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Chch MPs support city keeping Antarctic air link
Hon Ruth Dyson
MP for Banks Peninsula
17 August 2006 Media Statement
Christchurch MPs support city keeping Antarctic air link
Christchurch's government Members
of Parliament today announced their support for Mayor Garry
Moore's efforts to keep the United States Air Force
Antarctic support unit.
This is in response to Australian Environment Minister Senator Ian Campbell claiming a new runway being built in Antarctica will appeal more to America than the current runway at McMurdo.
The new runway, when completed, will be able to land passenger jets which would fly from Hobart, but it is some distance away from the New Zealand and American bases in Antarctica.
Christchurch has provided access to Antarctica for the US air force support unit for more than 50 years, in return for support for this country's own Antarctic programme.
"Our two countries have traditionally co-operated in Antarctica and we support Mayor Moore one hundred percent in wanting to ensure this relationship continues," says Banks Peninsula MP Ruth Dyson.
All major expeditions to Antarctica have left from New Zealand and the Labour-led government would like to see this proud Kiwi tradition upheld.
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