| 19 T T Kelly Deeks Upgrade to boost West Coast air services The chip-seal runway surface will be replaced with asphalt to reduce foreign object debris and support more efficient aircraft operations. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hokitika Airport Hokitika Airport is preparing for a major upgrade to strengthen its operational resilience and support future growth on the West Coast, with planning, design, and regulatory processes now well advanced and a staged construction expected to start soon. Hokitika Airport and Destination Westland chief executive Melanie Anderson says the project will ensure the airport continues delivering an essential lifeline service for the region. “Hokitika Airport is an extremely important strategic asset, not just for Hokitika but for the whole West Coast,” she says. “In any seismic or weather event, there is a real risk of the Coast being isolated from the rest of the country. We’ve seen that happen before, and the airport plays a critical role in our resilience.” While operating safely today, the airport requires upgrades to modernise infrastructure, improve safety, and future-proof operations for decades to come. “There’s a lot we can do to strengthen resilience, safety, and long-term viability. Our upgrade includes several major components and some minor ones as well,” Melanie says. A full replacement of the airfield lighting is planned, moving from ageing halogen systems to modern LED technology. Melanie says lighting is a key safety feature, due to Hokitika’s coastal weather conditions. “Because of our location, pilots need strong visibility to land. Today, for example, we have precipitation and mist, but no wind, which can reduce visual cues. Our current halogen system is old, has a limited life, and uses a lot of electricity. Upgrading to LED improves reliability, reduces energy consumption, and aligns with our sustainability goals.” Runway resurfacing is another major improvement, with Hokitika believed to be the only chip-seal runway in New Zealand on which Air New Zealand currently operates. The surface will be replaced with asphalt to reduce foreign object debris and support more efficient aircraft operations. “All airfields have their own challenges, and pilots are trained specifically for them. At Hokitika, asphalt will reduce wear and better support emergency and specialist flights.” The airport plays a vital role beyond passenger travel. It enables specialist medical teams to fly into Hokitika, and supports the emergency transfer of patients out to Christchurch. Business travel, specialist appointments, and economic activity also rely heavily on reliable regional air services. “It’s hugely important from a West Coast perspective, especially as we see increased mining activity, new business investment, and projects like Hokitika’s retirement village coming online,” Melanie says. “The airport is a conduit for all of that.” The project also includes apron extensions, increased aircraft manoeuvring space, and expanded aircraft parking. Melanie acknowledges support from local government, development agencies, and iwi, describing the funding process as a collaborative regional effort. “It was humbling to see how strongly our councils, our mayor, and local iwi backed this project. Without that support, it wouldn’t have happened,” she says. With construction now approaching, Hokitika Airport is positioning itself to remain the region’s gateway for tourism, business, and essential services for decades to come. SPECIALIST IN ALL TYPES OF CIVIL CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT HYDROVAC SERVICES DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION SEALING AND ASPHALT SUBDIVISIONS • • • • • AIRPORT RUNWAYS CONSTRUCTION & RESURFACING CIVIL AND STRUCTURES DRAINAGE AND SERVICES • • • Want to know howwe can help? Give us a coll 0800 FHWEST OUR VISION & PURPOSE Creating, connecting, and caring for communities
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