Due to wind conditions at NPL Airport all Air New Zealand services have been cancelled for 21 April. For travel over the next few days please check the Air NZ website for updates.

About PRIP

Local Ownership, Regional Impact

Papa Rererangi i Puketapu Ltd (PRIP) proudly manages and operates New Plymouth Airport, serving as the gateway to the stunning Taranaki region. Established in July 2017, we function as a Council Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO) fully owned by the New Plymouth District Council.

PRIP looks after all airport infrastructure on land leased from the New Plymouth District Council. We keep things running every day of the year, supporting both travellers and freight and play a key role as Taranaki’s main transport hub.

The airport is home to more than 180 jobs and hosts a range of local businesses, balancing our role in the community with the need to run efficiently. Our Chief Executive manages daily operations and reports to our Board, while NPDC continues to hold the Aerodrome Operator Certificate.

Directors

Philip Cory-Wright

Director & Chair

Rachel Farrant

Director

Shelley Kopu

Director

Jeff Kendrew

Director

Airport Staff

Chris Coplestone

Manager of Operations and Safety

Chris joined New Plymouth Airport as Manager of Operations and Safety in March 2023. He has a wide range of experience in the aviation industry, gained both in New Zealand and Europe. He is a self-confessed aviation nut, and also holds a commercial pilots license. Chris is ‘Naki born and bred, and looks forward to contributing to the ongoing success of one of the most important gateways to the Taranaki Region. In his spare time he enjoys to travel, as well as playing golf, fishing and camping.

Julia Faselt

Executive Assistant | Board Support

Julia joined New Plymouth Airport in June 2026, bringing several years of experience supporting senior leadership and managing fast-paced operations. Working closely with the Chief Executive, she helps ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the airport, drawing on her background in operations management within New Zealand’s health and safety training sector. Outside of work, Julia is a proud mum to two boys, aged 16 and 8, and loves travelling to Germany with her whānau to spend time with family and explore new places.

Ian Baker

Property Manager

Ian brings extensive experience in property management to his role at New Plymouth Airport. He is responsible for overseeing all airport leases and managing general property matters across the site. With a strong background in property and asset management, Ian ensures that our facilities operate efficiently while supporting the needs of our tenants and stakeholders.

Operation Staff

Vaughan Keighley

Airport Operations Officer

Simon Bird

Airport Operations Officer

Martin Smith

Wildlife Officer

Chris Connolly

Grounds Maintenance

James Campbell-Cole

Airport Operations Officer

Rescue Fire Service

Left to right: L-R Justin Smith (Fireman), Wayde Limmer (Deputy Fire Chief), John Flannery (Senior Fireman), Shannon Taylor (Fireman), Brad Hayward (Senior Fireman), Michael Montgomerie (Fireman) and Jock Collingwood (Fire Chief).

Absent: Wilson Montgomerie (Senior Fireman), Steve Bridgeman (Fireman) and Danny Chapman (Fireman)