New Auckland Airport rep on ZQN board

The Queenstown Airport director appointed by the minority shareholder, Auckland International Airport, will change in the new year.

Mark Thomson has confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective 1 January 2025. Thomson is the Chief Commercial Officer for Auckland Airport and joined the Queenstown Airport board in June 2017. He will be replaced by Mary-Liz Tuck, Auckland Airport's Chief Planning and Strategy Officer.

At Auckland Airport, Tuck has leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa.

Queenstown Airport Chair Simon Flood has welcomed the appointment and acknowledged the service of Mark Thomson.

“Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years. We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. On behalf of my fellow directors and the QAC team, I thank him for his service," he says.

“I look forward to welcoming Mary-Liz to the board table as the Auckland Airport shareholder representative in the new year. At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome."

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is the majority shareholder (75.01%) in Queenstown Airport Corporation, with. Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) the minority shareholder (24.99%). QAC, a council-controlled organisation, is governed by a board of six directors.

Mary-Liz Tuck says: “Queenstown Airport plays a vital role in the community, connecting Kiwis and overseas visitors to and from the region, and supporting the local economy. I’m delighted to be joining the board at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation.”

Board directors are appointed by the shareholders to govern and direct QAC’s activities. One director is appointed by AIAL. The remaining directors, including the Chair, are appointed by QLDC.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers said: “On behalf of the community and QLDC, as Queenstown Airport Corporation’s majority shareholder, I extend a warm welcome to Mary-Liz. The airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to Council of $14.7 million.

"Mary-Liz’s proven track record at Auckland Airport will add fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success. I’d also like to thank Mark for his huge contribution as AIAL’s representative on the board since 2017, especially as it navigated some unprecedented global challenges.”