Big Protest Planned At KCDC By Paraparaumu Airport Campaign

Maori representatives from Wellington will join large numbers of Kapiti residents tomorrow At 8.30am to protest against plans for massive development on open space at Paraparaumu Airport.

The Iwi contingent will be led by Wellington Tenths Trust chair, Peter Lovc, of Te Ati Awa, who represents original Maori land-owners.

They will join a large group of local people in Rimu Road, Paraparaumu, outside the KCDC offices.

Protesters, who will be joined by another group from Kapiti Road, will carry banners and placards demanding a halt to plans for large-scale commercial and industrial development on the Airport - and the consequent loss of much of the airport's open space.

The protests also want justice for the original Maori and Pakeha landowners, who were never offered their land back after Government sequestration for the Second World War.

Later, members of the Coalition will demand a full hearing of their case before the Council committee considers whether to proceed with a private plan change for large-scale business and commercial development.

The Airport Coalition says the Council must finally start listening to thousands of local residents who have not been kept informed by their representatives.

Coalition spokesman Mike Woods says the Coalition represents a wide spectrum of the community - including the original Maori and Pakeha landowners, the Aero Club, the Aviation Museum, professional people and local residents.

A small group of demonstrators is expected to be active in Kapiti road, the main artery from SHI to the Airport.

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