The Auckland International Airport announced the appointment of a new director to the Queenstown Airport board effective 1 January 2025.

Incumbent director Mark Thomson confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective on the first day of the new year, and Auckland Airport chief planning and strategy officer Mary-Liz Tuck is slated to take his place.

In her current position, Tuck holds 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.

Tuck said of the appointment: “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.”

A warm welcome, a fond farewell

Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood welcomed Tuck’s appointment even as he acknowledged Thomson’s service to the board.

Flood said: “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. 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 mayor Glyn Lewers added: “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 the 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.”