Media Release

Embargoed Until: 6am, Thursday, Feb 1

from; Paraparaumu Airport Coalition

Maori and Pakeha Leaders Gather for Praparaumu Airport Protest

Large numbers of Kapiti residents and Maori from Wellington are preparing to protest outside the Kapiti Coast District Council in just over two hours’ time (8.30am. Thursday, Feb 1).

They are demonstrating against the plans by an Auckland developer – coming before the Council today – to build on large areas of open space at Paraparaumu Airport.

Mike Woods of the Paraparaumu Airport Coalition says: “This will be the biggest demonstration at the Kapiti Council for many years.”

“We are seeking justice for the former landowners, Maori and Pakeha, who had there land seized by the Government for World War Two --- and never offered back to them.”

Mr Woods says the protesters also oppose the destruction of the East/West sealed runway for massive ‘Big Box’ developments, including large stores, a supermarket and a petrol station.

“This important runway,” he says” will be replaced by a tiny, inadequate, grassed strip in the wrong place – and it is just duplicitous of the developers to suggest they are keeping the present East/West runway.”

The Airport Coalition says it has a list of key speakers who will outline their concerns to the Council.

Mr Woods says they’ll be led into the Council offices by Maori leader Peter Love, of Te Ati Awa, who will speak about the injustices done to former Maori landowners who claim key parts of the Airport.

Mr Woods points out that the land was never offered back to the original owners, despite the provisions of the Public Works Act.

ENDS

© Scoop Media