In July 2017 New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) established Papa Rererangi i Puketapu Ltd (PRIP) as a Council Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO).

PRIP is 100% owned by NPDC and operates as a standalone Company governed by an independent skills-based Board of four Directors and employs its own Chief Executive and staff. PRIP operates under an annual Statement of Intent agreed to by NPDC and the organisation is classed as a semi-commercial investment within the Council’s investment policy.

NPDC retains ownership of the Aerodrome Operator Certificate and all airport operations and assets are managed by the PRIP Chief Executive who has overall responsibility for implementing the Company’s strategic direction and reports to the Company’s Board of Directors.

PRIP owns passenger terminals, aircraft hangars, airside infrastructure, car parking areas, roading and underground utilities and these facilities are sited on land occupied under lease from the New Plymouth District Council.

The Airport provides services to allow the safe and efficient facilitation of travellers and freight and, ancillary to this, it leases terminal space and land at the Airport. The Airport is open every day of the year and, as well as providing an essential strategic transport hub for the Taranaki region, also directly and indirectly provides employment for more than 180 people on site.

Airport Staff

Photo of DAVID SCOTT

DAVID SCOTT Airport Chief Executive

David joined the team in May 2021. He has over 25 years in the aviation industry, most recently with Nelson Airport where he was involved in the development of the new terminal facility. He is a strategic thinker who has seen the industry change dramatically. He brings extensive experience both domestically and internationally with a variety of roles in both the airline and airport fields. David is a South Islander born and bred and loves the outdoors. He is a keen golfer, skier, and mountain biker.

Photo of Shannon Bishop

Shannon Bishop Executive Assistant | Board Support

Shannon joined the New Plymouth Airport team in 2022. She brings over 25 years' experience with the past 10 years spent in local government at New Plymouth District Council. Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and travelling around New Zealand.

Photo of Chris Coplestone

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.

Operation Staff

Frank Conway Operations Officer

Rod Bearman Operations Officer

Simon Bird Operations Assistant

Martin Smith Wildlife Officer

Chris Connolly Grounds Maintenance

Image on the Fire Rescue Service article

Fire Rescue Service

AIR SERVICES TARANAKI
Rescue Fire Service

Left to right: David Collingwood Station Officer, Wilson Montgomerie Senior Fireman, Wayde Limmer Senior Fireman, John Flannery Senior Fireman, Garth Hayward Manager/Fire Fighter, Justin Smith Fire Fighter, Brad Hayward Fire Fighter

Not pictured: Shannon Taylor and Kelsi Olsen

 

Directors

Photo of Philip Cory-Wright

Philip Cory-Wright Director & Chair

Photo of Rachel Farrant

Rachel Farrant Director

Photo of Shelley Kopu

Shelley Kopu Director

Photo of Chris Myers

Chris Myers Director