Anticipation builds as the Rarotonga International Airport prepares to mark its 50 years of excellence on Monday, January 29, celebrating its Golden Jubilee.

As this important milestone approaches, the Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) has been coordinating and making the necessary arrangements, ensuring everything is in place.

People of all ages and backgrounds are eagerly looking forward to honouring the airport’s 50 years and the integral part it has played in connecting the Cook Islands to the world.

In the mid-1960s, plans for a full-scale international airport were discussed, resulting in a Civil Aviation Agreement between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, signed by Premier Albert Henry in February 1969. Work on the new international airport started on June 11, 1970.

Four years later, on January 29, 1974, Rarotonga International Airport was officially opened by Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was the first reigning monarch to visit the Cook Islands.

Rarotonga Airport was managed by the New Zealand Ministry of Transport until the Cook Islands Airport Authority took over the airport’s ownership in April 1986.

Taoro Brown, chairman of AACI, said the nation’s first airstrip dates back to the early 1940s, just over 80 years ago.

“I really want to applaud two gentlemen in our lifetime, Premier Albert Henry, and Prime Minister Sir Tom Davis who negotiated with the New Zealand government during his time for us to take ownership of our airport,” said Brown.

“We are proud too that all the board members and managerial leadership roles are held by our own people.”

Brown added that the 50^th anniversary celebration “is about giving back to our people” and encourages everyone to participate in the event.

Nikau Tangaroa, the chief executive officer, reiterated Brown’s statement, saying that everyone is welcome to attend.

Tangaroa said they would like to thank the other government agencies, schools, and island dance troupes who have been assisting with their events and at the Golden Jubilee celebration on Monday.

He expressed that throughout the events, he has gained more knowledge about the history of the airport and acknowledges the connection and progress that aviation has brought to the country and its people

The Airport Authority Cook Islands employs 117 staff in operational and technical to commercial and administrative roles. The longest serving employee is George Nicholls who started as a Rescue Fire Fighter 44 years ago on March 19, 1979.

The Airport Authority Cook Islands is a fully state-owned company which was established in 1985 to manage the airports on the islands of Aitutaki and Rarotonga.

It is made up of three divisions: Corporate Services, Operations Services and Support Services. Each division consists of departments and personnel who work together to continue the legacy of managing the airports on the two islands and achieving the goals.

AACI’s Board of Directors are: Taoro Brown – Chairman, Nancy Matapuku – Director, Shona Lynch – Director, Edward Herman – Director, Ngapare Tatira – Director.

The Chief Executive Officer – Nikau Tangaroa, Secretary to Board and CEO – Maraeura Peyroux, Safety & Compliance – Manager Akaiti Purea, Human Resources – Manager Moari Fortes-Ngamata.

Operations: Executive General Manager – Tony Wearing, Air Traffic Services – Manager Lorreen Savage, Aitutaki – Manager Miimetua Blenkarn, Airport Security – Chief Airport Security Officer see EGMO Tony Wearing, Airport Rescue Fire – Manager George Nicholls and Chief Fire Officer - Breamnt Kea.

Finance: Executive General Manager – Florence Kimiora Atatoa Epati, Finance – Manager Mami Nikoro-Ueseli; Commercial: Executive General Manager – Geoffrey Halston, Commercial – Manager June Putere; Infrastructure: Executive General Manager – Tukua Tangaroa, Aerodrome – Manager Akanoa William, Landscaping and Cleaning – Acting Manager Annette Terepita; Technology: Executive General Manager – Nooroa Maui, Technical Services – Manager Nooroa Maui, Electrical Services – Manager Tony Macquarie, Information Technology – Manager Natasha Tangiiti.

Chief Executive Officers of Rarotonga International Airport: Doug McInnes - Ministry of Transport… up to 1984; John Laing - Ministry of Transport - 1985 up to 1989; Neville McLeod - Airport Authority Cook Islands - 1989 up to early 1996 when the position was localised; Joseph Ngamata - Airport Authority Cook Islands – February 1996 up to February 2022.