Contracts worth more than $7 million to upgrade Kaitāia Airport are out for tender or pricing. Photo / FNDC
A much-needed upgrade of Kaitāia Airport to guarantee its future has moved closer with contracts for work worth more than $7 million out for tender.
Last year the pathway for Kaitāia Airport to return to Ngai Takoto and Ngati Kahu hapu was cleared, with Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka joining iwi and the council at a ceremony which marked the entering of a long-term lease for the airport between iwi and the Far North District Council – to take effect once title transfers – and the Government contracting $5.4m with the council for maintenance and upgrade work.
Ngai Takoto confirmed they will purchase Kaitāia Airport in line with their Treaty settlement provisions. The airport land was offered to Ngai Takoto as part of their Treaty settlement in 2012 on the condition that airport operations would continue.
Now, an important milestone in the Kaitāia Airport Resilience Project has been reached by the council, with several construction and upgrade contracts now out for tender as preparations for construction get underway.
The resilience programme is focused on strengthening the airport’s long-term safety, reliability, and operational performance, ensuring it remains a critical transport link for Far North communities. The project is supported by $5.4m funding from the government through Te Tari Whakatau – Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana (formerly the Office for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti) and $2.4m from the council.
Following detailed planning, design, and approvals, the council and Far North Holdings Ltd have now released a suite of pricing packages, creating opportunities for contractors to participate in the delivery of this significant regional infrastructure project.
A number of different ‘packages’ for work on the protect are out for tender or pricing.
■ Main runway and apron resurfacing – this package includes resurfacing the main runway and associated apron areas using durable solutions suited to airfields, airfield ground lighting upgrades, a new emergency generator, sub-soil drainage, security upgrades and certain other works on and around the runway and terminal building. This tender is publicly available through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).
■ Drainage upgrade works – pricing is being sought for clearing and restoration of open drains.
■ Airfield perimeter fencing – pricing is being sought for fencing around operational areas of the airport to improve safety and compliance.
The council said there are opportunities for local contractors to take up some of the work.
“While the main runway and apron resurfacing package is being released publicly through GETS, local and regional contractors are encouraged to register their interest for the drainage and fencing packages via the council website. This approach supports strong regional participation while ensuring transparency and value for the community.”
The council said registering interest will ensure contractors receive relevant information as procurement progresses and helps inform final work sequencing and delivery timelines.
The council said it has been some time since the last public update and thanked the community for its patience during the completion of detailed planning and procurement preparation. With pricing packages now released, the project is entering a more visible phase, with construction timelines to be confirmed following tender evaluation. Further updates will be shared as procurement progresses and works are confirmed.
In June, FNDC officers met in Kaitāia with representatives of Ngai Takoto, Te Paatu, Patukoraha and Ngai Tohianga, joined by airport operator Far North Holdings Ltd (FNHL) and Councillor Hilda Halkyard-Harawira.
The gathering confirmed how the partners will work together during the upgrade programme, agreeing to convene a monthly partnership team meeting to review designs, procurement steps and any issues.
Keeping the aerodrome open and safe during the works is a top priority and FNHL will walk operators through the staged construction plan at its Safety & Security User Group in July.