Caption of photo : From Left: Mayor George Wood, former North Shore City Mayor George Gair, MP John Tamihere, and North Shore City Mayor George Wood, at Whenuapai airbase.

20 January 2003
Media release for immediate release

Mayors Unite For Auckland’s Second Airport

Waitakere City’s Mayor Bob Harvey, North Shore City Mayor George Wood, Cabinet Minister John Tamihere and George Gair (a former Mayor of North Shore City and cabinet minister), said today that the option of a second commercial airport in Auckland, based at Whenuapai, would be of huge benefit to the region as it faces the challenge of rapid population and economic growth.

“While the eventual departure of the air force from Whenuapai is a significant loss to the economy of Waitakere city, it also represents a great opportunity to bring new life into the area.

“The development of a commercial airport at Whenuapai makes sense at so many levels, and Waitakere City looks forward to pursuing this option with the support of both regional and central government support.

“It is good to have the support of John Tamihere, as it shows that central government is taking a real interest in the option of a commercial airport at Whenuapai.”

“Many Aucklanders have had the frustration of having to leave home for any flight from Mangere hours and hours before the actual departure time, simply because there is so much traffic congestion on the road slowing us all up.

“A potential new second airport at Whenuapai will allow domestic and Pacific region travellers to have a faster alternative.

Mayor Harvey also noted that the motorway construction across the north west will also have a beneficial impact on development of the airport option at Whenuapai.

“With the completion of highway 16 and 18 from Waitakere to the North Shore right past Whenuapai by 2006/7, we will have world class infrastructure ready to cope with the traffic demand from any upgrade to the airport. It makes sound sense to kick-start the economy of the north-west by establishing a powerful economic centre using facilities that are already available.”

Mayor Harvey also commented on the recent announcement by Virgin Blue of air fleet upgrades: ”Virgin Blue has announced a massive fleet upgrade, and I have been in talks with them for some time about using Whenuapai as their New Zealand centre of operations.

“Several other airline operators have already expressed strong interest in landing there as well,” Bob Harvey said

Ends.

© Scoop Media