Nelson Airport’s lead role in actively enabling regional growth, backed by a future-focused vision, has won recognition at the 2026 Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, with the airport team honoured to receive the Large Business Award. The annual awards celebrate and showcase business success, innovation and creativity.
“We’re really passionate about serving our community and representing our community in the terminal and in all things we do, and we’re passionate about connecting Nelson Tasman domestically and to the world.”
Nelson Airport was praised for its vision and impact, as well as its focus on customer experience, sustainability and long-term resilience. The judges observed that a strong internal culture and genuine commitment to community contribution also added to the airport standing out as ‘a regional asset confidently shaping what comes next’.
“This is great recognition for our wonderful team and their hard work,” says Nelson Airport chief executive Brendan Cook. “We’re really passionate about serving our community and representing our community in the terminal and in all things we do, and we’re passionate about connecting Nelson Tasman domestically and to the world.”
Nelson Airport – the busiest regional airport in Aotearoa – is tipped to contribute around $2.5 billion to regional GDP over the coming decade. On top of the airport’s own team, hundreds of people are on-site every day, from airline engineers and mechanics to local business operators. As the gateway to Te Tāuihu, the airport is of vital importance to the visitor and tourism economy.
With a bold and sustainable award-winning design, the terminal building expresses a strong regional identity that travellers love. Two months ago, the airport installed ‘always on’ survey technology, inviting customer feedback. “What can happen when you invite feedback like this is it risks becoming a dumping ground for complaints, but instead the complete opposite has happened here – the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Brendan.
A striking new addition to the terminal in 2026 is a 22-metre-long airborne waka, suspended above the arrivals and departures hall. Delivered in partnership with Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu, the waka functions as a tomokanga – or gateway – into the region and honours the stories and identity of Te Tauihu. “It has been very well received by the community, not just the travelling public, but also school and community groups doing special tours and visits,” Brendan says.
Source: Nelson Airport’s Facebook reels.
The Nelson Airport arrivals and departures experience will be further enhanced this December when a new 140-metre covered walkway opens, linking the terminal to southern aircraft parking stands. Designed to boost passenger comfort and reduce emissions, it includes nearly 200 roof-mounted solar panels for on-site clean energy generation. The new walkway will feature local art and photography on its walls to showcase the region.
With its location by Tasman Bay, Nelson Airport is very conscious of climate change and the potential for more frequent flooding and storm surge events in future. The airport has a multi-year, multi-million dollar programme of stormwater resilience improvements underway to update ageing infrastructure and accommodate future growth and development.
“We’re doing the work needed to ensure the region has a resilient and reliable airport facility into the future,” Brendan says. Events like January’s Walk the Runway, which raised $10,700 for Blood Cancer NZ, along with various sponsorships and charitable support, further highlight the airport’s deep commitment to the region and local community.
© Waterford Press Ltd 2026 – Independent Print Media New Zealand
