Queenstown, Dunedin and North Shore named Airports of the Year

The 2025 NZ Airports Awards were presented recently at the Omaka Aviation Museum in Blenheim, supported by Beca.

Awards recognised achievements in infrastructure, community engagement, commercial and sustainability projects, along with outstanding individual and technical excellence.

“This was the toughest year yet for our judging panel, highlighting just how much exceptional work is going on across the airport network to deliver for their regions and communities,” says NZ Airports chief executive Billie Moore.

Queenstown Airport was named Large Airport of the Year for exceptional performance across safety, commercial and community outcomes.

A key highlight was the delivery of Australasia’s first Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), setting a new benchmark for runway safety and resilience. Judges also noted Queenstown’s operational excellence, from the redevelopment of Skippers Café to strong community engagement.

Dunedin Airport received Medium Airport of the Year for leadership, regional collaboration and operational delivery.

The airport led the formation of the Southern Airports Alliance, bringing together airports and councils across the lower South Island to create the One Trip to See It All tourism initiative. Judges described it as a pioneering model of regional cooperation with long-term benefits for connectivity and growth.

Dunedin also completed its Taxiway Rehabilitation Project and celebrated the return of international services with Jetstar.

North Shore Airport was named Small Airport of the Year for its leadership, innovation and contribution to New Zealand’s aviation community.

Judges commended North Shore for expanding its Young Eagles aviation education programme, which doubled participation and connects young people with aviation careers.

Karen Wilson, operations coordinator at Hamilton Airport, received the Emerging Leader of the Year award.

Karen began at the airport’s bookshop just five years ago and now coordinates operations spanning private jet movements, emergency exercises and terminal cafés. She leads a team of more than 20, and has introduced initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme and new car park technology. Judges described her as “humble, unstoppable, and deeply trusted”.

A new Aeronautical Excellence Award recognised Blackmaps Geospatial for its Rotorua Airport Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey and Model. By combining LiDAR, drone surveys and geospatial data into an interactive platform, Blackmaps has transformed how airports manage flight path obstacles. Judges called it a model for other airports nationwide.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners. These awards showcase the scale of work airports deliver behind the scenes – investing in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation that deliver lasting benefits to their regions,” says Billie.

Full list of NZ Airports Awards 2025 winners