Auckland’s gateway to the world.

Auckland International Airport Ltd (AIAL)’s tagline reflects the importance and profile of New Zealand’s primary international airport, which sees over 21 million passengers each year.

Doug Leighton (as Principal of Boffa Miskell consultants) was asked to create a plan for the development of the Airport’s major non-airside landholdings. This included a wide range of existing land uses, a golf course, and sensitive coastal natural, landscape and cultural features. AIAL’s objective was to also incorporate economic activity and revenue- generating uses, including logistics, tourism, commercial and office uses. Doug had previously developed a masterplan, plan of subdivision, and design guidelines for an adjacent commercial business park (Airpark).

Doug led a multi-disciplinary team in partnership with San-Francisco-based SurfaceDesign to create a masterplan for the Airport’s extensive commercial lands. This recognized and integrated heritage, cultural (Maori) and landscape values. Doug created design guidelines for all new development, including architecture, landscape, signage and lighting.

This led to another commission to create a masterplan and design concepts for the ‘Food Bowl’ – an agricultural products and agri-tourism feature beside the airport and Villa Maria winery.