Back to Blog

Rotorua Airport - 60 Year Anniversary

Rotorua Airport is celebrating its 60th anniversary with community events, including an open day and an exhibition of airline fashion through the decades.At the Aviation Open Day on October 5, the public can see aircraft up close, meet pilots, and buy scenic flights on classic WWII planes like the Harvard and Boeing Stearman.Throughout the month, mini-exhibitions celebrating Māori culture and aviation will also be on display at the airport.Rotorua Airport chief executive Nicole B...

Board Observer 24/25

Rotorua Regional Airport (RRA) and RotoruaNZ are each searching for a candidate to sit as an observer on their Board of Directors. This is an excellent opportunity for two individuals that are looking for further self-development and exposure to a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) Board. This opportunity provides first-hand exposure to the role of a Board, its decision making and operations, as well as training and mentorship designed to provide the observer with essential skills that t...

2023/2024 Board Observer

Rotorua Regional Airport (RRA) and RotoruaNZ are each searching for a candidate to sit as an observer on their Board of Directors. This is an excellent opportunity for two individuals that are looking for further self-development and exposure to a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) Board. This opportunity provides first-hand exposure to the role of a Board, its decision making and operations, as well as training and mentorship designed to provide the observer with essential skills that t...

Chairperson and Board Directors - Positions Available

The Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking a chairperson and qualified individuals to serve on the board of directors of Rotorua Regional Airport Limited (RRA).    RRA is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient Airport operation whilst optimising the use of its assets to facilitate, and grow tourism and trade, other commercial activity, and airport profitability.     RRA is responsible for the ongoing capital developme...

Celebrating 16 years of Julie Rowe at Rotorua Airport

The busy airport atmosphere and a passion for great customer service has seen JulieRowe celebrate 16 years at Rotorua Airport as Terminal Services and Finance Manager.The busy airport atmosphere and a passion for great customer service has seen JulieRowe celebrate 16 years at Rotorua Airport as Terminal Services and Finance Manager.A long-time valuable member of our team, Julie has embraced numerous changes over theyears, including expanding her finance role to looking after the terminal and cus...

Rotorua Airport to trial robotic magpie

Rotorua Airport has teamed up with Wingspan to trial a drone-like robotic magpie as an innovative, new method of deterring birds from the runway. If adopted, Rotorua Airport will become the first airport in the Southern Hemisphere to use this method of bird control. The Ro-Magpie is remote-controlled and designed to safely deter birds from the runway before aircraft land and take off. Two Wingspan drone pilots have tested the effectiveness of the device by flying the Ro-Magpie across the runway....

Ngāti Uenukukōpako Iwi Trust and Rotorua Regional Airport

The two parties formalised their relationship with the official signing of a memorandum of understanding on Monday that will see them work closely together to recognise the past, while building a strong future that "provides positive outcomes for everyone involved, including the immediate surrounding community". The agreement was signed by Paraone Pirika and Wharangi Cookson on behalf of the koeke (elders) of Ngāti Uenukukōpako, RRA chairman Peter Stubbs and chief executive Nicole Brewer ...

Passion for Rotorua drives new Commercial and Projects Manager

Helping create a positive legacy in the city she loves was a major driving force for Julie Southall when seeking the next step in her career. Hearing about Rotorua Airport’s plans to help bring Rotorua ‘back to life’ post-COVID, Julie knew its vision was right on the money - and suited her personal values too. Julie has joined the team as the Airport’s new Commercial and Projects Manager and will focus on growing revenue streams as the Airport builds towards an exciting future. With exte...

A warm welcome to Ben Alton: Fire and Operations Manager

Having already dedicated two decades of his life to fighting fires across Wellington and the Bay of Plenty, Ben Alton thought he’d spend the rest of his career at Fire and Emergency New Zealand. However, while out on a run with a friend, he learned of an opportunity that was too good to pass up and two weeks later, he was appointed as Rotorua Airport’s new Fire and Operations Manager. Ben’s diverse career began with a Fine Arts degree, moved into IT and featured a stint in online...

2022/2023 Board Observer

November ‘22 to November ’23 Rotorua Regional Airport (RRA), RotoruaNZ and InfraCore Limited are each searching for a candidate to sit as an observer on their Board of Directors. This is an excellent opportunity for three individuals that are looking for further self-development and exposure to a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) Board. This opportunity provides first-hand exposure to the role of a Board, its decision making and operations, as well as training and mentorship designed to...

Live Fire Training

After significant planning, Rotorua Airport Emergency Service team were able to conduct a live fire training exercise on-site. The exercise was designed to develop team coordination, firefighting techniques, and breathing apparatus management. Our state-of-the-art Rosenbauer Panther was put through it's paces throughout the exercise, RRA has recently employed two new recruits into the emergency service team. This exercise was a culmination of months of training, it also gave our new recruit fir...

New Chief Executive - Nicole Brewer

Ms Brewer brings with her more than 25 years’ experience in the aviation and tourism industries, including eight years’ experience with Air New Zealand and three years with Qualmark. The 47-year-old was previously chief executive at Rotorua Airport between 2015 and 2016, stepping down to start a family while still keeping in touch as a trusted consultant. Her passion for the tourism and aviation industries has not abated during the time she has spent at home with her daughter and says she is...

Civil Aviation Bill

RRA’s comprehensive submission on the Civil Aviation Bill covers a number of concerns; in the interest of brevity this summary focuses on the three key points outlined below.Repeal of section 4A of the Airport Authorities Act 1996 (AAA) Section 4A recognises the challenges airports may have in negotiating and agreeing charges with airlines. Currently, following consultation, airports are able to set charges as they see fit. This process is understood by all parties and works well in practice.R...

Searching for a 2021 Board Observer - Rotorua Regional Airport

Board Observer Rotorua Regional Airport Ltd Self-development and exposure to the role of a CCO board. Rotorua Airport Limited is searching for a candidate to sit as an observer on its Board of Directors. This opportunity provides first-hand exposure to the role of a board, its decision making and operations, as well as training and mentorship designed to provide this observer with essential skills that they can carry through to their own business. Observers will learn about: The issues confront...

Rotorua Airport to retain Air Traffic Control Tower

Air traffic control should remain at the Rotorua Airport, a Civil Aviation Authority review has found. In its review, the authority agreed with a Rotorua Regional Airport Limited assessment which showed air traffic control services should remain at the airport. Last year New Zealand's air navigation service provider Airways decided to withdraw services from seven airports, including Rotorua, resulting in the loss of up to 38 jobs. The news was met with disappointment by Rotorua Airport chief exe...

Rotorua Aerodrome 1920s to 1970s

This informative article was written by the team at Rotorua Library....

RNZAF fleet to land in Rotorua Airport for 11-day exercise

Rotorua locals will have the chance to see the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s impressive fleet in action this month as Operation Wise Owl is conducted out of Rotorua Airport. The Royal New Zealand Air Force will touch down at Rotorua Airport on May 17 for its 105th Wise Owl pilot-training operation. The Air Force will be on site until May 28. The purpose of the exercise is for trainee pilots to confirm their formation flying skills in the T-6C Texan II aircraft from an unfamiliar airport. Two f...

Rotorua Airport nominated for prestigious property award

Rotorua Airport’s innovative terminal redevelopment has been nominated in New Zealand’s most prestigious property awards for 2021. Hosted by Property Council New Zealand, the property Industry Awards celebrate excellence in design and innovation in the built environment. The list of 2021 nominees has just been released, with Rotorua Airport nominated in the Tourism & Leisure Property Award category for its full redevelopment of the airport terminal. The two-year project, totalling $5.3 milli...

Haere Mai Autumn 2021 Out Now

Check out our latest Haere Mai Magazine for Autumn 2021. Inside we celebrate winning the ‘Essential Business of the Year’ award at the regional business awards....

Job Vacancy: Fire & Operations Team

Rotorua Airport - Gateway to the Beautiful Bay of Plenty Region. Full time role on a roster basis. Immediate start with Relocation Assistance available. Progressive organisation with opportunity for ongoing development. The Rotorua Airport is the gateway to the beautiful Bay of Plenty region, and is an essential hub to the area. The Airport is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) and reports to an independent board of directors. Hosting 254,000 passengers per year with daily direct Air New Z...

Introducing our new Commercial Manager - Blair Simm

Blair Simm - Commercial Manager Blair joined the Rotorua Airport in February 2021 as the Commercial Manager, primarily responsible for driving the commercial side of the airport’s operations and its long term master plan. Before joining the airport team Blair worked in regional economic development in Rotorua, having prior to that spent 15 years in banking and corporate finance in different locations across New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and France. Outside of work Blair is a keen sportsman, wh...

Commercial Manager position available

Be part of the Senior Management Team Manage the delivery of key revenue and growth opportunities Based in Rotorua – the heart of the Bay of Plenty As the gate way to the Bay of Plenty Region, for both business and tourism purposes, the Rotorua Airport is a business hub for many local tourist attractions and service functions, and acts as a pivotal component in the infrastructure of our local economy.  This is a pivotal new role within the Airport structure and will report directly to th...

Rotorua Airport take out inaugural title at business awards

Rotorua Airport took out the inaugural title of Essential Business of the Year at the gala dinner and awards ceremony at this year’s Westpac Rotorua Business Awards on Saturday night. The awards, delivered by Rotorua Business Chamber, celebrate innovation and creativity in the business sector. This year’s awards were reshaped to reflect the current environment, recognising and celebrating Rotorua's resilience through its nine categories. Rotorua Airport CEO Mark Gibb says that while the airp...

Searching for a Board Observer - Rotorua Regional Airport

Rotorua Airport Limited is searching for a candidate to sit as an observer on its Board of Directors.   This opportunity will provide an individual with first-hand exposure to the role of a board, its decision making and operations as well as training and mentorship designed to provide this observer with important skills that they can carry through to their own business.   Observers will learn about:  the issues confronting the organisation the fundamental principle...

FREE Signage Opportunities at Rotorua Airport

Rotorua Airport is offering free signage and interactive display packages to the Rotorua business community to help with growth post covid.  As part of Rotorua Airport's goal of supporting local business through this difficult time of Covid-19 we are offering free signage packages throughout our newly renovated terminal. The space sizes and locations vary from 2m high x 2m wide to 3m high x 6m wide. There is also a selection of interactive displays on offer. The packages are available on a ...