AKL Lands In Top 10 In Kantar's Corporate Reputation Index
Smoother arrivals for international passengers with median processing times now 17% faster than 2019 (March 2025 vs. March 2019)
Quicker domestic departures with a 40% improvement year on year in median processing times (March 2025 vs March 2024)
Auckland Airport has been recognised as one of New Zealand's most trusted companies, earning a spot among the top performers in the 2025 Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, coming in at #9, its highest ever ranking.
The annual index measures the public perception of New Zealand's top 50 corporates across trust, leadership, fairness and responsibility, with Auckland Airport moving forward 42 places over the past year.
Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the result highlighted the teamwork and collaboration that's taken place across the airport precinct to uplift the customer experience.
'Auckland Airport is a bit like a small city that relies on an ecosystem of partners working together to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience for travellers.
'The team at Auckland Airport will be delighted by this result, and we also share this recognition with the wider airport community, our 26 airline customers and our border agency partners: Aviation Security, Biosecurity New Zealand, Customs, Immigration New Zealand,' she said.
Auckland Airport is currently underway with its most significant infrastructure programme in decades, adding resilience to the country's gateway airport, improving the customer experience and supporting New Zealand's growth ambitions.
The Kantar index found AKL scored highly on trust and leadership – the biggest drivers of reputation - along with making strong gains in the responsibility and fairness ratings.
Ms Hurihanganui said the result provided confidence that Auckland Airport was on the right track with its infrastructure programme.
'Infrastructure isn't easy and there will always be differing opinions, but we've worked hard to proactively tell our story. It's great to know we have the trust and support of the communities we serve as we build for New Zealand's future growth and prosperity.
'Auckland Airport is going to be wonderfully transformed in the years ahead and I think customers are already starting to feel the difference. We've opened a new Transport Hub, created a new entrance to the international terminal, built better roads and added technology innovations, new wayfinding and improved bathrooms.
'We've also had a big focus on working with our partners to remove the pain points for customers we know they care about. Through operational improvements, collaboration and technology innovation, we've maintained the same high standards of security, but queues are shorter and processing times are much faster, particularly in domestic departures and international arrivals,' she said.
For arriving international passengers at Auckland Airport, it's now taking around 16 minutes from entering passport control/Customs to exiting into the airport's public arrivals hall – a 17% improvement on the median processing time in 2019 (March 2019 to March 2025). A significant change came in November 2023, when Biosecurity New Zealand, in collaboration with Auckland Airport, launched a new arrivals risk assessment process. Wait times have also improved thanks to a reconfigured layout that allows for more biosecurity officers' desks and larger, more flexible queuing areas.
Queues in the domestic terminal for departing passengers are also much shorter, with median queue times at Aviation Security falling by 40% from 6.03 minutes a year ago to 3.37 minutes (March 2024 to March 2025). New scanning and screening technology introduced by Aviation Security in collaboration with Auckland Airport has played a key role in making it quicker for travellers to go through the check point while prioritising safety.
'We know we've still got more work to do to improve the experience for travellers, but the good news is there's much more to come as we get on with building a new domestic jet terminal to serve New Zealand and the future generations of travel,' Ms Hurihanganui said.
Aviation Security Deputy Chief Executive Warwick Burr said: 'Auckland Airport is a great partner to work alongside, and I'm pleased to see them leap forward in the corporate reputation index. Our teams have worked collaboratively on many initiatives and projects which aim to smoothly process passengers all while making sure safety and security is, and will always be, the top priority. It's really encouraging to see everyone working as a collective system to improve the overall airport experience in Auckland as well as at airports across Aotearoa.'
Customs Group Manager Border Operations Dana McDonald said technological advancements such as the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration have helped facilitate a smoother arrival for passengers, while Customs continues to remain vigilant against harm or threat passing through our air border.
'Ensuring our busiest international airport remains a safe and secure gateway into our country is an ever-present focus, and a joint effort across the airport network. It's heartening to see this work recognised and reflected in New Zealanders' confidence in Auckland Airport,' says Mr McDonald.
The Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, developed in partnership with Wright Communications, is widely regarded as New Zealand's leading measure of corporate reputation. The annual study uses the globally validated Rep Z framework for measuring reputation and combines public perception with deep research.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Auckland Mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni releases fiscal policy
Auckland Mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni is the main contender to incumbent mayor Wayne Brown. Photo: Supplied / NZ Herald Auckland Mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni has released her fiscal policy, after mistakenly telling media it would be announced on Sunday. The Auckland councillor and main contender to incumbent mayor Wayne Brown unveiled her 'Value for Money' Fiscal Plan on Tuesday afternoon. A key part of her plan is a "ratepayer shield" policy, which would require 75 percent council majority or a public referendum to be held before the council sells any of its strategic assets. Under Mayor Brown's leadership, the council sold its stake in Auckland Airport in 2024. She committed to saving the council $100 million by cutting spending on consultants by 40 percent and bringing more services in-house. "My plan is simple: protect what we own, spend smarter, not harder, and invest in the basics that make life better for Auckland families. We'll cut the waste, starting with the millions spent on consultants and not the services you rely on," she said. "This isn't about spending more or spending less, it's about spending smart. Every dollar saved on consultants is a dollar we can invest in fixing that pothole on your street or keeping your local pool open." Leoni pledged to cap residential rate increases at or below inflation after year two of her term. "Wayne Brown promised to fix Auckland, but under his watch, rates have gone up 21.7 percent, city debt has increased by over a billion dollars, and he still sold our airport shares," she said. "Aucklanders deserve better than selling the family silver while still raising their rates." Leoni said Auckland was facing an infrastructure crisis and she would prioritise fixing roads, upgrading stormwater to prevent flooding, and stopping raw sewage from polluting beaches and harbours. She said Auckland generated 38 percent of the country's GDP but was getting "short-changed" when it came to investment. She said as mayor, she would push the government to return the GST it charges on rates to the council, to get funding for infrastructure, something Brown had also advocated for . Brown has been approached for comment. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
29-07-2025
- Scoop
YourRide Launches Fixed Fares In Auckland
Auckland, NZ - July 30 2025 YourRide, New Zealand's No.1 taxi app, has introduced Fixed Fares to and from Auckland Airport - a simple, reliable way to book a taxi without worrying about unpredictable pricing. YourRide displays your fare upfront before your ride begins. No More Guesswork. Just the Price, Upfront. For New Zealanders juggling work, whānau, and everything in between, the last thing anyone wants is a mystery fare. With fixed pricing now available through the YourRide app, customers can: See the total cost before confirming a ride Book in advance or on the spot — no hidden fees Travel with confidence knowing the fare won't change, even if there's traffic or roadworks. This move reinforces YourRide's focus on delivering predictable, honest, and stress-free transport experiences for everyday travellers and businesses alike. YourRide is constantly working with its taxi partners to bring value to Kiwis. Keep an eye on their Fixed Fares and Promotions page. Safety, Simplicity, and a Bit of Sanity YourRide isn't just another app. It's backed by more than 2,000 registered, full-time taxi drivers from trusted local fleets across the country: Professional, police-vetted drivers Security cameras in all taxis Local knowledge and real-time ride tracking TaxiCharge integration, making work travel easy to reconcile Pre-booking options for early flights, after-hours pickups, or anything in between This isn't gig work. It's a professional, fully regulated service built for people who want more than just 'a ride,' says Conrad Heaven, CMO. Why It Matters for Kiwis New Zealanders care about fairness, transparency, and supporting local, and YourRide delivers on all three: We're 100% Kiwi-owned and operated. We pay our fair share of tax. No surge pricing, no funny business Local drivers, paid fairly. Our drivers receive over 90% of the fare. Nationwide reach with regional insights (we know when the school holidays hit) 90% of our fleet is late-model hybrid vehicles, and our EV fleet is growing! YourRide's growth story also reflects a broader trend: a growing preference for ethical, community-minded services that reinvest in the local economy. Every YourRide trip helps support New Zealand jobs and local operators instead of sending a cut offshore. With full nationwide coverage, Kiwis from Invercargill to Whangarei can now access safe, reliable rides with just a tap. About YourRide YourRide is New Zealand's No.1 taxi app, offering full nationwide coverage and a better alternative to global rideshare platforms. With a network of 2,000 registered taxis, real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and a commitment to local values, YourRide is how New Zealanders move - safely, reliably, and responsibly.
NZ Herald
21-07-2025
- NZ Herald
A stage 4 terminal cancer diagnosis didn't stop me from travelling to Australia
Approaching the first security checkpoint in Auckland Airport has always caused me anxiety. So showing up with a cabin bag loaded with oversized syringes, saline, medical oddments and morphine, brought on palpitations and sweating. Further complicating the scenario was various internal metalware and a drain protruding from my abdomen, connected to my bile ducts. Eyebrows were raised as my bags lit up the x-ray machine. I nervously revealed my haul of liquids and supplies. But the sweats were redundant. After a quiet word explaining my situation, the officials could not have been more helpful. The 'pat down' protocol felt a little too intimate, but several minutes later I was safely on the other side, the only confiscation being a half-used tube of toothpaste. All the security checks, both here and in Australia, ran with similar efficiency, without me even needing to show back-up letters from oncologists. Working my way through airport procedures, at a slower pace than usual, certainly raised my stress levels. Fortunately I allowed for extra time on the ground, as my walking speeds are reduced. Charlotte Kutia on the plane. There was a sigh of relief when I was safely in my allocated (aisle) seat. I will only travel in the aisle now, so while great views are a thing of the past, I am safe in the knowledge I can quickly get to the bathroom if necessary without clambering over sleeping bodies. However, the flights were smooth and comfortable. I felt pretty much well the whole of the time mid-air, untroubled by cabin pressure, vomiting or claustrophobia. I even managed to down my share of much-maligned airline cuisine and have it stay put. Sitting in the lit-up sports stadium, watching my son take the field in unfamiliar green and gold, bungle the Australian national anthem and steamily sign autographs after the match is a cherished memory for the coming tough weeks. Charlotte Kutia with her son at his Barbarians game in Coffs Harbour. I have always been an avid reader of travel stories and actively scheming my next destination. I have enjoyed many wonderful destinations in my life. Less in recent years, with the financial challenges of being single and the sole breadwinner in mid-life. After a relationship break-up in my 50s, I realised that there might never be someone to take me on a romantic Pacific Island holiday that I had always longed for, so I decided I would just have to take myself. Charlotte Kutia in Aitutaki. Photo / Supplied I suspected it would be a one-off, so chose the island where I was very sure I would have the full deal – long stretches of white sands, turquoise waters, swaying palms. Aitutaki was the perfect Pacific paradise. Sipping cocktails alone in a resort full of honeymooners was admittedly a strange vibe but the wonderfully warm staff and juicy cocktails under soft pacific night skies were so damn good, they made up for it. Learning to kayak alone in a safe warm blue lagoon with colourful fish at the end of my paddle was unforgettable too. I'm so glad now I took the opportunity at the time, which I will never have again. Other memorable travel memories include eating goat curry in the backblocks of Bangladesh, slurping luscious mangoes in an old yellow Ambassador taxi in Goa, riding elephants with my children in Cambodia, and being blown away by the beauty of the longships in Oslo Museum while exploring a little of my Viking whakapapa in Scandinavia. Charlotte Kutia with her children at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Photo / Supplied With stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts, and currently on aggressive chemotherapy, I am uninsurable in terms of medical conditions. So for me, the only safe destination now is Australia. But that's okay, because the continent offers more incredible landscapes and adventures than I could ever fit in. From stunning white Whitsunday beaches, to red outback rocks, Kimberley canyons, Snowy mountains, Aboriginal culture and history going back millions of years, food and fashion adventures in stylish cities – there is more to see and experience across the Ditch than I could squeeze into any lifetime. We have reciprocal healthcare arrangements across the Tasman, meaning I will receive a high standard of medical care. For my recent trip to see my son, I took copies of all my medical history with me. My oncologist was also supportive but very clear – any hint of a problem such as high fevers or issues with the external drain in my abdomen, head straight to an A&E hospital. But he also pointed out that many Australians live more than three hours from good hospitals with cancer care, so flying across from NZ is not an outrageous proposition. Charlotte Kutia in Western Australia. Travel insurance may be available at different stages of cancer. Depending what type of cancer you have, how advanced, whether chemo has been effective in controlling it, or for those in remission, cover may indeed be a possibility. My only advice is to discuss your situation with a specialist insurance adviser, have good documents from your doctors, choose your destination with care and be thoroughly honest with the insurer. With a tight timeline to get back home to vital medical appointments, I was hit on the eve of departure with a message from Air New Zealand that our return flight had been cancelled due to 'maintenance issues'. A stressful few hours juggling plans saw me secure the very last seats on a crowded Jetstar flight instead. Anxious about my seating, I spoke with staff as we checked in, explained my condition, and they willingly looked for accessible options. After several minutes messing around with seating plans, they found me an aisle seat, ensuring access to bathrooms for mid-air emergencies. We hit the tarmac back in Auckland intact and on time. My initial flights were refunded by Air NZ as it was their issue that caused the cancellation. The hardest part of the flight was a mental challenge on the final descent back to Auckland Airport. Circling over the city, it was hard not to let the tears fall, knowing that with a terminal diagnosis, this was very probably the last time in my life I would fly abroad, and so many travel dreams would go unfulfilled. A cancer diagnosis didn't stop Charlotte Kutia from travelling. Travel with cancer is certainly not a cinch. But I encountered nothing but empathy and assistance from airline staff and airport officials on both sides of the Tasman. I am grateful that I made the trip – if only for sweaty post-match hugs under the New South Wales night sky. My health since returning home has been a mixed bag. Unfortunately, after four cycles on my previous chemo regime, my CT scans showed no slowdown in my tumours' expansion, which was very frustrating. We recently switched to a new chemical cocktail, which is tough but encouragingly is showing some signs of slowing down the growth. The hardest thing is the uncertainty. Do I have a month to live, three months or a year? Nobody can say for sure. In terms of mindset and that elusive thing called 'happiness', the trip was a huge success. When my son video calls me, eating breakfast on his deck, or sends shots of his hard rugby training, I think 'oh yes, I saw that place', and I feel so much closer to him. Doctors have been clear that my cancer is incurable and chemo is about extending my time to make happy memories. Travelling to be with him was a huge success in that regard. I'm not planning any more trips at the moment, but the latest news is that my son's team is playing well, and last week I got a message saying, 'We might make the grand final, Mum. It would be so cool if you could be here'. Life remains fragile and unpredictable, but I'm not ruling anything out. Tips for travelling with cancer Thoroughly research your destination and what is possible under health care arrangements and/or travel insurance. For me, the only possible destination is Australia, but everyone is different. Share your intentions with your medical specialists as early as possible Check the website for your airline's rules and follow their guidelines. Don't book flights with tight connections – allow extra time getting through airports and plan for fatigue Carefully plan any nutrient and medication requirements. Staying well hydrated is more important than ever If possible, book 'preferred seating' with extra leg space – but your condition probably disqualifies you from sitting in an exit row. Final advice A final word for all healthy travellers with intentions to roam. Cancer strikes with no warning and closes off many pathways. Make the most of your wellness and follow your wildest dreams while you can.
