MEDIA ADVISORY
FROM: Paraparaumu Airport Coalition

23/2/07

Coalition Calls for Peace Talks on Paraparaumu Airport

The Paraparaumu Airport Coalition has called for peace talks with the developers over controversial plans for commercial and retail development on the Kapiti Coast airfield.

The Coalition says it is calling on the Auckland developers to withdraw its present proposals from the Council table so that the talks can begin with the public of Kapiti.

In full-page advertisements in Kapiti papers this week, Noel Robinson, the developers’ leader says: “We look forward to having the plans made public so you can all have your say on the future of this important regional and community asset.”(Kapiti News, 21/2/07).

The convenor of the Airport Coalition, Cr Alan Tristram, says: “This indicates Mr Robinson may be ready for real consultation with the public under the Local Government Act – as recommended last week by Green MP Sue Kedgley.

“But to allow this full, independent, consultation to take place, Mr Robinson needs to withdraw his proposals from the Council table.”

If the proposals for rezoning are allowed to go ahead now, only narrow and limited consultation will be possible under the Resource Management Act, says Cr Tristram.

“Peace on the Coast”

Councillor Tristram says action now by Mr Robinson would have three huge outcomes:

1. It would enable ‘Peace to break out on the Kapiti Coast’ over a most divisive issue.
2. It would allow full, unfettered public consultation.
3. It would allow Mr Robinson to divert the tens of thousands of dollars he is spending on advertising to improving airport facilities.

Otherwise, Cr Tristram predicts, there is a good chance the developers’ plans could be thrown out a second time by the Kapiti Coast DistrictCouncil.

“I have been sampling Council opinion,” Cr Tristram says,” and half of our Councillors now believe the Council should undertake public consultation on this issue, not leave it to the developer.

“If Mr Robinson acts now, he can avoid another possible humiliation in Council.”

He adds: “It’s time for us all to work together in the interests of the Kapiti community.”

“If Mr Robinson fronts up, we will do our bit to cool things and work amicably,” he says.

The Airport Coalition says it will provide full co-operation to the KCDC when the council organises proper public consultative procedures on the Airport, he says.

Cr Tristram also indicated he intends to put a Motion before Council which could lead to formal public consultation under the Local Government Act.

But, he says, this cannot be done while the present, partly discredited development proposals lie on the Council table.

On the question of land ownership, Cr Tristram says:”Mr Robinson says he is working to ensure the original land owners are able to have their claims heard.”

‘Luckily we have the leaders of both the Maori and Pakeha landowners in our Coalition – and we can guarantee they will join in the public consultation under the Local Government Act (LGA).’

‘The LGA provides the best way out of the present impasse,’ he says.’ I am sure that if Mr Robinson really wants to, as he puts it ‘safeguard Paraparaumu Airport for future generations’, then he will join in the democratic LGA consultations.

‘As we see it, this is the best way forward.’

ENDS

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