NZ Airports has appointed Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O’Hare as its Chair for a two-year term.
Mr O’Hare brings more than 40 years of international aviation and tourism experience to the role. He joined Queenstown Airport in September 2025, after serving as Chief Executive of Launceston Airport in Australia. His earlier senior roles span Melbourne Airport, Qantas, Etihad Airways and UAE government-owned private aviation company Royal Jet. He also founded Seair Pacific, a general aviation operator based at the Great Barrier Reef.
NZ Airports Chief Executive Graeme Sharman said Mr O’Hare’s experience across airports, airlines and tourism would be valuable as the association represents a sector with diverse needs.
“Shane understands both the opportunities and the pressures facing airports. He brings an international perspective, as well as firsthand experience of what it takes to serve communities and support regional and national prosperity,” Mr Sharman said.
“We look forward to working with him to ensure NZ Airports is a clear, constructive voice for the whole airport sector.”
Mr O’Hare said airports had an important role in New Zealand’s connectivity and future growth.
“From our largest gateways to small regional airports, the sector connects people, businesses and communities. NZ Airports has an important job bringing those perspectives together and making sure they are heard,” he said.
“Over the next two years, I want us to be a strong voice for the sector: working with members, airlines, government and other partners on reliable regional connections, resilient infrastructure and the conditions airports need to invest for the future.”
Mr O’Hare holds an MBA from Bond University and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He will serve as Chair alongside his role at Queenstown Airport.