Latest news with #JustinWatson
Scoop
04-08-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Kōwhai Park Solar Farm Reaches ‘Golden Row' Milestone, Marking Major Step In Delivery
Press Release – Christchurch Airport The project is being delivered through a partnership between Lightsource bp and Contact Energy, in collaboration with Christchurch Airport. The solar farm is being constructed on a 230-hectare site at the airport, aligning with the airports broader ambitions … Christchurch, New Zealand, 4 August 2025: Construction of one of New Zealand's largest solar projects has reached a major milestone, with the installation of the first row of solar panels – known in the industry as the 'Golden Row' – now complete at Kōwhai Park solar farm. The project is being delivered through a partnership between Lightsource bp and Contact Energy, in collaboration with Christchurch Airport. The solar farm is being constructed on a 230-hectare site at the airport, aligning with the airport's broader ambitions to enable a renewable energy precinct and support New Zealand's decarbonisation goals. Installation of the first panels marks an important moment in the delivery of the 168MWdc solar farm, as the Golden Row milestone represents both the full installation and quality assurance of the first row of solar panels. With the process now validated and signed off, construction can safely and efficiently scale up – repeating this process thousands of times across the site. Once complete, the solar farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of more than 36,000 homes. Kōwhai Park reflects the shared commitment of all three partners to enable a more sustainable future for New Zealand. With their first project together in the country, Lightsource bp and Contact Energy are combining their global and local expertise to bring new large-scale renewables capacity online, helping accelerate the energy transition. 'The solar farm brings our vision to life, using airport land in new ways to support a low-emissions future for our region. We're excited to hit this milestone, which marks another step towards a cleaner energy future reflecting the strength of the partnership driving it,' said Justin Watson Christchurch Airport CEO. 'We're thrilled to see the progress at Kōwhai Park – the first solar farm as part of our joint venture partnership. It demonstrates the impact that can be achieved through effective, strategic collaboration in advancing New Zealand's renewable energy future,' said Mike Fuge, Contact Energy CEO. Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific (APAC) at Lightsource bp, commented: 'This is a significant moment for our team and our partners. We're proud to be working with Contact Energy and Christchurch Airport to bring this project to life. It's a great example of what can be achieved when industry leaders come together with a shared focus on delivering practical, long-term solutions for decarbonisation.' Engagement with the local community and wider stakeholders remains a priority as the project progresses, with a focus on ensuring the development delivers lasting economic and environmental value for the region. About Lightsource bp Lightsource bp is a leading developer and manager of global utility-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions. Our purpose is to deliver affordable and sustainable power for businesses and communities around the world. Our team includes over 1,200 industry specialists, working across 19 global markets. We provide full scope development for our projects, from initial site selection, financing and permitting through to long-term management of projects and power sales to our clients. Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024. Read more here. About Contact Energy Contact Energy is one of New Zealand's largest energy generators and retailers. We have more than 645,000 customer connections with electricity, gas, broadband and mobile plans. We operate 11 power stations across New Zealand, using geothermal, hydro and thermal energy to generate electricity. Contact is building renewable energy at pace, investing $2.3billion into renewable energy projects over the past four years, including three new geothermal power stations, a grid-scale battery and solar farm. About Christchurch Airport About Christchurch Airport: Christchurch Airport is the main gateway to the South Island of New Zealand, serving as a hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport is committed to delivering world-class services, enhancing the region's connectivity, and fulfilling the economic prosperity of New Zealand.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Airport Announces International Green Airports Award
Christchurch Airport has been named the Platinum Category Winner of the Airports Council International's Green Airports Recognition 2025, recognising the airport's leadership in building a clean energy future through its solar farm Kōwhai Park. The airport was one of only four airports globally to receive Platinum recognition, the award celebrates the airport's role in establishing a major joint venture between Contact Energy and Lightsource bp to develop Kōwhai Park solar farm, currently under construction on the airport campus. With 300,000 panels across 230 hectares, the project will generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 36,000 homes. Kōwhai Park is the cornerstone of the airport's wider ambition to create a clean energy hub that supports decarbonisation across the region and helps others meet their sustainability goals. Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the Airports Council International recognition reflects the airport's long-term commitment to sustainability. 'Kōwhai Park shows what's possible when you combine vision with the right partners. Contact Energy and Lightsource bp bring world-class expertise, and this partnership is creating something we can all be proud of.' Construction started this week with first piles to hold the solar panels being placed in the ground. Kōwhai Park's first stage is just the beginning of a long-term plan to support renewable energy projects such as green hydrogen and storage technologies. The award also acknowledges other key sustainability milestones, including the arrival of New Zealand's first fully electric fire truck and the airport's Level 5 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) status. Sustainable Transition Leader Claire Waghorn says the airport is proving that even critical emergency services can be powered sustainably. 'We're building a future where safety and sustainability go hand-in-hand. We're proud to lead the way and we are delighted to be able to announce this award on World Environment Day.' As the Southern Hemisphere's only Level 5 ACA airport, Christchurch Airport continues to set the standard for climate leadership in the aviation sector. The airport's commitment to people, planet and place reaches far beyond energy generation. It includes real and measurable action across climate, biodiversity, circularity, water conservation and sustainability leadership. Smart, electric mobility: The airport has introduced a new suite of high efficiency charging stations dedicated to powering electric ground service vehicles. These vehicles, used to tow luggage containers and push back aircraft, now operate with lower emissions, reduced noise, and improved energy use, supporting cleaner operations where it matters most. Hydrogen innovation: In partnership with Fabrum, we've also established an airport world-first hydrogen test facility at Kōwhai Park to support the development of green hydrogen technologies for aviation and beyond, further cementing Christchurch's role as a hub for clean energy leadership. Cleaner aircraft turnaround: Thirteen of the airport's 15 aircraft gates are now equipped with direct power connections, allowing aircraft to plug in while parked instead of using diesel generators or their own auxiliary power units. This reduces fuel use, cuts emissions, and improves air quality. Resource Recovery: The airport's award-winning sorting station processes waste generated in the domestic terminal. It has significantly reduced the waste sent to landfill, showing how better design and smarter systems can drive real environmental results. EV leadership: The airport precinct is home to one of the South Island's biggest EV charging hubs, and the airport's entire corporate fleet is electric. Global knowledge sharing: Our team is helping shape the global conversation on climate action and Claire Waghorn, our Sustainable Transition Leader, presented Christchurch Airport's sustainability approach to more than 800 delegates at the ACI World General Assembly in Riyadh. Wildlife protection: Over 500 native lizards were safely relocated from the Kōwhai Park construction site to a custom-built habitat on airport-owned land, supported by 20,000 native plantings and predator-proof fencing. Bird conservation: In collaboration with the South Island Wildlife Hospital, at-risk bird eggs are rescued from airside areas, incubated, hatched, and released into the wild, helping native species like the Banded Dotterel and Pied Oystercatcher thrive. This award is another milestone on our journey, and we're excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible for sustainable aviation.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Direct flights from Christchurch to Adelaide coming
Photo: Christchurch Airport For the first time ever, Air New Zealand will operate direct flights from Christchurch to Adelaide twice a week this summer. The flight will leave Christchurch every Friday and Monday from October 27 to March 28. The flights will depart Christchurch in the early evening and arrive in Adelaide in the late evening, with the return service leaving Adelaide the following morning and touching down in Christchurch afternoon. The service will provide more than 15,000 seats across the summer season. Christchurch and Adelaide have officially been sister cities for over 50 years and signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 to deepen ties across tourism, trade, education and culture. Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the route will add strength to the airport's growing network "This service is another fabulous addition to our trans-Tasman network. It builds on a strong civic and regional connection and supports more Kiwis and Aussies to explore each other's backyards all year round." Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the announcement was another milestone in the long friendship between the two cities. "Adelaide and Christchurch are sister cities with shared values and strong ties. With over 50 years of formal connection behind us, this new service is awesome, it opens the door to even more exchange, tourism and opportunity.' Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox also welcomed the move. "We're delighted that Air New Zealand has recognised the strong pent-up demand between Adelaide and Christchurch," he said. 'Our data shows that close to 50,000 passengers are travelling indirectly between Adelaide and the South Island each year, with a relatively even split of inbound and outbound travel, so we're confident that there will be significant interest in this new service. The majority of travellers between Adelaide and New Zealand are either on holiday or visiting family and relatives. 'We have no doubt a non-stop service to Christchurch will prove attractive to South Australians. The announcement rounds off a bumper few weeks for Christchurch Airport following Qantas's decision to increase capacity on its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne routes, Singapore Airlines boosting international summer connectivity, and Air New Zealand's jet service addition to the Christchurch–Hamilton route. Air New Zealand also announced 36 new flights between Auckland and Christchurch between June and October, adding 14,600 seats to their schedule. Christchurch to Adelaide schedule Flight No. Origin Destination Departure Arrival Days of Operation NZ 261 Christchurch (CHC) Adelaide (ADL) 17:50 19:55 Monday^, Friday NZ262 Adelaide (ADL) Christchurch (CHC) 07:00 13:45 Tuesday, Saturday ^ Mondays services will be operated 18:50 – 20:55 between 27th October till 24th November 2025.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
New direct flights from Christchurch-Adelaide
Photo: Christchurch Airport For the first time ever, Air New Zealand will operate direct flights from Christchurch to Adelaide twice a week this summer. The flight will leave Christchurch every Friday and Monday from October 27 to March 28. The flights will depart Christchurch in the early evening and arrive in Adelaide in the late evening, with the return service leaving Adelaide the following morning and touching down in Christchurch after noon. The service will add more than 15,000 seats across the summer season. Christchurch and Adelaide have officially been sister cities for over 50 years and signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 to deepen ties across tourism, trade, education and culture. Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the route will add strength to the airport's growing network "This service is another fabulous addition to our trans-Tasman network. It builds on a strong civic and regional connection and supports more Kiwis and Aussies to explore each other's backyards all year round." Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the announcement is another milestone in the long friendship between the two cities. "Adelaide and Christchurch are sister cities with shared values and strong ties. With over 50 years of formal connection behind us, this new service is awesome, it opens the door to even more exchange, tourism and opportunity.' Said Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox: "We're delighted that Air New Zealand has recognised the strong pent-up demand between Adelaide and Christchurch. 'Our data shows that close to 50,000 passengers are travelling indirectly between Adelaide and the South Island each year, with a relatively even split of inbound and outbound travel, so we're confident that there will be significant interest in this new service. The majority of travellers between Adelaide and New Zealand are either on holiday or visiting family and relatives. 'We have no doubt a non-stop service to Christchurch will prove attractive to South Australians. The announcement rounds off a bumper few weeks for Christchurch Airport following Qantas's decision to increase capacity on its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne routes, Singapore Airlines boosting international summer connectivity, and Air New Zealand's jet service addition to the Christchurch–Hamilton route. Air New Zealand also announced 36 new flights between Auckland and Christchurch between June and October, adding 14,600 seats to their schedule. Christchurch to Adelaide schedule Flight No. Origin Destination Departure Arrival Days of Operation NZ 261 Christchurch (CHC) Adelaide (ADL) 17:50 19:55 Monday^, Friday NZ262 Adelaide (ADL) Christchurch (CHC) 07:00 13:45 Tuesday, Saturday ^ Mondays services will be operated 18:50 – 20:55 between 27th October till 24th November 2025.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Adelaide, Here We Come. New Direct Flights From Christchurch
Press Release – Christchurch Airport For the first time ever, a direct commercial air service will connect Christchurch and Adelaide, with Air New Zealand today announcing a new twice-weekly route launching this summer. The service marks a historic step forward in trans-Tasman travel and strengthens the long-standing sister city relationship between Christchurch and Adelaide. Operating out of Christchurch every Friday and Monday from 27 October 2025 to 28 March 2026. The flights are perfectly timed for long weekend escapes or easy business trips. Flights will depart Christchurch in the early evening arriving in Adelaide late evening, with the return service leaving Adelaide the following morning and touching down in Christchurch after midday. The service adds over 15,000 seats two-ways across the summer season. Christchurch and Adelaide have officially been sister cities for over 50 years, they celebrated the milestone in 2022 with civic events and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen ties across tourism, trade, education and culture. This new direct air link brings that partnership to life, connecting people and places. It offers Kiwis a new gateway to explore South Australia's rich food, wine and cultural scene, and as easy for Australians to experience the South Island's alpine beauty, adrenaline-fuelled adventures and world-famous hospitality. Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the route adds strength to the airport's growing network: 'This service is another fabulous addition to our trans-Tasman network. It builds on a strong civic and regional connection and supports more Kiwis and Aussies to explore each other's backyards all year round.' Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger says the announcement is another milestone in a long and proud friendship: 'Adelaide and Christchurch are sister cities with shared values and strong ties. With over 50 years of formal connection behind us, this new service is awesome, it opens the door to even more exchange, tourism and opportunity.' Hon. James Meager, Minister for the South Island, says the new service reflects the region's appeal: 'The South Island is one of the most spectacular tourism destinations in the world. A direct link gives even more Australians the chance to experience our unique landscapes, adventure and culture, and it's a major win for our economy heading into the busy summer.' Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said: 'We're delighted that Air New Zealand has recognised the strong pent-up demand between Adelaide and Christchurch. 'Our data shows that close to 50,000 passengers are travelling indirectly between Adelaide and the South Island each year, with a relatively even split of inbound and outbound travel, so we're confident that there will be significant interest in this new service. The majority of travellers between Adelaide and New Zealand are either on holiday or visiting family and relatives. 'We have no doubt a non-stop service to Christchurch will prove attractive to South Australians. The announcement rounds off a bumper few weeks for Christchurch Airport, following Qantas's decision to increase capacity on its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne routes, Singapore Airlines boosting international summer connectivity, and Air New Zealand's jet service addition to the Christchurch–Hamilton route. And earlier today, Air New Zealand announced 36 new flights between Auckland and Christchurch between June and October adding 14,600 seats to their schedule. Together, these moves are a bold endorsement of the South Island, and a proud reminder that Christchurch Airport is not just connecting regions but delivering for New Zealand. ^ Mondays services will be operated 18:50 – 20:55 between 27th October till 24th November 2025.
