Queenstown Airport has broken ground on Airport House, a two-storey office development designed to achieve a minimum 5 Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council. The NZ$23 million (US$23 million) project marks a milestone for the Queenstown Lakes District, where no commercial building has yet earned Green Star certification.
Chief executive Shane O'Hare framed the project as a statement of intent for the airport's wider sustainability strategy. “We want to lead by example and show what's possible through thoughtful design, innovation, and long-term thinking,” he said. The building will consolidate airport staff, New Zealand Police, and partner agencies into a single modern workplace, replacing several dispersed locations.
Integrated operations and emergency response
Airport House will house an Integrated Operations Centre and a dedicated Emergency Operations Centre, both equipped with advanced technology to support real-time decision-making and crisis coordination. This setup is designed to enhance the airport's resilience and operational efficiency, particularly during peak tourist seasons when Queenstown sees heavy traffic from Australian and Asian carriers.
The construction contract was awarded to Southbase Construction under a design-and-build arrangement. CEO Quin Henderson noted that targeting a Green Star rating has shaped the project from the outset, influencing material choices, energy modelling, and waste management. “We're proud to partner on this innovative project,” he said, adding that the sustainability focus has driven collaboration across the design team.
The site, previously used by Europcar's vehicle service team, will be transformed into a purpose-built facility. Completion is expected late next year, aligning with the airport's broader capital investment programme to modernise infrastructure and accommodate growth.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover welcomed the initiative, calling it a benchmark for sustainable development in the region. The project is being developed in partnership with mana whenua, ensuring the design reflects local cultural identity and values.
For travel industry professionals, the development signals a broader trend of airports investing in green building certifications. As airports pursue carbon accreditation and Asia-Pacific expansion demands smarter design, Queenstown's move could influence other secondary airports in the region.
Queenstown Airport has been a focal point for tourism growth, with airlines like Qantas, Air New Zealand, and Jetstar operating frequent services. The new office is part of a wider effort to ensure the airport's operations keep pace with passenger demand while reducing environmental impact.
Industry observers will watch whether the Green Star target translates into tangible operational savings and improved staff wellbeing. The project also aligns with New Zealand's broader push toward net-zero carbon emissions, a priority for the tourism sector that relies heavily on the country's clean, green image.
As the build progresses, the airport plans to share lessons learned with other regional airports and stakeholders. The move could set a precedent for similar facilities across the country, particularly in tourist-dependent regions where sustainability is a key differentiator.
