Procurement opens for key Kaitāia Airport resilience works

An important milestone in the Kaitāia Airport Resilience Project has been reached by Far North District Council, with several construction and upgrade contracts now out for tender as preparations for construction get underway.

The resilience programme is focused on strengthening the airport’s long-term safety, reliability, and operational performance, ensuring it remains a critical transport link for Far North communities.

The project is supported by $5.4 million funding from the government through Te Tari Whakatau - Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana (formerly the Office for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti) and $2.4 million from the council.

Following detailed planning, design, and approvals, the council and Far North Holdings Ltd have now released a suite of pricing packages, creating opportunities for contractors to participate in the delivery of this significant regional infrastructure project.

Pricing packages now open

The following work packages are currently out for tender or pricing:

1. Main runway and apron resurfacing - this package includes resurfacing the main runway and associated apron areas using durable solutions suited to airfields, airfield ground lighting upgrades, a new emergency generator, sub-soil drainage, security upgrades and certain other works on and around the runway and terminal building. This tender is publicly available through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).
2. Drainage upgrade works – pricing is being sought for clearing and restoration of open drains.
3. Airfield perimeter fencing - pricing is being sought for fencing around operational areas of the airport to improve safety and compliance.

Opportunities for local contractors

While the main runway and apron resurfacing package is being released publicly through GETS, local and regional contractors are encouraged to register their interest for the drainage and fencing packages via the council website. This approach supports strong regional participation while ensuring transparency and value for the community.

Contractors can register their interest here.

Registering interest will ensure contractors receive relevant information as procurement progresses and helps inform final work sequencing and delivery timelines.

Project progressing well

The council acknowledges it has been some time since the last public update and thanks the community for its patience during the completion of detailed planning and procurement preparation. With pricing packages now released, the project is entering a more visible phase, with construction timelines to be confirmed following tender evaluation.

Further updates will be shared as procurement progresses and works are confirmed.

For ongoing updates on the Kaitāia Airport Upgrade and Resilience Project, residents and contractors are encouraged to subscribe to the council’s project newsletter.