Kapiti Rally to Show Public Support for Replacement Auckland Air Service

Kapiti and Horowhenua residents will be out in force on Sunday to show public support for a new air service to Auckland.

A rally is being organised for Sunday 25 March at Kapiti Airport, following Air New Zealand’s decision to suspend its Paraparaumu to Auckland service from early April.

Local radio station Beach FM has called for the rally, which kicks off at 12pm, following the public outcry over the national carrier pulling out of Kapiti.

Beach FM Managing Director Corran Crispe, an organiser, says locals not only want a chance to have a public say about recent events but also want to hear the current options being explored by national and local politicians.

Otaki MP Nathan Guy will address the rally to update the community on progress being made for a replacement air service.

Nathan Guy says there is hope for the future of flights between Kapiti and Auckland, following a productive meeting he hosted at Parliament yesterday with Air Chathams, airport owners Todd Property, the Kapiti Chamber of Commerce and Kapiti Mayor K Gurunathan.

Guy says: “Everyone who attended the meeting has noted the strong public support for retention of the flights, and we’re committed to finding a logical, effective solution.”

He says: "Air Chathams, a proven regional air operator, has expressed a strong interest in taking over the service. This would be a great resolution and would provide some assurance and stability for the future of this important connection”.

Mayor Gurunathan told Beach FM that it’s important to show there is public support for the continuation of the airport, as well as regular flights to Auckalnd and elsewhere.

Mana MP Kris Faafoi and Heather Hutchings from the Kapiti Chamber of Commerce will also speak at the rally being held at Kapiti Airport this Sunday, 25 March, from 12pm-1.30pm.

ENDS

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