Nelson Airport unveils new website

Nelson Airport has launched a new website, introducing new features including easier access to its Flights feed and bilingual navigation. Online booking for parking will also be available soon.

The website showcases the airport’s new brand, developed by Principals brand agency in partnership with local cultural advisers Hemi Sundgren (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Raukawa) and Te Ahu Rei (Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa, Te Atiwa, Ngā Ruahinerangi). The brand takes its inspiration from the kuaka (bar tailed godwit), which undertakes the longest non-stop migration of any migratory bird before coming to rest in Te Tauihu, top of the South Island.

Nelson Airport Chief Executive Brendan Cook says the new site, developed by Hothouse Creative, provides a more modern and engaging experience for people looking for airport information.

“We know most of our site visitors are looking for departures and arrivals information, so our flights feed is front and centre on our new home page, making this information really easy to find.”

A new online parking booking portal will soon be available, allowing customers to pre-pay for parking, with discounts of up to 30% for paying in advance.

In addition, the site provides information on a range of airport facilities and services, including parking and transport, food and shopping options, airlines, and other airport businesses. It aims to showcase the Nelson region through direct links through to highlighted features on the Nelson Regional Development Agency nelsontasman.nz site.

It features bilingual navigation and page headers, which was important to the airport to recognise and support the revitalisation of te reo Māori in public spaces – including digital ones.

Brendan said the new website was the first major showcase of the airport’s new brand, underpinned by the concept of Te Pūtahi - the convergence of many paths.

“Our brand story talks to our location next to the estuary and the historic and current migration paths of people and wildlife in this area. The airport is a place where people, journeys and energy come together. The concept of Te Pūtahi, a meeting of many streams, reflects how we create space for connection.”

The aiport’s new tohu (logo mark) is inspired by the flight of the kuaka. The channel running through the tohu reflects the migration path, pausing briefly at the centre just as the kuaka pauses on its long journey.

“The new brand is firmly rooted in our place and purpose here in Te Tauihu,” Brendan says. “Our thanks go to Hemi Sundgren, Te Ahu Rei and the team at Principals for their mahi in developing this foundation for Nelson Airport to tell our story in a rich and meaningful way.”