ZQN news ISSUE 42 / MAY 2019

Planning a platform for the future Passenger Both Wanaka and Queenstown airport company”), which will support and provide numbers airports were a flurry of activity last value to the communities we serve. This planning month with school holidays, ANZAC will establish a roadmap for future airport growth, Passenger numbers for including infrastructure development, noise Day and the Easter long weekend all February compared to the planning and transport connectivity. same period last year taking place around the same time. The master planning approach for Queenstown It will come as no surprise to many of you then Airport is focused on expanding the current that worldwide demand for air travel continues terminal infrastructure, rather than building a Total to grow, with the International Air Transport wholly new terminal. It will continue to support +11% passengers Association forecasting that the number of airline domestic and trans-Tasman services using turbo- passengers globally will reach 8.2 billion in 2037. prop and narrow-body jet aircraft. The planning will also provide for some expansion to the current Domestic The Southern Lakes region in particular is noise and land boundaries. We recently outlined our +10% passengers considered an attractive place to live, work and current thinking for the master planning at Wanaka play with strong visitor demand and a residential Airport, details of which can be found on Page 8. population that is growing at a higher rate than most of the rest of the country. All of this work will complement regional International planning for transport, accommodation and +14% passengers This demand is forecast to continue over time other infrastructure developments and align with which underlines the importance of Queenstown QLDC’s long-term vision and district-wide spatial and Wanaka airports to residents and visitors alike. master plan. However, recent market trends and insights indicate there could be some headwinds on the horizon for The QAC team has been out and about meeting Passenger numbers for New Zealand’s aviation and tourism sectors. with organisations and individuals across the March compared to the region to share our thinking and listen to feedback same period last year Queenstown and Wanaka airports are part of a and we’ll continue to do this over the coming national network of critical infrastructure assets months. We’re also creating discussion forums on which connect residents and visitors to the our online platforms to encourage people to join Total Southern Lakes region. QAC is responsible for the conversation, so there’s plenty of ways people +5% passengers managing these strategic assets on behalf of its can get involved. two shareholders to ensure they are financially viable and sustainable, generate appropriate As the autumn sun fades and the winter cold snap appears, please take care on the roads as May Domestic returns on assets, and contribute to the region’s passengers economic development and the wellbeing of its frosts look to make an appearance. As always, +7% communities. there’s lots of things happening at both airports and you’ll find the latest news and updates inside. We submitted our draft Statement of Intent (SOI) We hope you enjoy the read. International to QLDC in March outlining our strategic goals +11% passengers for the next three years. Since then we’ve been working on incorporating feedback received both from Council and the community into the final SOI which will be submitted for approval in June.

Ultimately, we aim to bring the long-term planning View all airport stats at for Queenstown and Wanaka airports together to Colin Keel queenstownairport.co.nz/stats present a dual airport model (“two airports, one Chief Executive An update from Queenstown Airport Winter schedule Winter As Winter approaches and the airport Operations team gear-up wonderlands for the first snow day, it’s a good time to give everyone an update on the winter schedule to help plan ahead.

• Overall capacity is scheduled to increase 13% over last winter’s schedule between 1 April and 30 September. • The capacity is mainly in the peak winter months (July up 16%, August up 18%, and September up 17%). • The peak winter weeks are from Monday 8 July to Sunday 21 July, with an average of 63 daily flights for this period (arrivals and departures). For more airport statistics please visit www.queenstownairport.co.nz/stats.

There’s always lots happening Ski field scheduled around the region over Winter. opening dates: Here’s some key dates for your Coronet Peak diary so you don’t miss out on 15 June – early October the snow action, with many The Remarkables more events to be added once 8 June – late September the ski-fields open. Cardrona 1 June – mid October New services Treble Cone for Winter 27 June Snow Farm (TBC) Qantas has added a new Melbourne-ZQN route (around Other events to watch out for: 10,000 seats), while Qantas’ Sydney services are also going from 10 to Queenstown Winter Festival 13 per week over the ski season 20 – 23 June with an additional flight being NZ Mountain Film Festival added on Tuesdays, Thursdays and 28 June – 6 July Sundays. Jetstar is also doubling its daily service on the Sydney route NZ Winter Games from 1 to 2 over ski season with 23 August – 7 September a new afternoon flight added. Winter Pride 30 August – 8 September

ZQN news MAY 2019 Winter ambassadors As part of our support of the Real Journeys Queenstown Winter Festival, Queenstown Airport will SECURITY play host to our very first airport- FIRST based winter ambassadors who We’re always looking at ways to will welcome visitors to our place, improve safety and security at encouraging them to care for our Queenstown and Wanaka airports. region during their stay. In the security space, we’re going to be updating all of our The idea stems from our support of the pedestrian access gates around nationwide Tiaki Promise to ensure everyone the perimeter fence to electronic who visits New Zealand has a better swipe card access. This initiative understanding of what makes us special and replaces the old mechanical push share ways on how to take care of our country button pads and helps us employ for future generations to enjoy. Lookout for the technology solutions to continue cheery team in the arrivals area and forecourt, to ensure the security of the who’ll be armed with lots of helpful info airfield, community, passengers and encouraging people to get involved and and our staff. participate in the great festival line-up during SAVE THE DATE their stay. Queenstown Airport Security Week For more information on the Tiaki Promise 20–24 May visit www.tiakinewzealand.com

Avenue Q

At QAC we love the arts and it’s a key part of our strategy house to enhance and protect the arts, heritage and culture of the communities we serve. As part of our community support of this important sector, we’re proud to support Avenue Q, this year’s live stage production from Showbiz Queenstown.

Held at the Queenstown Memorial Centre between 16-25 May, it’s billed as “part flesh, part felt and packed with heart”. Think of it as a laugh-out-loud musical often referred to as ‘Sesame Street for Adults’. The winner of numerous Tony awards, Avenue Q has received critical acclaim on Broadway and the West End and is packed full of catchy songs and hilarious dialogue. It tackles subjects such as inclusiveness, racism, homosexuality and diversity within our community using humour, many poignant moments and yes, full puppet nudity! It is not a show for kids and has an R16 rating, though younger teens can attend with parents. The QAC team will be attending in force so come along, join us and see what all the Fuzz is about! Tickets available at Eventfinda. Strategy house QAC as an organisation has expanded, particularly over the past five years. With the responsibility for managing and developing both Queenstown and Wanaka airports, it is critical that QAC’s organisational structure effectively supports the dual airport business model.

As we operate, plan and develop Queenstown and Wanaka airports, we look to integrate all aspects of our business, with the aspiration that the airports managed by QAC are recognised as innovative and representing the best of their regional communities. This reflects our desire to be: goals which help us focus our efforts across the organisation. These • Innovative in our thinking, planning, processes, technology, have been further distilled into priorities against which we measure resourcing and infrastructure development our performance. • Integrated as one team which manages both airports whilst We recently shared the strategy house with the wider QAC team preserving their unique identities and connecting them to their to celebrate these aspirations and explore our why and the reasons communities people love working at ZQN. We were lucky enough to hear from • Create an outstanding first and last impression of the destinations Cardrona General Manager, Bridget Legnavsky, who shared her views represented by the airports, reflecting the best of the region in our and experience with the teams. people, customer offerings, infrastructure and sustainable practices. Our direction of travel is reflected in the strategy house we’ve created, You can view QAC’s Strategy House on our website under which sets out our aspiration, purpose, major streams of work or Company and Purpose and Values. themes and key priorities. The four themes identified are common

The QAC team’s values provide the foundations of the strategy house.

ZQN news MAY 2019 From Customs to Immigration Queenstown Airport’s new Immigration Border “Decisions on whether to refuse entry to New Zealand are always Manager, Terry Chilton, has over ten years’ made as a team and that’s an important part of why we work so well experience protecting New Zealand’s borders. together. At the end of the day, the decisions we make can affect people’s lives forever. Cancelling a visa or stopping travel can impact Initially starting out at Customs in 2007, with people from travelling in the future so it’s a big responsibility.” stints at Auckland and Christchurch airports, he came to ZQN in June 2016 initially just to help- Terry refers to the “crucial work” the ‘offshore team’ (based in New Zealand) do to keep NZ safe from unwanted people entering out for a short time, then permanently from the country before they leave their country of origin. December 2016 as a Supervising Customs Officer. “Learning about the work they do to ensure visas are correct, Fast track a few years and Terry was offered a passports up-to-date, information is available to the public and being two-year secondment to the Immigration team as aware of people security risks is an extensive part of the agency’s Border Manager for ZQN and Wellington Airport. role. If we do that part well then you shouldn’t have to interact with an Immigration Officer at the airport.” One of the appeals of the move was the challenge of working with a larger Government organisation and seeing how the different Terry’s biggest challenge with the new role is managing the departments work. “By having a good understanding of both two teams remotely, while based in Queenstown. He travels to agencies, I can bring them closer together and develop a good Wellington regularly and holds video conference calls in-between understanding of each agency’s issues and processes,” said Terry. which helps keep him connected. Terry cites the good working relationship between all the border “We’re doubling the size of the teams at Queenstown and agencies at Queenstown Airport as one of the keys to successfully Wellington, so ensuring a cohesive and engaged team at both managing a team at Queenstown. He’s also got a lot of positive airports is key.” things to say about his peers from Christchurch Airport’s Immigration To assist with the growth, the Border Agencies’ area at Queenstown team who’ve been “really supportive of the move” – “they’re a good Airport has undergone an expansion and spruce-up to ensure bunch”, adds Terry. sufficient space. Some of the upgrades include new interview rooms, According to Terry, protecting New Zealand’s borders from unwanted waiting areas, offices, lunch room and additional shared areas for risk (in Immigration’s case that’s people) takes patience, tolerance, passengers. people skills and the ability to think on your feet and to make the So are there any “better work stories” Terry can share with us? Have right decisions under pressure. Terry’s desire to help his community a read of “The Year at Border” on the immigration website here – was a key driver to him entering the world of border agencies. www.immigration.govt.nz “I get that from my Mum I reckon. The need to do my bit.” Some of the risks the Immigration team manages are those coming to New Zealand to work illegally, incorrect visas and people who are a genuine risk to the country’s security and safety. Scaling the Why I fly? Sky Tower Queenstown and Wanaka The spirit of ingenuity and progress that airports have a long history of the industry breeds, and the people that The Sky Tower Stair Challenge aviation, with the early pioneers have and continue to make it incredible, is the annual rite of passage for are inspirations to us all. Over the next year firefighters from across NZ and proud to call the Southern Lakes we’ll be delving into the lives of well-known the world who compete for the region home. Queenstown (and not so well-known) locals who love fastest climber title, while also Airport itself has been in its to fly. They fly for business, for love, for a raising funds for Leukaemia and passion, to scale new heights, to chase their Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC). current location since 1935 and Wanaka’s history arguably dreams. We’ll ask them why they love to fly, This year, QAC has five members of starts with Sir Tim Wallis and the understanding their passion and drive for their work, life and our region. the Rescue Fire (RF) team heading to Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow Auckland’s Sky Tower on May 18th to over 30 years ago. Watch this space as we’ll share our first give it a go as part of the event’s 15th video online soon. Why do we fly? year celebrations. As well as raising awareness and fundraising in the terminal, Gavin, Simon, Claire, Kylie and Richard are adding a bit of fun to their fundraising efforts this year, with LUMA Southern Light Project a ‘Guess the Flip’ competition. Members of the Queenstown Airport community can guess how long it will take for each of the team to flip a 92kg tyre the length of the 890-metre crosswind runway, as well as how many ‘flips’ it will take, with all monies going towards the cause. Previous RF competitor, and 2018 third place getter, Gavin Mason is keen to make it to the top tier again, this time bringing his colleagues along with him. “We’re looking forward to a good, close tussle with Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson and Dunedin airports,” said Gavin. All the best team! If you’d like to donate to the cause, visit www.firefightersclimb.org.nz 1000 firefighters will race 51 flights of stairs

Queenstown Airport loves shining Airport will play host to Trilogy, an interactive a light on events happening installation designed by artist Simon Holden around our region, especially in (South Island Light Orchestra). It will be 1103 located in the airport forecourt during individual steps the world of arts and culture. June. Lighting up in unexpected places and This year we’re joining the LUMA Southern adding a splash of magic to the Queenstown Light Project event as installation partners, Gardens, LUMA features a wide range Wearing up to lighting up the lives of our passengers of light-themed art, light installations, and staff. Following LUMA, held in the interactive activities and even a pop-up bar Queenstown Gardens over Queen’s Birthday and openair cinema. For more information, 25KG weekend (May 31 – June 3), Queenstown visit www.luma.nz of kit

ZQN news MAY 2019 Why I fly? Easter Bunny hopped in Fire and ice For the first time, the Easter Bunny came to Queenstown Airport with over 150 local and visiting children finding and devouring over 300 chocolate eggs hidden around the terminal.

Eager local children were waiting with anticipation from 9.45am to meet the Easter Bunny herself. Each child was given a map and 5 large cartoon eggs were hidden around the airport for them to locate, mark on their map and then find the Easter bunny to claim their chocolate treat. It’s always great to bring some light-hearted fun for our smallest LUMA Southern Light Project travellers and local residents. With a bit of luck the bunny will be back next year and who knows, she may even hop in to Wanaka Airport next time!

Proving that fire and ice do mix, our very own Rescue Fire fighter Rikki-Lee returned from Romania recently, bringing with her a silver medal from the International Ice Hockey Federation Tournament.

Along with the rest of the medal-winning New Zealand Ice Fernz team, Rikki-Lee did us all proud winning all bar one of the games. After an intense week-long training camp in Vienna, and a couple of exhibition games, the team went on to Brasov in Romania to compete on the world stage. According to Rikki-Lee, an especially exciting game was against firm rivals, Iceland. “Every year it’s always an extremely close and physical game and this one was no different. It was a hard-fought battle, but we managed to take the win with a finishing Rescue Fire — Leading the way score of 2-1. It’s one I’ll never forget.” Four of Queenstown Airport’s detailing fire training drills, hot fire breathing “It was an intense two weeks of mental, Rescue Fire fighters visited apparatus drills and pressure feeding fuel physical and emotional challenges, but it was Auckland Airport’s dedicated fires with coordinated attack at the Marsden an amazing experience with a great group Point Refinery. fire training facility recently of girls. Coming home with the silver medal The two-week long course enabled them was such a proud moment that I will never to successfully complete their forget and I couldn’t have achieved it without to grow their firefighting experience, Senior Firefighters course. the help of my amazing sponsors, one being develop leadership skills and learn the latest Queenstown Airport.” Claire, Jordan, Richard and Gavin took part techniques to ensure QAC’s Rescue Fire team alongside members of the team from are trained to the highest standards. Thanks Congrats Rikki-Lee. The team loved Auckland and Invercargill airports. The course to AIAL and well done to the team welcoming you home to ZQN. We’re involved a number of challenges, including for passing with flying colours. incredibly proud. Here’s how you Wanaka Airport – can get involved: Current thinking It is important that as we progress the planning of Wanaka Airport that members of the community and other stakeholders take the time now to help us shape its future.

Participating in online discussions, surveys and events will help us gather valuable feedback and ideas. We encourage you to register on our online forum so you can get involved in conversations as they happen and receive the latest information on developments at Wanaka Airport.

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QAC is developing a dual airport model for Queenstown and Wanaka airports (“two airports, one airport company”) which will provide infrastructure to enable sustainable air services to the Southern Lakes region across both airports. The master plans will show how the two airports will work together with gradual, phased development out to 2045. While there is still more work to be done, we’d like to share our thinking to date on the master plan for Wanaka Airport: • A significant percentage of current passenger movements at Queenstown Airport directly relate to people coming from/going to Wanaka so there is already natural demand for scheduled air services to support the growing number of Keep up people who live in, work in and visit Wanaka and surrounding communities. • This natural demand is forecast to increase over time which underlines the to date with importance of Wanaka Airport to residents and visitors alike. our news • With this in mind, we are planning to develop a regional airport at Wanaka that will support scheduled domestic services using turbo-prop (Q300 and ATR) and narrow-body jet (A320/21 and B737) aircraft beginning with about a handful of @NZQN such services and for several years thereafter. queenstownairport • We are not planning to accommodate wide-body aircraft or a large international airport at Wanaka Airport. queenstownairport • Given the detailed planning and construction required, it is unlikely that scheduled domestic services would begin at Wanaka Airport before 2025. wanakaairport • We plan to continue to enable the diverse general aviation activities and events wanakaairport currently at Wanaka Airport. • We are committed to embedding our guiding principles of sustainable, adaptable, affordable and memorable into the planning and development of Wanaka Airport. www.queenstownairport.co.nz www.wanakaairport.com

WKA news MAY 2019