Community Engagement

Supporting Regional Growth

Christchurch International Airport aspires to be New Zealand’s leading tourism gateway, providing a significant contribution to both the Canterbury region and the South Island as whole, with the total airport operation employing approximately 5,000 people across a diverse range of companies.

CIAL seeks to enhance the economic development of the South Island through pursuing growth in airlines visiting Christchurch and in the level of international passengers holidaying in the region. Such growth will directly increase tourism revenue and ancillary activities, across an industry which provides 16,800 full time positions in Canterbury, and contributes $2.03 billion to the region.

For CIAL to meet the various economic, social and recreational needs of Christchurch and the South Island it is critical that Christchurch Airport maintains its 24 hours a day, 365 days per year operating capability. The ability to do this is inherently linked to maintaining a good rapport with our customers and neighbouring communities.

CIAL’s Commitment to the Community

To CIAL “community” includes the local neighbourhood and residents affected by activities at the airport, and stretches to the populations of Canterbury and the South Island, as well as airport campus tenants and employees, airlines, border agencies and other stakeholders. Informing these groups of CIAL’s activities through active, open and honest communication is necessary for CIAL to be recognised as a responsible corporate citizen.

Ongoing consultation with the local community is therefore important to CIAL. Discussions with the community regarding identified issues and future proposals helps to build community relationships, identify opportunities and make choices between preferred actions.

A full community engagement program is in development and will be implemented to provide CIAL with a roadmap for appropriate community consultation and engagement activities.