A major upgrade to Wellington Airport’s ageing southern coastline has been fast-tracked, with seawall construction expected to begin later this year.
The project – estimated to cost more than $100 million – would strengthen around 400m of the existing seawall to better withstand coastal erosion and severe weather.
The seawall protects the airport’s runway and other key infrastructure along the city’s exposed southern coastline.
Alongside the engineering work, plans include creating two new kororā (little penguin) colonies near the site. These would feature nesting boxes, planting, and fencing intended to protect birds from predators and human disturbance.
Wellington International Airport Ltd applied for approval in October 2025 and consent was granted roughly six months later through the Government’s fast-track process.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said it was a "major long-term resilience project" for Wellington.
"Renewing and strengthening sections of the existing southern seawall will improve its resilience to coastal processes and extreme weather events, while supporting the airport’s continued safe operation."
He said the project had an estimated cost-benefit ratio of 2.6, and could generate up to $690 million in economic benefits over time.
"Importantly, this project will deliver major economic benefits for local communities, through the creation of 114 jobs annually throughout the construction period.
"Wellington Airport facilitates annual expenditure of $3.9 billion, supports more than 14,500 full-time equivalent jobs, and contributes around $2 billion in GDP to the region’s economy annually. This project will help protect and future-proof this important asset."
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