Tauranga Airport: Council sets up working group on future governance

The council is considering Tauranga Airport's future. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale says the council does not plan on selling the city’s airport, but is discussing whether some of its stake could be sold in the future.

In a meeting on Tuesday, Tauranga City councillors decided to set up a working group to look at Tauranga Airport governance and operational options.

The working group comprises the mayor, two elected members, a mana whenua representative and experts.

The airport is owned and operated by the council.

A report authorised by council chief operating and financial officer Craig Rice said the airport was a “strategic infrastructure asset” operated without ratepayer funding.

The report said a new model could give the airport more independent and specialised governance while keeping it accountable to the council.