Paraparaumu Airport Coalition confident about appeal against developers’ business park

The Paraparaumu Airport Coalition says preparations for its appeal against plans for a business park on the airfield are well advanced.

The Coalition’s convenor, Nick Fisher, says the community group has a strong case against ‘Big Box’ developments planned for the airfield’s alternate runway.

Mr Fisher says he expects the appeal to get under way in the Environment Court in February or March next year.

The Coalition’s appeal centres on the need to retain the East/West runway, on safety issues, and on traffic congestion and the rights of the original Maori landowners.

“A wide range of people in the community are supporting our appeal.” Mr Fisher says, “And they are contributing generously by giving to our appeal fund.”

The Airport Coalition has also been working closely with a group representing Maori former owners of airport land, Te Whanau a te Ngarara.

The Coalition also has a representative from former Pakeha airport land owners – and Mr Fisher says it’s been a unique venture in Maori/Pakeha co-operation.

Mr Fisher says the two groups have engaged the same barrister, who is fluent in Te Reo Maori.

And they and other interested parties are also working on their vision for an Airport which meets community aspirations.

ENDS

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