Widespread approval as Kaitāia Airport’s future secured with iwi partnership and $5.4m funding

The pathway for Kaitāia Airport to return to NgāiTakoto and Ngāti Kahu hapū was cleared at a ceremony marking the entering of a long-term lease for Kaitāia Airport between iwi and the Far North District Council. Photo / FNDC

• Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu hapū will own Kaitāia Airport land, with a 35-year lease to the Far North District Council.
• The Government and council will fund $5.4 million for maintenance and upgrades, ensuring long-term operation.
• The deal is praised as a significant win for the Te Hiku community and the Far North.

Marking years of negotiation, the deal securing the future of Kaitāia Airport has been met with widespread approval by leaders across the Far North.

The historic partnership sees Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu hapū taking ownership of the land, with the Far North District Council continuing operations under a 35-year lease.

The pathway for Kaitāia Airport to return to Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu hapū was cleared – with Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka joining iwi and council – at a ceremony marking the entering of a long-term lease for Kaitāia Airport between iwi and the Far North District Council (to take effect once title transfers); and the Government contracting $5.4 million with the council for maintenance and upgrade work.

With these arrangements now in place, Ngāi Takoto confirmed they will purchase Kaitāia Airport in line with their Treaty settlement provisions.

NgāiTakoto also confirmed the land will be held in a joint trust with Ngāti Kahu hapū – Patukoraha, Ngāi Tohianga and Te Paatu – who also hold strong interests in the land.

Among those attending the ceremony, on Friday, were Minister for Māori Crown Relations Tama Potaka, Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford, and fellow councillors, Ngāi Takoto and representatives of Te Paatu, Patukoraha, Ngāi Tohianga.

Under the deal, the airport land will be returned to Ngāi Takoto, Te Paatu, Patukoraha and Ngāi Tohianga, FNDC will lease the airport from iwi and hapū for 35 years and the council’s commercial arm, Far North Holdings Limited, will operate and manage the facility. The council will pay the landowners $80,000 excluding GST each year for the lease.

The agreement will see the Office for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti release $5.4 million in funding allocated last year for urgent maintenance required to keep the site operational. This will be topped up with another $2.4m from the council which was earmarked for capital works in its long-term plan 2024-27.

Council chief executive Guy Holroyd said the deal was a huge win for the Te Hiku community, iwi and hapū, and for all of the Far North.

“Gaining security of tenure over a vital second airport in a district the size of the Far North is a milestone. There has been a lot of uncertainty about the airport’s future, and I want to thank iwi and hapū for engaging with all parts of the council to find a solution.”

He said the deal – including a 35-year lease – enables the council to plan effectively and invest in the airport’s infrastructure, further enhancing its long-term viability.

Tepania said that without the airport, the only transport alternative for most Te Hiku residents is a long road journey.

“This is particularly critical during medical emergencies when flying to hospitals in Whangārei or Auckland can literally be a lifesaver.”

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania said the airport was a vital transport hub for the Far North and that without the airport, the only transport alternative for most Te Hiku residents is a long road journey.

He said to reflect the importance of the transport hub for the entire area, discussions are being held on renaming the airport.

“Just like our Mid North airport at Kerikeri, which is called Bay of Islands Airport, I want to see the importance of this airport recognised and we will be in discussions with mana whenua and our community on renaming it the Te Hiku Airport.

Northland MP Grant McCallum said residents in Kaitāia and the wider Northland electorate can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Northland Grant McCallum thanked all those involved in reaching the successful outcome that would benefit the community.

“Kaitāia Airport is an important piece of infrastructure for our community. It’s used as a Civil Defence base, regional air ambulance flights, and an alternative to the State Highway network.

“I would personally like to thank all those involved in helping to reach a successful conclusion that benefits our community.

“This announcement ensures the continued operation of Kaitāia Airport, and maintenance and upgrade work provide it with a long-term future. This is a great win for Northlanders, particularly the people of Kaitāia,” McCallum said.

Potaka echoed sentiments that the airport was a vital regional asset and said it was a long journey, but worthwhile in the end.

“I know it’s been a challenging journey to reach this agreement ensuring future operation of the airport and I’d like to thank the Iwi and hapū for their ongoing commitment to reaching a resolution. I hope today is a relief for many people to know that issues relating to ownership and degradation of the airport facilities are being addressed.

“With a long-term lease for Kaitāia Airport able to be agreed with the Far North District Council, and the Government committing to investing in urgent maintenance and upgrades work, we have been able to safeguard the continued operation of Kaitāia Airport.”