Cutting-edge technology to prevent future flooding at Auckland Airport

After significant flooding at Auckland Airport during the Auckland Anniversary floods, steps are being taken to ensure it does not happen again. Photos and video showing the floods at parts of the airport were beamed around the world last January, including passengers wading through water.

Stranded passengers described the international airport as a “war zone” and “zombie land”, with flights cancelled and more than 1000 displaced people and staff walking around or sleeping on the floor.

The airport’s sustainability manager, Ellie Callard, said they have learned from the flooding and are taking steps to reduce the impact of future extreme events. Addressing the Manukau Harbour Forum, Callard said with development plans in place for the coming decade, the airport wanted to be a better neighbor to the harbor and environment.

“We are more than just runways and terminals. We are a major landowner with about 20,000 people working on our sites every day,” Callard said. The airport plans to use bio-filtering technology and improved wetland management techniques that will capture, retain, and treat stormwater on-site in a first for New Zealand.

The airport’s plans to improve the environmental impacts on the Manukau were welcomed by the forum. Chairperson Jon Turner said it was fantastic to see the airport stepping up and taking more responsibility for the environment. The Manukau Harbour Forum brings together nine local boards that edge the harbor to help support and restore its health.