The report, which will be presented to Council, seeks approval for a programme of work to assess options for the airport's future governance and operating model.
Tauranga Airport is a strategic infrastructure asset that supports regional connectivity, tourism, business travel, trade and investment. The airport is currently operated as a standalone council activity and does not receive ratepayer funding.
Council is being asked to endorse further analysis of whether the airport would benefit from a more specialised governance and operating model. The review reflects the airport's commercial nature, operational scale, regulatory environment, risk profile and future capital requirements.
The proposed work programme would assess a range of options, including retaining the current model, establishing a trust, creating a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), or establishing a Council-Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO). Staff would also investigate options that could provide flexibility for future capital raising while retaining council control.
As part of the process, Council is also being asked to establish an Airport Working Group comprising two elected members and one mana whenua representative. The working group would provide oversight and guidance throughout the options development process, including stakeholder engagement, due diligence and assessment of potential governance models.
Tauranga City Council’s Head of Commercial, Alastair McNeil, says this decision is about progressing the review of future ownership only.
"Council is not being asked to make any decisions on the future ownership or governance of the airport at this stage. The proposal is simply to undertake further analysis of the available options and bring the findings back to Council for consideration."
Tauranga Airport is identified as a strategic asset in Council's Long-term Plan and Significance and Engagement Policy. And any future decision involving a material change to ownership, governance or control would be subject to public consultation through the Long-term Plan 2027-37 process.
If approved, staff will report back to Council with the outcomes of the analysis, recommendations from the Airport Working Group, and a preferred option together with any alternatives.
Council meeting
Tauranga City Council meeting
Council Chambers, 90 Devonport Road
Tuesday, 22 September 2026, 9.30am
The full agenda is available on Council’s website. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.