Tizard Needs To Get Out And Bat For Whenuapai

Monday 22 Nov 2004

Deborah Coddington - Press Releases - Other

ACT New Zealand Auckland Issues Spokesman Deborah Coddington is putting pressure on Auckland Issues Minister Judith Tizard to lobby her cabinet colleagues hard over the coming weeks to make sure Auckland gets a commercial airport at Whenuapai.

"This is a chance for Judith Tizard to help achieve something for Auckland. Polling clearly shows people want a second airport for Auckland. Those who oppose the airport will have their chance to put their views forward when consent hearings are held. But I believe once families start enjoying the low-cost passenger services, minority opposition will quickly evaporate.

"A second airport would be great for consumers. It would create jobs and boost the local economy; it would be the best use of such a huge open space; it would reduce costly congestion; and strategically it would a great infrastructural asset for the rapidly growing Auckland region.

"I appreciate that the Government is very nervous about the negative reaction from Auckland International Airport and Air New Zealand. However the best interests of the wider public and the region's future surely take precedent.

"ACT is the only political party that unanimously agrees that a deal with Infratil and Waitakere City Council must proceed. We also believe that it must be an exemplary 'commercial' deal for the taxpayer and not a sweetheart one.

"Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey is beside himself as is the Auckland Regional Growth Forum. Mr Harvey knows just how great the flow-on benefits will be. Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton however has been dithering for months, has shown no leadership, and has only ever been waiting for the next report.

"With the final report to be presented to Cabinet around the middle of December, Judith Tizard needs to get from the outside of cabinet to the inside and start selling the proposition to her colleagues. She needs to get her colleagues attention now because decision day is looming," said Miss Coddington.

ENDS

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