Denis O’Rourke MP

Spokesperson for Transport
29 NOVEMBER 2016

Longer Runway a Bonus for Kaikoura

An extended runway at Kaikoura Airport would be a bonus for the town in future, says New Zealand First.

“Prime Minister John Key was quick to palm-off responsibility when questioned in Parliament today about post-quake transport priorities in Kaikoura,” says Spokesperson for Transport Denis O’Rourke.

“Rather than play a proactive role, National would rather sit back and allow the Kaikoura District Council and Ngai Tahu to work toward making the small airport suitable for larger aircraft.

“Also, Mr Key could not confirm if the government would provide additional funding to help state-owned KiwiRail pursue coastal shipping options.

“It has taken a disastrous earthquake to awaken the need to have a coastal shipping service which successive governments have allowed to be run down.

“New Zealand First believes the government must step in and ensure the return of a permanent roll-on roll-off freight service between the North and South Islands,” says Mr O’Rourke.

“The government was quick to get political mileage out of the Kaikoura earthquake but they are slow to come up with a balanced plan to fix the serious transport issues caused by miles of damaged road and rail.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media