Major runway project nears completion

Construction work on a $1.3 million Far North Holdings Ltd project to improve the runway at the Bay of Islands Airport at Kerikeri should be completed by the end of this month (March).

Work on the resurfacing contract for the 1190-metre runway being carried out by EDI Downer Ltd. started last month (February) and is being carried out at night to avoid disruption to passenger services.

The 36,000 sq.metres of sealed runway is receiving a 45 mm overlay of an asphaltic concrete mix designed to substantially reduce maintenance costs and improve runway life.

Company chairman Tony Norman says the investment in the popular tourist and commuter gateway to the Far North is designed to keep the airport facilities ahead of increasing commercial demand and enable the use of the airport by heavier aircraft.

"For the past nine years the company has been rebuilding the structure of the runway, including a significant investment in sub-soil drainage to improve runoff. The seal overlay should keep the surface maintenance free for up to three years and better accommodate the Q300 aircraft now using the airport.

"Further seal overlays will be required at a later date to continue the process of building runway strength to accommodate commercial demand," he says.

The project was initially scheduled for construction late in 2008 but work was delayed while alternative new designs were evaluated.

"The delay has proved worthwhile and has meant we now have an improved design specification without any increase in costs," he says.

Mr Norman says the work is part of an ongoing programme at the airport to improve aircraft facilities and passenger comfort and convenience, as well as strengthening local economies by encouraging new business initiatives to the Far North.

A recent example is the establishment of a Hertz car rental business at the airport by John & Lesley Noonan, which offers vehicle storage and valet services in addition to their rental car business.

Mr Norman says depending on the growth in passenger numbers, the next priority is expected to be an enlargement of the passenger terminal.

"It is significant that the Bay of Islands Airport is the only airport of its size in New Zealand which is funded without subsidy support from external agencies. As a company we are proud of the improvements we have been able to make," he says.