Te Anau Airport Hunts Private Investors
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Te Anau Airport Manapōuri has been losing money since Southland District Council bought it in 2002. Whether that changes soon depends on what comes out of an RFP process that closed on June 12.
The six-week request for proposals, managed by development agency Great South, sought private capital and expertise to make the airport commercially sustainable without giving up local control. Councillor Sarah Greaney, who chairs the airport governance group, said appraisals were under way.
"We're working through the RFP process with further meetings scheduled in the coming weeks. I am optimistic and excited that we will be getting traction in the near future on some of the things we've been working on," Greaney said.
"There's a lot of promising things in the pipeline with a whole raft of different opportunities on the cusp of coming together."
The options explored over the past two years have ranged from private investment and increased commercial operations to hangar home development and leasing the café space. The goal, Greaney said, is straightforward: cut the financial burden on Fiordland ratepayers by building new revenue streams while keeping the land and core infrastructure in council hands.
"Ultimately, the aim is to reduce the financial burden on Fiordland ratepayers by creating revenue streams to support the airport while retaining the land and core infrastructure," she said.
There are some early wins to point to. The runway resealing project came in under budget. Meridian has been using the airport café kitchen over winter to support a nearby project, adding short-term income. A permanent café lease has been advertised, and negotiations with potential tenants are ongoing.
Aviation activity has picked up too, with larger aircraft linked to Tauck Tour operations and more inbound and outbound tour operators using the airport — raising its profile and generating fresh industry interest.
Greaney said the year had been a positive one overall. "While several projects remain in development, the airport is positioning itself for long-term growth and greater resilience," she said.
Further meetings on the RFP are scheduled in the coming weeks.