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WiT Queenstown to Debut in July 2026
Winter scene in the snow, Queenstown. New Zealand. WiT (Web in Travel), Asia Pacific’s travel tech media and events platform, will make its New Zealand debut with WiT Queenstown in July 2026, marking a milestone for the region as it aims to establish itself as a hub for travel and hospitality technology innovation. The one-day event will be held in partnership with Technology Queenstown, a not-for-profit agency founded by Roger Sharp, who chairs global travel business WEB Travel Group and regional tech investment bank North Ridge Partners, and who witnessed firsthand the power of WiT’s global community at WiT Singapore and WiT Japan & North Asia last year. With more than three million visitors annually, Queenstown offers a unique southern hemisphere testing ground for innovations that enhance travel experiences. WiT Queenstown will spotlight this potential, bringing together travel operators, tech companies, DMOs, tourism boards, investors, and senior executives from global travel tech brands. Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder of WiT, said: “We’ve long had our sights set on Oceania. After the success of WiT Australia in Sydney in 2011, we’re excited to return with WiT Queenstown, set in one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations on earth. “Our mission has always been to spark innovation in travel tech, from Singapore to Tokyo, Seoul, Cape Town, and Dubai,” she added. “We’re excited to collaborate with Technology Queenstown to build a unique edition that marries WiT insights with local strategic vision and talent.” Technology Queenstown is spearheading efforts to diversify Queenstown Lakes District’s economy, where tourism and hospitality account for more than 60%, by developing a world-class tech sector. “Covid showed us how vulnerable a tourism-dependent economy can be,” said Sharp. “Bringing WiT to town is a cornerstone of our strategy,” said Sharp. “I was struck by the dynamism, camaraderie and deep knowledge at WiT events. We’re thrilled to bring that energy to Queenstown.” Appointed in December, Technology Queenstown’s inaugural CEO Sarah Russell has hit the ground running and this partnership with WiT is evidence of that. “With a strategic blueprint developed by Accenture, strong corporate support, and plans to launch a tech university campus, we’re building the foundation. Travel tech is the first cluster we’re backing, and WiT is central to making that happen,” said Russell. The launch of WiT Queenstown underscores a broader ambition: to make Queenstown not just a world-class destination for adventure, but also for tech. “Launching a globally successful event is central to the process of building out our travel tech sector, which already has several nascent rockstar companies being built,” said Russell. “By amplifying what already exists, we aim to make Queenstown known for solving real-world travel problems through tech. We’re inviting the world’s travel tech community to experience this for themselves against the stunning backdrop of alpine lakes, snowy peaks, and world-famous wines.”
Queenstown Airport launches community fund to support local communities
Queenstown Airport just launched the Queenstown Airport Community Fund, a new initiative designed to provide financial support to local charities and community organisations. Administered by the Wakatipu Community Foundation, the annual fund will distribute NZ$50,000 in grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, to eligible non-profit organisations operating in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts. The fund reflects Queenstown Airport’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and aligns with its broader sustainability objectives. Through this initiative, Queenstown Airport aims to create a meaningful and lasting impact by empowering grassroots organisations that contribute to the well-being of the region’s people and environment. A smart way to give back Queenstown Airport partnerships and marketing manager Vanessa Hartnell said of the initiative: "As a key gateway to our region, we recognise our responsibility to give back and support the communities that support us. The Queenstown Airport Community Fund is a way for us to invest in local organisations that are making a real difference, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive." This new fund will add to the $150,000 that the airport already contributes through its sponsorships and partnerships programme each year. Wakatipu Community Foundation chief executive Jennifer Belmont added: "We are delighted to partner with Queenstown Airport to facilitate this new community initiative. Local charities and not-for-profits play such a key role in our communities, and this fund will provide some extra support to help them continue their work." Applications for the Queenstown Airport Community Fund will open on 3rd March, with organisations located in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts encouraged to apply.
Queenstown Airport releases its half-term financials
Queenstown Airport just released its results for the first half of the financial year and declared a $7.0 million interim dividend, reflecting a strong start to the year. Releasing the interim report for the six months that ended 31st December 2024, Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood said the business had started the financial year well with a strong financial performance and significant progress towards its strategic goals. Flood said: “We are grateful to our shareholders for their ongoing support and, following our first-half results, we are pleased to be able to distribute an interim dividend of $7 million, which will be paid out to shareholders this month. In determining the level of the dividend to be distributed, the Board has considered not only our results for the period under review, but also our commitments in the foreseeable future.” It should also be noted that the airport company is an important community asset, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will receive $5.2 million as the major shareholder. A busy time Queenstown Airport has been busy, with a total of 1,343,006 passengers passing through the terminal in the first six months of the current fiscal year. This represents a six percent increase compared with the same period the previous year. Revenue for the first half of the financial year was up 22 percent and profit up 27 percent compared with the same period the previous year. Flood explained: “Airport operations ran smoothly during the peak winter weeks and over the summer holidays, when record numbers of passengers travelled through the terminal: a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our team.” He noted the growth in passenger numbers was driven by continued demand for travel to and from Queenstown, with particularly strong trans-Tasman numbers. He said: “Over the coming years, we will complete the most significant capital investment programme in the airport’s 90-year history. A key strategic focus for the board of directors and executive team is the delivery of the Queenstown Airport Master Plan. Detailed development and organisational planning are underway. Capital investment planning, procurement, and programme delivery will continue in sequenced stages. An important focus will be ensuring Master Plan progress updates are provided to our broad range of stakeholders.” Projects running on time In October, Queenstown Airport began a major project to install engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) beds at either end of the main runway. Flood said of this: “We are pleased to report the project is running on time and on budget. Queenstown Airport is the first airport in Australasia to adopt this innovative technology, designed to safely stop an aircraft that overshoots a runway." He added that, should a runway overrun occur at Queenstown, this will be the best investment the airport have ever made. Of this, Flood said: "We are proud to be leading the way in risk mitigation and enhanced safety.” Sustainability at the fore Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry said good progress had been made on other key areas of focus, including sustainability, and projects to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. According to Sowry: “We closely monitor customer sentiment and undertake internationally benchmarked research to understand what customers want. These data sets highlighted the opportunity to expand and improve the food and beverage offering in the international gate lounge area. Skippers, a new casual bar and eatery, opened just in time for Christmas, and is proving to be a popular addition.” Queenstown Airport’s commitment to sustainability and the organisation’s decarbonisation plan continues. This has led to the achievement of a 71 percent reduction in organisational emissions compared to 2019, the baseline year. As Sowry puts it: “Our successful transition from Toitū Envirocare to the globally recognised Airport Carbon Accreditation was a highlight of the reporting period. We entered the programme, which is administered by Airports Council International and independently assesses the efforts of airports to reduce carbon emissions, at Level 4+, the second highest-tier.”
ROKI Collection raises the bar for luxury in Queenstown
With ROKI Collection Queenstown slated to open by mid-2025, it stands to raise the standard for luxury in New Zealand's adventure capital. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, ROKI Collection promises the luxury of tranquility and offers luxurious escapism in a sanctuary of calm. At this urban retreat, gracious service, curated design, and breathtaking natural beauty converge. The art of sheer luxury Every detail at ROKI Collection Queenstown is crafted to offer an immersive sense of calm, and for guests to reconnect with their senses and breathe. The interiors are by acclaimed New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher and feature a harmonious blend of refined elegance and local craftsmanship. The collection of suites ranges from the intimate 50m² Junior Suite to the extravagant 550m² ROKI Suite. Every suite offers stunning panoramic views over the mountains and Lake Wakatipu, fireplaces, private bathtubs, and walk-in wardrobes. Where wellness takes centre stage Travelers can indulge in ROKI's dedicated wellness and spa offerings with a spa concierge and treatments. ROKI Pure offers guests the opportunity to pause, and enjoy the thermal zone, private treatment suites, and an indoor pool and jacuzzi. The wellness journey extends to in-room amenities, made from local ingredients and extracts, and a ROKI Pure Wellness and Sleep Concierge supporting guests with a selection of wellness resets. For gourmands, Essence at ROKI Collection Queenstown showcases a culinary narrative of New Zealand, seamlessly fusing modern European influences with the finest local ingredients led by culinary director Paul Froggatt, NZ's Luxury Lodges chef of the year 2023/24. The Terrace restaurant is perfect for an aperitif, lunch, or relaxed dinner after a day of exciting experiences, designed for all weather and framed by two fireplaces. The hotel's Library Bar and Conservatory offer a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for indulging in world-class wines and crafted cocktails. Guests can also enjoy private dining in intimate 'snugs' or on the terrace with fireplaces. In the heart of Queenstown Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, ROKI Collection Queenstown offers direct access to the region's world-renowned adventure and leisure activities. Guests can opt to ski The Remarkables, enjoy a private heli-skiing excursion, or take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park, or simply unwind with a lakeside aperitif. From a romantic gourmet lunch in the mountains to a private boat excursion, a scenic guided hike or world-class fly fishing, the ROKI Collection Queenstown team can arrange bespoke excursions. ROKI Collection Queenstown is close to attractions including the Botanical Gardens, Skyline Gondola and Steamer Wharf, and just three minutes' walk into the heart of the city.
Auckland International Airport appoints new representative to Queenstown Airport board
The Auckland International Airport announced the appointment of a new director to the Queenstown Airport board effective 1 January 2025. Incumbent director Mark Thomson confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective on the first day of the new year, and Auckland Airport chief planning and strategy officer Mary-Liz Tuck is slated to take his place. In her current position, Tuck holds leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Tuck said of the appointment: “Queenstown Airport plays a vital role in the community, connecting Kiwis and overseas visitors to and from the region, and supporting the local economy. I’m delighted to be joining the board at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation.” A warm welcome, a fond farewell Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood welcomed Tuck’s appointment even as he acknowledged Thomson’s service to the board. Flood said: “Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years. We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. I look forward to welcoming Mary-Liz to the board table as the Auckland Airport shareholder representative in the new year. At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome.” Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers added: “On behalf of the community and QLDC, as Queenstown Airport Corporation’s majority shareholder, I extend a warm welcome to Mary-Liz. The airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to the Council of $14.7 million. Mary-Liz’s proven track record at Auckland Airport will add fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success. I’d also like to thank Mark for his huge contribution as AIAL’s representative on the board since 2017, especially as it navigated some unprecedented global challenges.”
Queenstown Airport announces $23m airfield safety project under way
Queenstown Airport announced that a NZ$23 million airfield safety project has commenced on its main runway. Engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) beds will be installed at both ends of the main runway over the next few months. Queenstown Airport is the first in Australia or New Zealand to use this innovative technology, which utilises cellular cement blocks that crush under the weight of an aircraft. These are designed to slow a plane to a safe stop with little damage, should one overshoot the runway. Airport CEO Glen Sowry says there’s never been such an incident at Queenstown, but the airport wants to minimise the risk if an overrun did occur. He said: “EMAS technology has proven its worth in the northern hemisphere, and we are proud to be leading its introduction in this part of the world. It’s the gold standard and will substantially increase the margin of safety for those landing here.” Queenstown Airport operates with a runway end safety area (RESA) of 90 metres, and the EMAS will provide the same protection as a 240m RESA. A sod-turning ceremony was held to mark the start of the project, with representatives of the airport company and the head contractor, Downer, wielding the spades. More substantial earthworks are now under way at the Shotover end of the runway to prepare for the construction of new pavement, on which the EMAS bed will be laid. Work is being done at night, starting after the last scheduled flight has landed. No work is planned for Friday or Saturday nights. There will be no disruption to flight schedules and no change to the types of aircraft that may land at Queenstown Airport once the EMAS is installed.
Queenstown Airport attains Level 4+ airport carbon accreditation
Queenstown Airport recently attained Level 4+ airport carbon accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI), closing in on the highest level in the programme which is Level 5. With this accreditation, Queenstown Airport becomes one of only 46 out of over 40,000 global airports to attain either Level 4+ or 5. The accreditation is proof of Queenstown Airport’s commitment to sustainability and reflects its progress towards decarbonisation. Airport chief executive Glen Sowry expressed his pride in the achievement, saying: “Aviation is a challenging industry to decarbonise. We’ve set ambitious sustainability targets and invested heavily to reduce our carbon footprint as quickly as possible. It’s pleasing to see that recognised, although there is a lot more work to be done.” ACI director-general for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East Stefano Baronci congratulated Queenstown Airport for its significant strides in reducing carbon emissions, which he said set a benchmark for airports across the region. Baronci said: “By positioning itself as one of the leaders in efficient carbon management, Queenstown Airport demonstrates a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future. Queenstown Airport's approach aligns with our industry's collective vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.” Since its initial carbon audit in 2019, the airport has reduced its operational absolute emissions by 71% and is targeting an 85 percent reduction in absolute emissions by 2028. That progress is based on a commitment to electrification, transition to a certified renewable electricity supply, upgrading of assets and infrastructure to increase efficiency, and a decision to stop using a diesel generator for supplementary power during periods of peak demand.
Qantas revises schedule for Queenstown-Sydney route
Qantas announced a change in schedule for flights between Queenstown and Sydney, beginning in November. The key change means the current 2000 hrs service now depart Queenstown at 0700 hrs, arriving in Sydney in the early morning ahead of most daily international departures with key destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Haneda and Seoul. For those flying from Queenstown en route to connecting flights to overseas destinations, same-day transit is now possible. Queenstown Airport’s chief operating officer Todd Grace said of the change: “The majority of trans-Tasman flights depart Queenstown in the afternoons, this additional flight offers an evening arrival and an early morning departure providing greater flexibility for locals and visitors alike.” Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace added: “We’re carrying more passengers across the Tasman than ever before and this winter we’re offering even more direct flights to Queenstown than last year.” With this change, Qantas is now the only airline to fly from Queenstown across the Tasman in the early morning and provide international connectivity. In addition, the schedule change will offer more convenient one-stop connectivity to passengers transiting to more than 25 destinations around Australia.
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