Hamilton Airport has been named Supreme Winner at the 2026 Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, also winning the Business Growth & Strategy and Sustainability categories. Chief executive Mark Morgan was named CEO of the Year.
Presented at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton on Friday 6 November, the four awards recognise achievement across the airport’s business strategy, environmental programme and leadership.
The recognition follows a significant two years for Hamilton Airport and its wider business, including Titanium Park. The return of international flights increased domestic travel choice and new commercial development have strengthened the airport’s contribution to the Waikato and Central North Island.
“These are achievements our whole team can be proud of. There’s been a huge amount of work across the business, supported by our Board, shareholders and partners, to get us to this point,” says Morgan.
“What makes that work worthwhile is what it means for the region. Better connections make it easier to visit family, do business and bring visitors into the Central North Island. Growth across our wider airport business creates opportunities here too.”
Business growth with regional benefits
The Business Growth & Strategy win comes as the airport’s aviation and property businesses reach important milestones.
International flights returned in June 2025, connecting Hamilton Airport directly with Sydney and the Gold Coast. Around 120,000 passengers travelled on those services in their first year, opening up more travel options for Central North Island residents and bringing Australian visitors closer to destinations across the wider region.
Domestic connectivity has also strengthened, with Air New Zealand’s return to jet services on the Christchurch route followed by Jetstar’s entry with its own jet services, giving travellers more choice.
At Titanium Park, the completion of the Asmuss facility and progress at Precinct North demonstrate the growth taking place alongside aviation. The approximately 5,200-square-metre Asmuss building was the airport’s first design-build project, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget.
These developments support the airport’s commercial performance while creating places for businesses to operate, employ people and grow within the Waikato.
Sustainability built into development
The Sustainability Award adds to recent recognition from NZ Airports and Property Council New Zealand for the environmental work at Titanium Park’s Precinct North.
The programme incorporates habitat protection and restoration into the planning of the precinct, including a 15-hectare biodiversity corridor and approximately 75,000 planned native trees and plants.
The corridor will strengthen connections between existing habitats and support native wildlife, including the nationally threatened long-tailed bat, or pekapeka.
Environmental measures also feature in commercial development. The Asmuss facility includes a 730-kilowatt rooftop solar installation and stormwater harvesting.
“We’re a long-term landowner. The decisions we make now will shape this place for decades, so protecting habitat and restoring the environment need to be part of how we develop Titanium Park. It’s work that will continue well beyond these awards,” says Morgan.
Leadership and a shared achievement
In naming Mark Morgan CEO of the Year, the judges highlighted his leadership through challenging years for aviation, alongside he development of a strong balance sheet and management team.
During his 11 years leading Hamilton Airport, the organisation has developed into a broader commercial business while maintaining its focus on connectivity and regional opportunity.
“Mark has led the business through some exceptionally challenging years and built a strong team around him. The Board is delighted to see his leadership recognised," says Barry Harris, Board Chair.
“These four awards also acknowledge the capability and commitment of people across the organisation. We thank them, along with our shareholders and partners, for the part they have played in the airport’s progress.”
Hamilton Airport acknowledges the long-term support of its five shareholding councils: Hamilton City, Waipā, Waikato, Matamata-Piako and Ōtorohanga. It also thanks its airlines, tenants, business partners and everyone who chooses to travel through the airport.
The airport extends its thanks to the Waikato Chamber of Commerce, award sponsors and judges, and congratulates all winners and finalists.
As sponsor of the People & Culture Award, Hamilton Airport particularly congratulates Waratah NZ, who won that category alongside the International Trade Award.
