-
- Education east
- Environment east
- Managing Aircraft Noise east
- Engaging with local Māori east
- Community Giving and Fundraising east
- People east
- Smart Design and Construction east
- Economic Contribution east
- Ethical Business east
Auckland Airport is fortunate to be located on the shores of the beautiful Manukau Harbour and we want to play our part to protect this natural environment. As an airport, we have strict responsibilities to protect the airfield from birds which can damage jet engines and endanger travellers, and as such, we have an active wildlife hazard management programme in place. This programme includes discouraging birds from high-risk areas around the airport and encouraging them to relocate to areas where they pose less harm.
However there are still opportunities to enhance the natural environment by focussing on low-risk species, planting in low-risk areas and improving the quality of the water that surrounds us.
The tūturiwhatu
The tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) is one species that is not discouraged from settling at Auckland Airport. Our predator control and careful watch has encouraged a successful breeding programme around the grassed areas of the airfield.
Similarly, nests can be found elsewhere on the precinct throughout the year and these are protected by Auckland Airport’s wildlife team. When essential work needs to be completed, project teams and the wildlife team work collaboratively to ensure nests are protected from these works.
Landscape planting
Over 70% of visitors to New Zealand pass through Auckland Airport. We want our passengers to appreciate the unique beauty of our country’s landscape and to create an attractive business hub.
As part of the Transport Hub, a new 40,000m2 plaza area was developed which includes 680 metres of covered walkways plus boardwalks, taking customers past the well-known Jean Batten statue. The contemporary outdoor area hosts extensive native planting with 21 large Pōhutukawa trees re-located from across the precinct and more than 43,000 native plants, 4,000 of which came from local nurseries.
The outdoor space connects the international terminal with the hotels (Novotel and Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel) and the Transport Hub.
Improving the quality of water discharges
Auckland Airport is undertaking actions to adapt to the changing climate to ensure the airport remains a resilient gateway for New Zealand. We have significantly expanded and upgraded our stormwater management system to improve flood resilience and water treatment on the precinct. This involved the installation of 3,500 m2 of new stormwater pipes and the construction of a coupled wetland biofilter. The wetland biofilter removes contaminants through natural processes like sedimentation and plant uptake, with a small stormwater pond biofiltration system providing additional treatment and temporary storage during heavier rain. The biofilter ensures any water discharged will be of the highest quality, helping maintain water quality in the Manukau Harbour.