Environment Southland's former Chief Executive, Rob Phillips, has been appointed the independent chair of the newly formed Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee (12 May).

The committee will be responsible for reviewing complaints relating to airport operations or noise, review progress on any airport development activity, as well as assisting the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Queenstown Airport Corporation to engage with the community.

QLDC is the airport regulator while QAC manages the day to day operation of the airport.

Wanaka Airport. Photo: Supplied

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen welcomed Phillips to this new position.

"With more than 22 years’ experience in executive and leadership roles he [Phillips] clearly demonstrated through the recruitment process that he’ll bring the skills, experience and independence required,” Theelen said.

“His strategic approach, open leadership style and focus on achieving outcomes and recognising the importance of a strong organisational culture will enable him to chair the committee and deliver on its key responsibilities.”

Phillips said he was looking forward to working with airport-based businesses and the wider community.

“Wānaka Airport plays a wide range of roles including that of a hugely respected flight training centre and the home of internationally famous air show, Warbirds over Wānaka. The committee will be an important new body taking a helicopter view of relevant activities there,” he said.

“Given this committee has not existed before we’ll be working initially to shape how we operate in line with our terms of reference.”

Phillips retired as ES Chief Executive in May 2022 after 10 years in the top job.