Master Builders company Southbase has been awarded the contract to deliver Auckland Airport’s new integrated check-in area, a major milestone in the airport’s multi-year transformation. The project will be the most significant upgrade of the check-in hall since the 1970s, with Southbase upgrading the existing check-in facilities to enhance capacity, streamline passenger flow, and improve the overall traveller experience.
The scope of works includes creating new amenities, installing new lifts and escalators, and refurbishing the existing concourse and check-in zones to provide a more seamless journey for travellers. The check-in area itself will undergo a complete transformation, with the introduction of self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag drops.
Behind the scenes, Southbase will also carry out critical works in the terminal back of house areas to accommodate the airport’s new baggage handling system, and upgrade common areas to refresh the working environment for airport stakeholders.
“We’re proud to be working alongside Auckland Airport to help shape a terminal that’s innovative, efficient, and built to serve future generations of travellers,” Southbase founder and chief executive Quin Henderson says.
“Securing this project is a tremendous achievement and reflects Southbase’s proven capability in delivering complex, high-profile infrastructure.”
Southbase North Island manager Marcus Beddis says the team is looking forward to implementing global best practice and a digital-first approach to the delivery of the project, whilst using New Zealand expertise.
“This project is not only a milestone for Auckland Airport, but also an exciting opportunity for the Southbase team. We’ll be expanding our workforce and partnering with local suppliers to deliver a terminal that sets a new benchmark for travel in New Zealand,” Beddis says.
The transformation will bring domestic jet and international travellers under one roof for the first time since the 1970s as part of Auckland Airport’s broader vision to future-proof its infrastructure in line with long-term growth in travel, trade, and tourism.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui says the appointment of Southbase is an important step in progressing the airport’s upgraded check-in experience.
“This project is about making check-in easier and more efficient for travellers, while giving us the space and flexibility we need as travel demand grows. Partnering with experienced New Zealand contractors is a critical part of delivering this work safely and carefully in a live airport environment, and we’re pleased to have Southbase on board as construction gets underway,” Hurihanganui says.
The contract is a significant partnership for Southbase which was founded in 2013 as part of the recovery effort following the Canterbury earthquakes. The company has grown rapidly into one of New Zealand’s leading infrastructure partners, with a track record of delivering major projects nationwide.
Recent Southbase projects include:
• Dunedin Hospital Outpatients Building
• One NZ Stadium
• MPI Plant Health and Environmental Capability PHEC Facility
• Auckland Health Facility
• Takanini Data Centre
• Papakura Courthouse
