Cyclone Gabrielle has refocused Hawke’s Bay Airport’s priorities on connectivity and resilience, says the Airport’s CEO Rob Stratford. 

The Airport, whose shareholders are the Napier City Council, the Hastings District Council and the Crown, released its annual Statement of Intent last week that looks to cover its operations for the next three years to 30 June 2026. 

The statement shows that the rebuild and recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle is expected to create strong and ongoing demand for air connections to Hawke’s Bay, with a flow-on positive impact on revenue for the Airport. 

The other key points in the statement are a reset of key strategic initiatives following the cyclone with a focus on the immediate needs of the region with priority given to roading and infrastructure; preparation of consent application lodgment for a solar farm; a goal of establishing two new domestic connections by the end of the year; a commitment to diversify non-aeronautical revenues; and significant spending on runway and taxiway developments expected in FY25. 

Stratford said the statement “sets a clear direction, and lets our community and other stakeholders know where we’re heading”. 

“Cyclone Gabrielle has refocused our priorities on connectivity and resilience. We will continue to progress the strategic objectives we have committed to, while acknowledging the role we have in supporting the region's recovery from Gabrielle.” 

“Right now, our focus is supporting Hawke’s Bay with connections for passengers, optimising our airport facilities for growth, and diversifying our revenue streams,” he says.