Prime Minister John Key says he doesn’t believe Wellington is ready to be an international airport hub. Key is worried that without the commitment of international carriers to base themselves in the capital, Wellington ratepayers would be left with a white elephant. “We have seen plenty of examples around the country where airports have extendedContinueContinue reading “The Dominion Post: Wellington Airport needs international carriers before extension – John Key”
Tag Archives: Wellington Airport
The Dominion Post: Airlines question need for Wellington Airport runway extension
The airline industry is criticising plans to extend Wellington Airport’s runway, saying there are better ways to spend $300 million. In a submission that went to the Wellington City Council last night, the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (Barnz) raises serious concerns about the claimed economic benefits, and fears airlines will be left toContinueContinue reading “The Dominion Post: Airlines question need for Wellington Airport runway extension”
The Dominion Post Editorial: Proof needed for longer Wellington Airport runway case
OPINION: Wellington’s leaders support the extension of the airport. The region’s mayors have agreed in principle to put $150 million into the project. Business leaders have long supported it. But there are also formidable opponents, including Government ministers. If the project is to fly then its champions will have to make a formidable case. TheContinueContinue reading “The Dominion Post Editorial: Proof needed for longer Wellington Airport runway case”
Radio NZ: Possible rates rise for Wellington airport runway extension
The Wellington City Council is not ruling out rate rises to help pay for a controversial runway extension at the capital’s airport. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson The region’s mayors have agreed to stump up $150 million to fund the extension, with mostly borrowed money. But the Government was sceptical, and the national carrier, AirContinueContinue reading “Radio NZ: Possible rates rise for Wellington airport runway extension”
Scoop: Lengthening the runway: $3m, so far, from the council to the airport company
Wellington City Councillors (but not all of them) have voted to give another $2million to the airport company, to help it continue making plans for a longer runway. They gave the first $1million to the controversial cause in May last year. And last night they decided to make a second payment, double the first amount.ContinueContinue reading “Scoop: Lengthening the runway: $3m, so far, from the council to the airport company”
Stuff Opinion: Wellington needs a longer runway? Yeah, right
OPINION: When the canon of lost causes is examined in the future, somewhere near the top of the list for Wellington will be the local airport’s weird campaign for a longer runway. In recent weeks, Wellington International Airport has been running full page advertisements in local newspapers which, while no doubt welcome cashflow for theContinueContinue reading “Stuff Opinion: Wellington needs a longer runway? Yeah, right”
Wellington Airport Progress, Leaks, Parking, and Posturing
At the risk of annoying the Chairman of the WIAL Board again, I have some updates on the planned airport extension that have been sent to me by one of the local residents. It makes for interesting reading to say the least and we can be absolutely certain that nothing will be happening anytime soon.ContinueContinue reading “Wellington Airport Progress, Leaks, Parking, and Posturing”
Stuff Business Opinion: Flight of fancy or city’s saviour?
OPINION: Chalkie was reminded recently of an episode of The Simpsons where the people of Springfield support a civic monorail simply because its huckster proponent suggests it might be “more of a Shelbyville idea”, thus raising the prospect of a win for the town’s neighbouring rival. Perfectly captured was the cargo cult mentality that canContinueContinue reading “Stuff Business Opinion: Flight of fancy or city’s saviour?”
The Dominion Post Opinion: Airport extension will affect us all
OPINION: Evan’s Bay is an iconic part of the Wellington harbour “blue belt”. Stormy days have their own wild beauty, while in sunny times the water is dotted with sails, recreational anglers hang out their lines, and swimmers, cyclists and walkers soak up the warmth and the ambience. Pods of orcas and other fish cruiseContinueContinue reading “The Dominion Post Opinion: Airport extension will affect us all”
Wellington Airport and the Death of Bridge Street
In May of 2012 residents of Eastern Suburbs warned that airport plans were likely to create a “wasteland” and looking at the evidence, this seems to have come to pass. The airport in its insatiable drive to collect more land (undoubtedly to build more carparks) has destroyed a once thriving community street in Rongotai. InContinueContinue reading “Wellington Airport and the Death of Bridge Street”
Guardians of the Bays 