proposing to establish a construction liaison group to work with adjoining residents while the RESA is being constructed.
The cost of the total project is forecast to be $15-20 million. While this will impact costs to airlines, the price impact on customers is expected to be minimal compared to the comfort that can be drawn from a further safety precaution at the airport.
Media Release Date:06/05/2004
Appointment of New Chief Executive
Mr Phil Walker, Chairman of Wellington International Airport Limited (“WIAL”), today announced the appointment of Mr Simon Draper as the new Chief Executive of WIAL.
Mr Draper joins WIAL following an extensive career in the utilities and infrastructure sectors including senior positions in the electricity, airport and property industries.
Mr Draper joins WIAL from Integral Energy, one of Australia’s largest electricity retailers/distributors with over 800,000 customers, where he has been General Manager Commercial.
Prior to joining Integral, Mr Draper was Chief Executive of Northern Territory Airports, responsible for the operation and development of Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek airports. His other aviation experience includes senior positions with the Federal Airports Corporation and Qantas Airways Limited.
Mr Draper has a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) from Sydney University and Master of Business from the University of Technology in Sydney.
He is 39 years old and married with two young children.
Mr Draper will take up his new role on Wednesday 3 March 2003.
Media Release Date: 12/01/2004
Pacific Blue Airlines new services from Wellington
Wellington International Airport is delighted that Pacific Blue Airlines has announced the commencement of services from Wellington. An initial daily service to Sydney will begin on 10 March 2004.
It is two and a half years since the Virgin Blue aircraft touched down in Wellington. Wellington Airport has worked with Virgin Blue and Wellington’s tourism industry since that time to achieve the commencement of new services. Wellington’s new airport facilities provide the perfect platform for Wellington to support Pacific Blue’s style of operation.
The Pacific Blue flights will provide greater opportunity for Wellingtonians to enjoy trans Tasman travel and generate an increase in visitors to the city. This is further endorsement of the attractiveness of Wellington as a tourist destination.
Media Release Date: 17/12/2003
Christmas Tree Festival Attracts Local Support
A mix of Wellington businesses, schools and local organisations have committed to further brighten Christmas for Wellingtonians and visitors to the city, through support of the 2003 CCS Christmas Tree Festival.
The festival features 35 especially decorated, seven-foot Christmas trees. Half of the trees are on display at the Wellington Town Hall through until 15 December and half at the Wellington Airport from 8 December till early January.
Most trees in the festival are sponsored by Wellington-based businesses and are decorated in a theme that represents the sponsoring organisation or a school or community group supported by that organisation.
The Christmas Tree Festival is a fundraising and awareness event for CCS, the country’s leading provider of support and services to disabled people. Wellington’s festival will be one of 15 being staged across the country this year.
CCS Regional Manager Susan Gray said the festival had two aims: to bring attention to some of the services CCS offers to the Wellington region, and to raise additional funds for CCS programmes.
“While CCS does receive Government contract income for specific services, very few of these contracts provide for the total cost involved and we’re reliant on the support and generosity of the public so that we can continue to maintain our services for disabled people. We see the festival as a celebration - a time of year that is especially exciting for children. And that’s a large proportion of our service users” said Gray.
Wellington Airport CEO, John Sheridan, said that the festival capped a busy year of community activities at the airport.
“The CCS Christmas Tree Festival helps a great cause that we are supportive of. The stand of richly decorated trees in the main lounge area also complements our very popular Lord of the Rings display and brings even further life to the airport for travellers and other visitors” said Sheridan.
Members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite tree with voting forms at each of the venues.
Photo Opportunity:
Students from 17 Wellington primary schools will be decorating trees at Wellington Airport from 10.00 am till noon on Monday 8 December.
Media Release Date: 04/11/2003
Air New Zealand and Wellington International Airport reach agreement on Landing Charges
Air New Zealand and Wellington International Airport today reached agreement on outstanding landing charges. The settlement means that the pending court case between the two companies has been avoided.
The terms of the confidential settlement will enable Air New Zealand and Wellington International Airport to develop a sustainable commercial relationship in the future for the benefit of the travelling public and shareholders alike.
As part of the settlement, additional landing charges that have been passed onto passengers flying into, and out of, Wellington in the last several months are being paid to the Airport company.
Media Release Date: 25/11/2003
A new face, a new name, a new home …
Wellington International Airport is proud to host the unveiling of the twelve million dollar Wellington Marine Education Centre project.
Details of the project will be announced to local iwi, local government, Wellington business and community groups at the terminal tomorrow.
But the guest of honour will be Te Wheke, the octopus, who will be the “face” of the new centre. The octopus is looking forward to a new home but is also looking for a name and as part of the community project children will be invited to choose it.
In the meantime, the octopus has taken up temporary residence at the airport in an aquarium especially designed and installed for the launch. A model of the new centre, revealing state of the art plans, will also be unveiled.
Wellington Airport CEO, John Sheridan, said plans for the Wellington Marine Education Centre were stunning and had the potential to become a significant attraction not only for the city but also for the country.
“Teaching our children to care for and to respect their environment is an investment in the future for all New Zealanders. The new centre will be their window to an unseen world and will give an understanding of what lies beneath the wild seas of the Cook Strait.”
The model and aquarium will be unveiled by Dr Victor Anderlini and Ms Judith Hutt who have travelled the world seeking plans and ideas for the centre, a centre which would reveal how far technology for underwater aquariums had advanced in the last twenty years.
Media Release Date: 19/11/2003
Lord of the Rings Exhibition
Welcome to Wellington Airport, gateway to Middle Earth. The following is a brief outline of the wonderful Lord of the Rings exhibits now showing at Wellington Airport.
Costumes
Produced by Weta Workshop and Three Foot Six Wardrobe, there are twenty costumes representing the forces of good and evil in the Trilogy. The costumes, ten at each end of the terminal, overlook the Food Court and are a tribute to the characters who battle for Middle Earth.
| Good Forces | |
| Two Hobbits: | The wonderful Shire folk seen throughout the Trilogy. |
| Prologue Elf: | One of the Elven fighters in the opening battle scene of The Fellowship of the Ring. |
| Prologue Gondorian: | A soldier of Gondor. Also in the opening battle scene of The Fellowship of the Ring. |
| Dwarf Lord: | Present at the Council of Elrond in The Fellowship of the Ring. |
| Gondorian Ranger: | Travelling with Faramir, a Captain of Gondor, in The Two Towers. |
| Gondorian Soldier: | From the Army of Gondor at Osgiliath, The Fallen City in The Two Towers. |
| Third Age Elf: | An Elven fighter protecting Helms Deep in The Two Towers. |
| Rohan Royal Guard: | A Royal Guard of King Theoden of Rohan in The Two Towers. |
| Rohan Soldier: | A soldier guarding Helms Deep in The Two Towers. |
| Bad Forces | |
| Easterling: | One of Sauron’s Armies entering the Black Gates in The Two Towers. |
| Warg Rider: | Riders of wargs which attack the Rohan peoples on their way to Helms Deep in The Two Towers. |
| Two Orcs: | The vicious creatures of Sauron’s and Saruman’s troops seen throughout the trilogy. |
| Moria Orc: | Attacks the fellowship at the Mines of Moria in The Fellowship of the Ring. |
| Three Uruk Hai: | From the armies of Saruman. |
| Travelling Uruk Hai sent out to snatch the traveling Hobbits. | |
| Swordsman Uruk Hai sent to attack Helms Deep. | |
| Sapper Uruk Hai who lay the bombs beneath the wall of Helms Deep. | |
| Wild Man: | Send out by Saruman to destroy Rohan villages in The Two Towers. |
| Harad: | From the armies of Sauron. Rider of the mûmakil in The Two Towers. |
| Sets | |
| Produced by Three Foot Six Art Department, this exhibition is twenty-five metres long and three and a half metres deep. It is a production of six sets with props and reveals the unique work which brings to life scenes throughout the Trilogy. | |
| Bag End: | Home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in the Shire. |
| Rivendell: | Last haven and hidden refuge of the Elves. |
| Golden Hall: | Court of King Theoden of Rohan. |
| Orthanc Chamber: | Black Tower of Saruman. |
| Orc Camp: | Creatures of dark forces gathering at Mordor. |
| Minas Tirith: | Battlements of the City of Gondor. |
Media Release Date: 13/11/2003
The stage is set...
The characters are in position for Middle Tarmac’s latest tribute to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King.
Wellington Airport will tomorrow unveil film sets from the Trilogy, some not seen in public before, as part of its continuing countdown to the world premiere.
The miniature sets, from Three Foot Six Art Department, stretch over twenty-five metres and include scenes shot from the latest movie, The Return of the King.
Situated along the terminal’s main southern thoroughfare, the exhibition is being installed by a small army of workers, heard but hidden from view.
Wellington Airport CEO, John Sheridan, said once the sets are unveiled, travellers will be left in no doubt that they have entered the Gateway to Middle Earth.
“We want to give passengers, visitors, and their families a chance to see and experience the excitement we in the Capital are feeling. The displays may stop travellers in their tracks but hopefully it won’t stop them getting to arrivals and departures on time!”
The unveiling of the sets follows the arrival of Gollum on top of the terminal and the instalment of costumes from Weta Workshop and Three Foot Six Wardrobe above the retail shops.
“Already the public are pulling out their cameras and their smiles. The best part is that this is free of charge for everyone to enjoy.”
Media Release Date: 13/11/2003
One premiere down. One to go!
Gollum, Wellington Airport’s new star attraction, has touched down on Middle Tarmac.
The six-metre high model from Weta Workshop was swept past Customs and craned onto the terminal roof last night. Airport staff worked into the early hours of this morning to ensure Gollum was up bright and early to greet visitors to the capital.
Gollum’s arrival marks Wellington’s countdown to the world premiere of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King.
Wellington Airport CEO, John Sheridan, said the high public interest in Gollum overseeing the terminal demonstrated the city’s increasing excitement.
“We know Gollum is ‘precious’ cargo and we’ll be keeping a close eye on our new Lord of the Airport. We are also looking forward to unveiling more surprises at Wellington Airport that will not only delight travellers but make Gollum feel right at home.”
Media Release Date: 10/11/2003
Lord of the Rings
Wellington Airport has today announced its first instalment for the world premiere of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King.
Gollum, the award-winning creature that stunned both audiences and The Academy Awards, will be craned onto the top of the airport terminal to welcome those descending on the capital.
The six metre high model, placed on the Embassy Theatre in Wellington last year, will return to a higher plane for 2003. This time he will be visible to national and international aircraft as well as visitors inside the Wellington Airport terminal.
Ensuring Gollum can survive the rigours of Middle Tarmac has been an adventure all of its own and has been achieved with the great cooperation of Weta Workshop.
Wellington Airport has spent more than 200 hours constructing a new foundation on which Gollum’s head, hands and, of course, The Ring, will be secured by 21 concrete plinths and more than 100 bolts. The preparations have been undertaken mainly after hours to coincide with airport operations.
Wellington Airport CEO, John Sheridan, said the world premiere was an unprecedented moment for Wellington.
“Wellington Airport is proud to be part of this extraordinary event for the region. For many visitors the airport is their first taste of Wellington and we are committed to ensuring it is colourful and vibrant, like the city itself.”
The instalment of Gollum is just the first of a number of unique projects between Wellington Airport, Weta Workshop and Three Foot Six, which will soon be made public and will see the terminal transformed into The Gateway to Middle Earth.
“The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was made by a Wellington director, a Wellington company and is the pride of Wellingtonians. It is only fitting that our city, our airport and our people feel they are part of such an important international showcase.”
Media Release Date: 07/11/2003
Statement on the Commerce Commission's decision to decline the application of Air New Zealand and Qantas to form an alliance
On behalf of the consortium of interests who were opposed to the airline alliance, Wellington International Airport welcomes the decision of the Commerce Commission announced today. The decision is no surprise and is consistent with the Commission's preliminary view that the alliance and merger would be damaging to all those with an interest in a viable, vigorous, air transport industry and for the economy.
Along with Air New Zealand's management we want a strong Air New Zealand. The success of Air New Zealand Express in the domestic market would suggest that the airline's strategy is on the right flight path.
Media Release Date: 28/10/2003
Airport Retail Park Unveils Anchor Tenant
Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL) has signed New Zealand’s leading discount retailer The Warehouse as an anchor tenant for its planned $30 million Airport Retail Park.
The Warehouse, which has been looking to expand in Wellington for some time, will occupy a 8100 sq metre site within the retail park, which is located on the southwest boundary of the Airport at Lyall Bay.
WIAL chief executive John Sheridan said The Warehouse’s presence at the retail park is a major coup in terms of its pulling power among shoppers.
“To operate a large, successful retail development The Warehouse has to be a key part of the shopping mix. That’s been borne out in retail developments right throughout New Zealand. We are delighted to have them on board,” he said.
Mr Sheridan said negotiations with several other bulk retailers were progressing well.
“There’s been no shortage of interest from the retail sector and we’re working through that process to ensure we get the optimum mix.”
Mr Sheridan said a group of airport related businesses including rental car and freight companies are being re-located to the eastern side of the Airport and new premises for those companies are scheduled to be built later this year.
“The area we are developing has been gradually deteriorating for many years and this project will provide a significant boost to Rongotai/Lyall Bay as well as creating significant employment opportunities in the Eastern and Southern Suburbs.”
Mr Sheridan said construction on the first stage of the Retail Park would begin by early next year.
“This is a significant milestone in the project and we are delighted to have The Warehouse as a key anchor tenant. We are in negotiations with other interested parties and we are on track to be trading by Christmas 2004,” Mr Sheridan said.
Media Release Date: 11/08/2003
Wellington International Airport Backs Government Decision on Airfield Pricing
Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL) has welcomed the Minister of Commerce’s decision not to impose price controls on airfield activities at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports.
The Minister’s decision follows extensive investigations into airfield pricing that began back in 1998 and takes into account the recent increase in airfield charges at Wellington airport.
“WIAL has a strong commitment to driving more business to, and through, the Wellington and wider regional economy. This decision enables us to proceed with certainty, and knowing that we can continue to provide both cost effective services and fair returns to our shareholders,” says the Chief Executive of WIAL, John Sheridan.
“Having invested $116m in the new terminal facilities there is a very real incentive for us to work with the airlines to increase passenger numbers.“
“We see this decision being significant to the whole New Zealand economy, as it sends a clear signal that the Government is committed to creating a climate that attracts investment. Regulatory consistency is key to investors making the long term commitment required in infrastructure investment.” says John Sheridan.
Media Release Date: 23/05/2003
Wellington International Airport Support for Lyall Bay Surf Reef Resource Application
| Lyall Bay Reef Chartiable Trust Press Release |  |
(PDF Size 43KB) |
Wellington International Airport comments on Air New Zealand’s fare increase
Air New Zealand announced today that Wellington International Airport Limited’s (WIAL) $4.00 increase in aeronautical charges is to be passed on to passengers.
“The major reason for the increase is to pay for the $116 million investment in a new terminal. The new terminal was what the public wanted and what the airlines wanted,” stated John Sheridan, Chief Executive of WIAL. “The feedback we have had from Totally Wellington and other tourism groups is that the new terminal is worth paying for.”
“We have had to wait five years to increase charges to help cover this investment. The airlines have had a rent holiday for that time. The return on our investment has been inadequate at only 3.0% per annum and the increased charges were implemented following 19 months of extensive consultation between the airport and its major airline customers.”
Mr Sheridan also said that it is wrong to isolate passenger groups and claim proof of price gouging or excess returns. Taken across all aircraft and passenger movements WIAL is not expensive compared to other airports.
An airport earns typically 3 to 4 times more per passenger from international than from domestic services. 90% of WIAL’s business is domestic; it does not have the benefits of the higher revenue streams flowing from international passengers as occurs at Auckland and Christchurch.
“Air New Zealand has continued to use figures selectively. Across all passengers it is cheaper than Auckland and most Australian airports once you compare them on a like for like basis,” Mr Sheridan said.
Article Last Modified:28/03/2003
Wellington International Airport Limited takes court action to recover aeronautical charges owing from Air New Zealand.
Last Friday Air New Zealand notified Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL) that it would not pay aeronautical charges at the new rate determined after the 19 month consultation concluded on 5 February 2003.
Qantas Airways, WIAL’s other major airline user, has paid charges set at the new rates.
WIAL yesterday filed a proceeding in the High Court to enforce payment by Air New Zealand. The amount in dispute is $7,057,000. This sum results from Air New Zealand’s short-payment of charges for February 2003 and its breach of a contractual obligation to make a backdated payment in respect of charges for the period from July 2002 to January 2003.
WIAL regrets the need to take this step which has been notified to the Minister of Commerce. In 1993 WIAL was obliged to undertake a substantially similar action to gain recovery of monies owed from its major airline users. WIAL was successful in its actions on that occasion.
An announcement by the Minister on the Commerce Commission recommendation in respect of airfield pricing at Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch international airports is expected in the near future.
Article Last Modified:27/03/2003
Wellington International Airport Aeronautical Charges -
(The Dominion Post, 29 February 2003)
Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL) recently increased airline charges following 19 months of consultation between the Airport and its major airline customers. The 77.7% increase is equivalent to $4.00 per passenger (including GST) and reflects developments since the charges were last fixed in 1997. The increase is a direct result of the $116 million development of the new Wellington terminal, which replaced the 1930's converted hangar. The major airlines signed-off the design and costs of the new terminal and knew that charges were to be reset once the 1997 agreement expired. It is a facility that reflects the standard and quality required by Wellington. Since the terminal's completion in 1999 WIAL's return on aeronautical assets has averaged 3%pa. The new airline charges reflect the end of the "rent holiday" for the airlines, with the airport targeting a return over the next five years of 10%pa. - a target that includes asset revaluations and is based on expert independent advice.
Wellington is not an expensive airport, its shareholders are not deriving excess returns and it has been identified by Standard & Poor's as the most efficient airport in Australasia.
WIAL's aeronautical charges average $9.20 for each passenger using the airport. At Auckland the average charge across all passengers is $11.46, Christchurch $6.46 and at Sydney about A$8.40.
The Board of Airline Representatives (BARNZ) - whose members include Air New Zealand and Qantas - has claimed that Wellington is an expensive place to land a domestic B737 when the cost is compared against Auckland and Christchurch. It is wrong to isolate the price of a single service at only three airports and claim proof of price gouging or excess returns. Taken across all aircraft and passenger movements WIAL is not expensive.
The domestic 737 charge reflects WIAL's unfavourable passenger mix. An airport earns typically 3 to 4 times more per passenger from international than from domestic services. 90% of WIAL's business is domestic; it does not have the benefits of the higher revenue streams flowing from international passengers as occurs at Auckland and Christchurch.
WIAL's $9.20 average charge buys the consumer the use of an airport 10 kilometres from central Wellington (about $18 in a taxi) and use of an efficient new terminal. On the basic score of convenience to users and the attractiveness of the terminal environment, Wellington offers significantly better value than any other airport in Australasia.
There are costs associated with these benefits. The terminal is new and has to be paid for. Because the airport is close to the city it is on expensive land and because the airport is close to residential areas it has a curfew and can only operate 18 hours a day.
BARNZ has called for the Minister of Commerce to set price controls. This call is based on the Airport being subject to a unique and unprecedented asset valuation regime that the accountancy and valuation professions reject. It is also contrary to the findings of an independent arbitration that upheld the valuation methodologies used by WIAL. A further absurdity of the proposal is that Treasury does not use the BARNZ valuation methodologies in respect of Crown assets. WIAL's assets are valued the same way now as they were when the Crown was the majority shareholder.
Price control of WIAL would send a powerful message to investors in general: "Don't invest in New Zealand infrastructure." Investors will fund facilities if offered a fair return on fair values. Unreasonable and discriminatory regulatory outcomes that expropriate value will ultimately lead to poorer facilities because no one will wish to invest in them.
The more passengers that use Wellington airport, the lower will be unit charges. WIAL is therefore investing resources in pursuing the introduction of new carriers and additional services from current airlines. The Airport's success is dependent on airlines and passenger growth.
Article Last Modified: 29/02/2003
Arbitration Award on Valuation Methodologies -
| Summary of Arbitration Award | |
(PDF Size 78KB) |
Signed
Arbitration Award
The attached PDF (9,007kb) is the signed abritration award on WIAL's valuation methodology by the Hon Sir Ian Barker. This was released by Sir Ian following his appointment by the High Court to arbitrate on the valuation methodology that should be employed by WIAL in determining its aeronautical charges.
| Signed Arbitration Award | |
(PDF Size 9,007KB) |
Submission to the Commerce Commission on Commerce Act 1986: Restrictive Trade Practice Section 58: Business Acquisition Section 67: Notices Seeking Authorisation
WIAL has made a submission in respect of the authorisation applications because it considers that the anti-competitive consequences of the applications will harm all users of air transport services in New Zealand and Trans-Tasman and all industry service providers. They will harm the New Zealand and Wellington Regional economies.
| CC Submission | |
(PDF Size 9,007KB) |
Article Last Modified: 14/02/2003
Wellington International Airport Limited resets Aeronautical Charges
Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL), following extensive consultation with its major airline users, confirmed revised aeronautical charges for the airport today.This is the first full review of charges for five years. The major reason for the increased charges is the $116 million development of the new terminal, an investment which has transformed Wellington as an international and domestic gateway and provided efficiency gains to airlines.
If the airlines pass this increase on to travellers, it will result in an average increase per passenger of $4 per one way journey. The new charges represent an average increase of 77.7% on current charges.
Since its opening, WIAL has received no return on the investment in the new terminal and the airlines have had a rent-free holiday. WIAL is not seeking to recoup revenue lost but rather is seeking a fair return on its investment going forward.
“In setting these charges, we have taken note of the need for WIAL to achieve an appropriate return on its investment in the new terminal and the fact there has not been a full review for five years. This is balanced with the need to support New Zealand’s tourist industry and encourage more airlines such as Virgin Blue to service the capital,” WIAL Chief Executive John Sheridan said.
NEW AERONAUTICAL CHARGES - Media Backgrounder
1. Executive Summary
- After 19 months of consultation with the airlines, Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL) has introduced an increase in terminal and airfield charges. These new charges replace interim charges introduced around the middle of 2002.
- If the airlines pass this increase on to travellers, it will result in an average increase per passenger of $4 per one way journey.
- The increase is a direct result of the $116 million development of the new terminal and marks the end of a five year deed that the airlines and WIAL signed in 1997. The deed set prices for other than minor variations and this is therefore the first full review of charges in five years, and the first since the terminal development began.
- The new terminal replaced an inadequate and embarrassing “hangar” that served as the terminal building since 1959. The terminal has clearly improved Wellington’s image, is more pleasant for all users, and has provided significant cost savings to airlines, which no longer own any part of the facility.
- The terminal was only built when the construction costs and design were agreed to by the airlines. The airlines agree with WIAL that the terminal is fully optimised, cost efficient and not over capitalised.
- In setting the new charges WIAL has been aware of the need to support New Zealand’s vital tourism industry by remaining cost competitive and actively encouraging more airlines such as Virgin Blue to service the capital.
- Since its opening, WIAL has received no return on the terminal investment and the airlines have had a rent-free holiday. WIAL is not seeking to recoup revenue lost but rather is seeking a fair return on its investment going forward.
- The new pricing is based on asset valuation methods that have been endorsed by an independent arbitrator, and consistent with those used by other companies owning utility and infrastructure assets in New Zealand.
- WIAL is targeting a rate of return of 10%, which is commensurate with the nature of the airport company’s business and is within the range noted by the Commerce Commission in its recent report on the major airports in New Zealand.
2. Wellington Terminal Development and Aeronautical Charges
a. Wellington terminal development – worthy of a capital city
The new terminal replaced the old and inadequate airport hangar and integrated three terminals into one. It is a facility appropriate for a capital city and a regional and international gateway. The terminal is modern, efficient and acknowledged as one of the most cost competitive in the Australasian region.
b. Funding – how WIAL did it/what the airlines agreed to
WIAL paid for, and built the new terminal, investing $116m. No taxpayer money was required. The design and cost was agreed to by the airlines in 1997 and was based on the understanding that the development cost would need to be recovered once the five year deed period ended.
c. Other airports face similar issues
Funding capital works is an issue for all airports. For example, both Palmerston North and Rotorua airports have introduced “departure charges” ($3 and $5 respectively) that are charged directly to the consumer. Queenstown is exploring options to fund a development programme.
3. The New Charges
a. What are they and how are they made up?
The new charges represent an average increase of 77.7% on current charges, the bulk of which relates to the terminal development costs.
On a per passenger basis the average increase in charges will be equivalent to $4 for a one way fare.
b. How were the charges set?
- fair process with full consultation
The new charges are set after full and formal consultation between WIAL and the major airlines operating at Wellington International Airport over a 19 month period, and are based on the airlines’ preferred structure. Origin Pacific declined the invitation to participate in the consultation process.
There has been full disclosure to the airlines on the basis for the charges, and the opportunity was provided to debate all issues and for WIAL to subsequently amend the proposal where appropriate.
- the first full review of charges in 5 years
The charges associated with the terminal and airfield have not been reviewed since 1997. The airlines – and travellers - have had the benefits of a new facility without paying any of the cost. On the other hand, investors and shareholders have carried the cost and had no return on the investment.
- based on current regulations/guidelines
Setting a fair charge for using infrastructure, such as an airport terminal, is determined according to a recognised industry formula. These require a valuation of the asset using a standard method, a rate of return consistent with the risk for the asset type and an allowance for operational costs.
- valuing assets – established by an independent arbitrator
The airport assets have been independently valued based on Market Value Existing Use (MVEU) for land and Optimised Depreciated Replacement Cost (ODRC) for improvements. These methodologies are consistent with those adopted by other companies owning infrastructure assets such as electricity lines companies and the ports, and were the methods endorsed by an independent arbitrator in September 2002. Wellington Airport has been valued by the same team of valuers since 1992 – including the period of Government ownership.
- rate of return for investors – consistent with Commerce Commission
WIAL has targeted a 10% return per annum on its assets, which fairly reflects the characteristics of WIAL’s business – including a dependence on the domestic market and vulnerability to changes in that market - eg the demise of Qantas New Zealand.
The rate of return is in line with the August 2002 report by the Commerce Commission on the major airports, which found that an appropriate range for rates of return to be 8-10%. Economic advisors to WIAL supported a range of 9.5%-11%. Over the last five years WIAL has achieved a return of approximately 3% on its total aeronautical asset base.
- operating costs – cost competitive in Australasia
WIAL is recognised to be a very efficiently run airport, with operating cost per passenger amongst the lowest in the Australasian region.
The ability to operate in a modern, efficient, integrated domestic and international terminal complex has given the airlines significant economies (one check-in area serving all passenger types for example). Costs to the airlines of operating at Wellington have reduced over the past five years.
4. Why do Wellington’s charges differ from the other major airports?
a. the newness of the improvement
As the newest terminal in the country, the charges reflect the recent and significant nature of the expenditure. Depending on where in the upgrade cycle an airport is, costs and hence charges will vary. The impact of such terminal investment is seen in recent landing charge increases in Sydney (+90%) and Heathrow (+43%).
b. the mix of passengers/ aircraft
The charge per aircraft at Wellington will be higher than for other airports, however both AKL and CHC have the major benefit of international passenger volume as well as making significantly more money per passenger from international B747 and B767 aircraft than WLG does from B737 services.
| Auckland | Christchurch | Wellington | |
| Total Passenger Departures | 8.8m | 4.2m | 3.7m |
| International Departures | 5.2m | 1.0m | 0.5m |
| % International | 59% | 24% | 12% |
| Source: Airline’s Annual Accounts YE 30 June 2002 | |||
On the basis of average aeronautical charge per passenger, the new charges are comparable with other airports in New Zealand and Australia.
Looking forward, the more passenger and aircraft movements that go through Wellington airport, the lower the unit charges can be set. This is why WIAL is investing significant resources in pursuing the introduction of the discount carrier Virgin Blue and additional Freedom Air services, both of which will stimulate demand.
c. relative land price
The convenient city location of Wellington airport compared to Auckland and Christchurch airport means that the value of WIAL’s land is higher.
5. What does this mean for travellers?
The weighted average increase in charges is equivalent to $4 for a one-way fare, or an additional $0.60 per international passenger, $4.60 per domestic jet passenger and $3.35 per domestic prop passenger.
The amount passengers actually pay will depend on how much of the charge an airline chooses to pass onto the traveller.
The level of increase is unlikely to have a material impact on passenger growth or tourism to the region.
6. Other Issues
Commerce Commission Report on Airfield Activities
In August 2002, after a 4 year inquiry, the Commerce Commission reported to the Government on whether price control should be imposed on airfield activities at any of the 3 major international airports. The Government has not yet concluded their consideration of the report and submissions from interested parties.
The Commission unanimously agreed not to recommend that price control be imposed on WIAL’s airfield activities.
The report also contained a note that a significant increase in WIAL’s airfield activities charges would prompt a recommendation to Government for control. However, only a component of the new charges is represented by airfield activities. Moreover, the note is not the unanimous view of the Commission, it is based on a preference by some Commissioners for valuation methodologies contrary to those used by WIAL and subsequently upheld in an arbitration between WIAL and the airlines. The note is also seriously undermined by a very substantial $16.5 million error by the Commission in calculating WIAL’s assets which was publicly admitted just before Christmas.
Article Last Modified: 05/02/2003
Airport Retail Park - Resource Consent
Wellington International Airport Limited (WIAL) is pleased to advise that the Resource Consents Hearing Commissioners, under delegated authority from the Wellington City Council, have granted land use consent to WIAL to construct and operate a retail centre at the western side of the Airport.
The consent is generally in accordance with WIAL's submissions.
John Sheridan, Chief Executive of WIAL, stated that this was an important milestone in the project development and a very positive result for Wellington and the local community.
"There is a huge level of support from the community, Wellington City Council and retailers for this development to proceed, therefore the Commissioners' decision is most gratifying."
Article Last Modified: 05/11/2002
Government warned of conflict in Qantas-Air NZ decision
The Government has a potential conflict of interest in deciding whether to accept any proposal for Qantas to buy a shareholding in Air New Zealand, a study by leading economic and financial analysts LECG has found.
This conflict is between Government's interests as a shareholder in Air New Zealand and its interests on behalf of the public to ensure a competitive market for airline services.
"Governments can always make easy money by investing in companies and protecting them from competition," LECG says.
The report urges the Government to make clear that its fiscal interests "are subordinate to the need for a competitive market for air travel, as that will do most to promote the welfare of New Zealanders as a whole"
The report notes that in some circumstances co-operation between firms can benefit consumers, and that efficient competition in New Zealand is likely to involve bigger market shares than in larger markets such as the USA. But LECG is urging the Government to let the Commerce Commission examine those issues, and that - unlike the Fonterra dairy merger - the Government should stand back from the Commerce Commission's deliberations on any Qantas proposal.
"Consumers in New Zealand and internationally have been the big winners from increased competition in aviation markets," the report notes - adding that any reduction in the rivalry between Air New Zealand and Qantas risks:
- a rationalisation of routes, with fewer services offered a reduction in the quality of service (including lower frequency of flights, less punctuality and so on)
- higher fares.
"Impacts of this nature would be a high price for society to pay to maintain the value of the Government's equity stake in a commercial company," LECG says.
The report also predicts wider investment effects from the Government's decision on whether to let Qantas take a stake in Air New Zealand. For example, LECG says investors may be wary about putting money in the electricity industry if the Government sets the precedent of using its formal or informal influence over competition policy to protect its own investments from competitive pressure.
The report was commissioned by Wellington International Airport Limited, and was written by LECG principals Graham Scott, Kieran Murray and Colin Lynch. While WIAL has a direct interest in a competitive vibrant aviation market the report is intended to lift the debate above sector interests to address the wider canvas of National Interest.
| LECG Report | |
Article Last Modified: 28/08/2002
New service station development
Wellington International Airport Limited announces the award to Caltex New Zealand Limited of a tender for the lease of a service station site at the entry to the airport.
The site, one of several the airport company now has available for commercial development following the redesign of the entry road to the airport, is ideally situated for motorists visiting the airport and for residents of the eastern suburbs with access from both Broadway and Stewart Duff Drive.
The flagship Caltex service station will include a Starmart convenience store and a state of the art carwash, and is scheduled for completion in early November 2000.
John Sheridan, Chief Executive of the airport company says “The Caltex service station is the first of a number of commercial developments that the airport company is considering on the new sites available at the gateway to the airport”. Other developments may include traveller accommodation, commercial offices and retail outlets.
“The new developments will compliment the newly completed terminal building with its improved facilities for the approx 5.5 million passengers and visitors to the airport annually,” he said.
Article Last Modified: 23/07/2000
First anniversary of new terminal opening
Wellington International Airport Limited will celebrate the one year anniversary of its new terminal building opening on 29 June 2000.
To celebrate the birthday a prize draw competition will be held during June. Travellers and visitors to the airport will have the opportunity to win a range of prizes including airfares for two with Ansett New Zealand, a Mystery Escape for two with Air New Zealand, a $1000 spending spree at the airport shops, and commemorative boxes containing parts of the ‘old tin shed.’
The opening of the new terminal on 29 June 1999 was the culmination of 40 years' effort and dedication on the part of many Wellington personalities.
On 24 October 1959 Wellington Airport was officially opened, with a ‘temporary’ terminal building fashioned from a Second World War aircraft hangar.
The "temporary" terminal of 1959 was intended to be replaced within five years.
But in the 40 years since then, there were four failed attempts at redevelopment. Plans for the present redevelopment were eight years in the making.
One year after the official opening of the new terminal building work continues at the airport to provide more service and retail facilities for the approximately 5.5 million passengers and visitors to the airport every year.
Departing international travellers will benefit from the opening on 30 May of Air New Zealand’s new First Class lounge, and Duty Free Stores (Wellington) Limited’s new store in the international departures lounge which carries an extended range of duty free merchandise opens on Tuesday 6 June.
June also sees the opening of two Vodafone retail outlets and the introduction by CA One Services of “Orient Xpress” and “Burgers Xpress” in the food court.
Article Last Modified: 23/06/2000
Stagecoach Flyer takes off
The Stagecoach Flyer burst onto the scene in a blaze of orange glory recently, launching a new level of transport service for airport customers. The Flyer is a public bus service which runs between Queensgate in Lower Hutt, Wellington city and the airport.
Launched on 31 October, the distinctive buses offer a regular, seven days a week service for very affordable prices.
"The new service will appeal to a wide range of travellers, as it's an easy and inexpensive way of getting to and from the airport," says Gary Craig, Wellington International Airport Ltd's Commercial Manager.
"It can also be used by families as a convenient way to travel into Wellington to visit attractions such as Te Papa and Capital E and then round off the day by sightseeing and shopping at the new airport terminal."
The Stagecoach Flyer buses picks up and drops off passengers from a dedicated bus stop adjacent to the terminal's baggage claim area on the ground floor.
Article Last Modified: 31/10/1999
PM officially opens airport
Prime Minister Jenny Shipley thinks Wellington's new airport terminal will turn other cities green with envy.
Doing the honours at the official opening, Mrs Shipley congratulated the shareholders on their foresight and commitment to progress. Mrs Shipley said thanks to the efforts of the city and its managers Wellington had a bright future to look forward to.
The airport certainly is expanding its capacity. International aircraft landings in Wellington have increased by fifty-four percent since 1995, bringing in an estimated ninety-six million dollars in new money for the capital. Wellington is now the fourth favourite destination in New Zealand.
Mayor Mark Blumsky agreed the new terminal should be admired. And in his view it is another example of the whole Wellington revival.
"It'll now be an even greater pleasure to officially welcome visitors to the Capital - we've now got an airport fit for the 21st century," he said.
Article Last Modified: 15/07/1999
Public celebration draws 20,000
Wellington's newly-completed airport terminal welcomed an enthusiastic throng of around 20,000 visitors to its open day yesterday.
Wellington International Airport communications manager Claire Wood said the reaction from the public had been overwhelmingly positive.
"Now we have a gateway to the city that represents the city in the way it should, something that reflects a cultural and café city," she said.
The terminal's defining feature is a 90 metre long glass front which overlooks the runway. And this view attracts people through after check-in to the 11 retail shops and on to the three brasserie-style eateries, which run along the length of the viewing wall.
This one-level, easy flow system got the thumbs up from visitors. Others appreciated having all the airlines in one terminal, being under cover when grabbing a taxi and the space and natural light in the terminal.
Highlights of the open day activities were the chance to board an Air New Zealand Boeing jumbo jet, to meet former All Blacks and the see all girl band TrueBliss perform.
The terminal opens for business tomorrow and will be officially launched by Prime Minister Jenny Shipley on July 15.
Article Last Modified: 28/08/1999
747 wows a crowd
Five thousand people were wowed when they took the opportunity to board an Air New Zealand Boeing 747-200 jumbo jet during the open day for Wellington's new airport terminal.
The jet touched down at Wellington airport yesterday after doing a fly-by of Athletic Park.
These 17-year old Air New Zealand 747 aircraft are rarely seen in Wellington, and soon they will not be seen in New Zealand at all as this one is the last of five Air New Zealand has sold to Virgin Atlantic. They are being replaced with three new Boeing 747-400s.
Air New Zealand spokesman Alistair Carthew said the plane arrived in 1982 a year after their first one arrived. However it was another six years before a 747 landed at Wellington.
"We are paying our own little tribute to Athletic Park with a plane that has given good service like Athletic Park has," Mr Carthew said.
Article Last Modified: 27/06/1999
Dawn Blessing for airport terminal
A dawn ceremony was held in the early hours of Sunday morning to bless the new terminal at Wellington airport. A sacred Maori dawn ritual, was performed by Te Ati Awa and Tai Uru representatives. The ceremony, called Wahia te ata tu hou! (Launch into the new dawn!) was carried out in order to 'cleanse' the building of bad spirits, and to make it ready for workers who are now commencing training in the building and completing fit-outs.
"We wanted to celebrate the completion of the construction work, and to launch the new building, as it enters this final stage of completion, in the correct manner," says Claire Wood, communications manager Wellington International Airport Limited. The ceremony included invited guests from the airport community including the airlines, retailers, WIAL staff and contractors involved in the construction project. Around 150 people attended.
This new terminal building is a great thing for Wellington," says Wood. "It's been a long time coming, and now that it's here we want to get things going right. We greatly appreciate Te Ati Awa, Tai Uru and the Tenths Trust's assistance in making this happen."
"Spiritually, this blessing ceremony represents a new dawn, which of course is so appropriate for the phase we're now in, with the building about to begin its new life as a working airport terminal."
A public open day and celebration of the new building will be held on Sunday 27 June, and the airport company is aiming to open the building for public use on Tuesday 29 June.
Article Last Modified: 23/06/1999