This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Wellington Airport has welcomed fast-track approval for its southern seawall renewal project, describing it as a major long-term investment in protecting the airport’s operations and regional connectivity.
The project will upgrade the airport’s southern seawall, which faces directly into the Southern Ocean and is exposed to significant wave activity in Cook Strait.
Infrastructure protection focus
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke says the existing seawalls date back to the 1950s and are now reaching the end of their operational lifespan.
“Wellington Airport’s seawalls were constructed starting in 1954, and from that date various improvements and extensions have been added. The southern seawall is now reaching the end of its lifespan and needs a major upgrade,” Matt says.
He says the airport’s southern runway area regularly experiences severe ocean conditions.
“The south end of the airport runway faces directly into the Southern Ocean. Wave heights in Cook Strait regularly exceed 10 metres and require substantial seawall defences to withstand major weather events.”
Matt says the renewed seawall is intended to help safeguard airport operations and connectivity for decades.
“The renewed seawall will protect airport operations for decades to come, so we can continue connecting Wellington to the world.”
First Wellington fast-track approval
The seawall renewal is the first project in the Wellington region to receive approval through the Government’s fast-track consenting process.
Matt says the project has involved years of planning work, including consultation with airlines, councils, iwi and local residents.
“This approval reflects that hard work and we’ll continue to work closely with all of our neighbours and stakeholders throughout the delivery of the project.”
The project will involve constructing a new seawall over the existing structure using large concrete armour units and rock protection.
Enabling works are expected to begin later this year, with construction currently planned for Wellington Airport’s 2029-2034 capital programme, subject to further consultation with airline partners.
