Community and Sustainability

Since 2013 when Auckland Seaplanes and Island Aviation started, our team set out with a mission to not just share our love of Tamaki Makaurau and the Hauraki Gulf with locals and visitors alike, but to also contribute to looking after it. The places we connect are naturally isolated as many are island based, so supporting local schools, hospitals, hospices, community groups and search & rescue operations is our way of giving back to the communities that we are privileged to serve.

As our business evolved, so too did our passion for community and sustainability. In 2017, we were delighted to become the first ISO certified carbon-zero air operator in Australasia where our emissions are offset via audited reforestation projects across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Part of our commitment is protecting our native taonga for our future which has become a part of our daily operations. With “eyes in the sky” everyday across the Hauraki Gulf, which is New Zealand’s first marine park, we are in the perfect position to spot anything that may pose an environmental threat to its fragile marine ecosystem. For example, oil spills are more easily visible from the air and our crew can quickly report them to activate emergency response clean-up teams. With the Gulf covering an area of 4,000 km², from Te Arai in the North to Waihi in the South, our crew have also played vital roles in saving lives of those in and on the water. From boats on fire, people drifting out to sea or pods of whales or dolphins in distress, our crew members have often provided the first emergency response call.

In 2018, an opportunity arose to help stop the closure of Waiheke Island’s only airport. We took over the beautiful location as a home base for our operations, and in turn, it enabled us to bring Waiheke Wings to life and save a vital air transport connection for the Island. The aerodrome is surrounded by native forests that we are passionate about protecting, so we introduced an extensive pest and weed eradication programme as part of our commitment to look after the environment from which we operate from. The location is unique, and we love sharing it regularly through community open days and charity fundraisers

The Islands that we visit are home to some of Aotearoa’s most precious birds and wildlife, so we like to play an active role in looking after them. Our “Pest Free Warrant” issued by the Department of Conservation, allows us to access these unique and protected islands not only to visit, but to aid in the transportation of protected wildlife back to their natural environment. Our efforts were kindly recognised by being selected as a finalist for the “Meaningful Travel Award” in Sydney in 2017, and finalist for the “100% Pure New Zealand Experience Award” in 2019 and 2021. In 2022 we were especially proud to receive an environmental award from Qualmark, and the renewal of our Qualmark Gold Status.

Island Aviation, Auckland Seaplanes and Waiheke Wings are proud to connect Tamaki Makaurau and the Hauraki Gulf, we thank for your support, which in turn, helps us to protect is it for generations to come.