Christchurch Airport has been named a Platinum Category Winner in the Airports Council International (ACI) Green Airports Recognition 2025, becoming one of only four airports worldwide to receive the highest-level accolade.
The award acknowledges the airport’s leadership in advancing clean energy infrastructure, particularly through the development of its large-scale solar initiative, Kōwhai Park. Currently under construction, Kōwhai Park is a joint venture between Christchurch Airport, Contact Energy, and Lightsource BP. Once complete, the solar farm will span 230 hectares and feature 300,000 panels generating enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of 36,000 homes. It is also set to anchor broader decarbonisation projects within the region, including hydrogen fuel development and energy storage initiatives.
Construction officially began this week, with the first piles for the solar panels being installed. Kōwhai Park is a key component of the airport’s vision to establish a regional clean energy hub to support aviation and wider transport sustainability goals. The ACI award also recognises Christchurch Airport’s broader sustainability efforts, including its achievement of Level 5 Airport Carbon Accreditation the highest level available and the arrival of New Zealand’s first fully electric fire truck. Other initiatives include electric ground service vehicles, aircraft gate electrification to reduce fuel use during turnarounds, and the South Island’s largest EV charging hub within the airport precinct.
Wildlife protection measures, including the relocation of over 500 native lizards and conservation support for birdlife through egg rescue and release programmes Ongoing engagement with global climate action forums, including a recent presentation at the ACI World General Assembly in Riyadh
Chief Executive Justin Watson described the award as validation of the airport’s long-term commitment to climate leadership. “Kōwhai Park shows what’s possible when bold ideas are backed by strong partnerships,” he said.
Sustainable Transition Leader Claire Waghorn added that Christchurch Airport is demonstrating how sustainability and operational performance can work hand-in-hand. “We’re proving that even critical infrastructure and emergency services can transition to a cleaner, more sustainable model.”