TypeAgencyParallel NameWIALDate Range16 October 1990-DescriptionThe Wellington Airport Authority was one of the Wellington City Council Local Authority Trading Enterprises (LATEs) which resulted from the major local government reorganisation of 1989. These commercial enterprises were managed by the Council as subsidiaries under Capital Holdings Ltd, and later by Capital City Investments Ltd. In October 1990 the assets and activities of the Authority were reconstituted as a commercial company, Wellington International Airport Ltd (WIAL). It was established as a public company under the Wellington Airport Act 1990 and incorporated in October 1990 under the Companies Act. The Government owned 66% and Wellington City Council 34% of the company. It was also a Crown entity as listed in the 6th schedule of the Public Finance Act 1989 and therefore required to prepare an annual statement of intent to shareholders. WIAL was managed by a board of directors, including at least one city councillor, and delegated authority to its chief executive. Its mission was to be a successful commercial airport business and act as the gateway to Wellington, the heart of New Zealand. It provided aerodrome facilities and services to commercial and non-commercial aircraft operators, property for lease and for use by the public, roading and parking, public information services, and airline support services and utilities. In the period 1991-1998 there was major redevelopment of the terminal and associated areas, including roading, parking, freight and storage, etc. WIAL was privatised in 1998, with the Crown selling its 66% shareholding to NZ Airports Ltd. Wellington City Council voted to retain its 34% shareholding.
