Taupo Airport manager Michael Groome has had an extensive career in aviation, both in operational roles and as a pilot and has also been a farmer.
He initially signed up for a one-year fixed contract but stayed on and has overseen several important milestones at the airport, including a new safety management system.
Head of economic development and business transformation John Ridd says Michael’s contribution to the airport and the Taupo Airport Authority has been outstanding, and he will be greatly missed.
“Under Michael’s guidance the airport has gone from strength to strength. In the more than ten years he has been manager we have seen Sounds Air come to Taupo and there has been huge growth in both general aviation activity and passenger numbers.
“He has also been heavily involved with the proposed redevelopment of the airport and is leaving it on a really strong footing,” he says.
Michael says he greatly enjoyed working with the team at the airport and in a challenging but fulfilling role. “It’s been a wonderful and very rewarding experience.
“The airport has really come a long, long way in the last 12 years and it has been great to be able to be a part of that journey,” he says.
Deputy airport manager Kim Gard will be acting manager of the airport until a replacement has been found for the role.
