Company to develop airport plan

French company Egis has been contracted to develop a master plan for Wānaka Airport. PHOTO: ODT...
French company Egis has been contracted to develop a master plan for Wānaka Airport. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Independent group Egis NZ Ltd has been hired to develop a masterplan for Wānaka Airport, which will be presented to the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board next week.

Egis, based in France, has experience in managing 20 airports worldwide and dedicated teams around New Zealand providing relevant sector expertise and advisory services.

At the briefing, Egis will outline its intended programme which will include an overview of community and stakeholder engagement at the centre of the vision’s development.

Egis acknowledged Wānaka Airport was a vital lifeline for the town, connecting it to the rest of New Zealand and the world.

"Supporting over 11 businesses and employing around 250 people, the airport plays a key role in the local economy."

QLDC strategic projects manager Paul Speedy welcomed the independence and relevant skills the Egis team would bring to the process.

"The future of Wānaka Airport is recognised as something really important to the community, especially those in the Upper Clutha many of whom work there or use the site for travel or leisure purposes," Mr Speedy said.

"We know conversations about that future have sometimes been challenging and airports are also really complex entities."

He said these factors highlighted why development of the masterplan needed to be independently facilitated, and engage both the community and stakeholders.

"Wānaka Airport’s future is about more than infrastructure — it’s about strengthening community ties, driving economic growth and celebrating the spirit of aviation. A collaborative, informed strategy will secure its success for generations to come," he said. — APL