Paving the way for Niue's future

Niue, a small, remote island in the South Pacific, relies heavily on its only international airport for economic and social connectivity with Aotearoa, New Zealand. Spanning 261.46 square kilometres and home to over 1,600 people, the island is accessible from New Zealand by a 3.5-hour flight twice a week. However, the airport's infrastructure, which is nearly 30 years old, urgently needed upgrading to ensure its operations' safety, resiliency and efficiency.

The Government of Niue required support to upgrade the runway, taxiway and apron pavements, as well as a complete overhaul of the dysfunctional AGL infrastructure, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) through the International Development Cooperation programme.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly complicated the project by disrupting global supply chains, travel and the physical construction of the project. Additionally, there were difficulties sourcing suitable materials, with the limited availability of basalt rock, the preferred aggregate for asphalt pavements. Project delivery was further complicated by the need to minimise disruption to aircraft movements to ensure the airport remained fully operational throughout construction.

GHD designed innovative solutions for the airside pavements and AGL infrastructure to overcome the project's challenges, as well as delivered comprehensive site supervision and contract management services through construction for the NZ$36 million project. Asphalt pavements on the runway, taxiway and apron were completed in 2023, including ancilliary carpark paving works and AGL installations on the apron and taxiway, with the remaining AGL works, including runway edge, turning node, runway end or threshold, and approach light installation, completed in October 2024.

To address the difficulties surrounding the sourcing of raw materials for the asphalt, we used a unique blend of locally sourced limestone aggregate, ensuring the strength and durability of the asphalt pavements to meet international standards, while eliminating the need for importing aggregates. A fit for purpose AGL system, including power supply and simple control system with the ability to be accessed remotely, was developed to provide the capacity for night operations in the future.

Close collaboration with the contractor, Downer New Zealand, MFAT and the Niuean Government helped us avoid disruption to aircraft operation, with works undertaken on non-flight days, and deliver a successful outcome for all stakeholders.

The comprehensive upgrade of the pavements and AGL provides a safe and reliable air connection for passengers and cargo traveling to and from Niue, enabling the island's tourism industry to continue to thrive and the local economy to prosper. The enhanced flight capacity and potential for the introduction of night flights have further boosted Niue's resilience, assuring uninterrupted flight operations for years to come.

Lincoln Timoteo, Infrastructure Activity Manager at MFAT, said, "GHD is a valued supplier to MFAT. Jackson and Nick have supported the monitoring, administration, and project management of the Niue Runway Renewal contract works on behalf of the New Zealand government (represented by the MFAT). GHD has been able to manage issues proactively, provide early warnings for project risks, and offer considered advice on options to manage these risks. The relationships they have formed with Niue government officials, construction contractor management, and MFAT officials in New Zealand and Niue have been essential in overcoming challenges we have faced as the project has progressed."

"GHD's extensive experience is reflected in their responsive and professional communications, reporting quality, and financial management. Their advice has consistently been of high quality and beneficial to both Niue and New Zealand governments, contributing to successful project outcomes," Timoteo added.