Capital in tourism deal with China
"Our front door to the world is closed because we don't have a truly international airport ... but with your help and support, this partnership can help open our front door." Wellington mayor Justin Lester
Wellington Airport has lined up the world’s biggest construction firm to partner on the runway extension and create tourism opportunities for the capital.
On Sunday airport deputy chief executive Matt Clarke signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Beijing with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and airline China Express.
The document sets out an agreement for the parties to work together on the airport runway extension and develop the area, such as building hotels.
There is also a commitment to marketing Wellington to Chinese government agencies in order to grow tourism in the capital.
The airport was yesterday to sign an MOU with Beijing Shougang International Travel – a component of the agreement to develop Wellington as a Chinese tourist destination.
CSCEC brought expertise to the field of reclamation and would work on the airport runway extension as it unfolded, Clarke said.
The project is being held up an appeal by the New Zealand Airline Pilots Association over runway safety areas.
A resource consent application was placed on hold after the Court of Appeal ordered the Civic Aviation Authority to review its assessment of Wellington Airport’s safety area.
‘‘The MOU says we will work with CSCEC on the project as a partner but the selection of any final main contractor will be decided later,’’ Clarke said.
The partners would also explore a range of projects around the airport such as tourism infrastructure like hotels and tourism activities, he said.
China Express was a regional airline that fed hub carriers and had global ambitions to expand and would be working with the airport on new air routes to Wellington, he said.
Wellington City Council chief executive Kevin Lavery and Wellington mayor Justin Lester are in China on a mayoral trade mission.
With the council an airport shareholder, they witnessed the agreement and helped negotiate the deal.
Before the signing, Lester told the Chinese delegation that Wellington was ranked the most liveable city in the world and was one of the best environmental performers.
However, it had one big problem: ‘‘Our front door to the world is closed because we don’t have a truly international airport.
‘‘While it is a wonderful city, not enough people from around the world can enjoy it but with your help and support, this partnership can help open our front door,’’ Lester said.
Given CSCEC’S experience, it would be a good partner for the airport extension, should it go ahead, he said.
Lavery was pleased the deal was about the broader economy and not just the runway.
‘‘It’s about opening Wellington to the world ... ultimately it’s about more people coming to the city and giving businesses more opportunities.’’
CSCEC was the biggest construction company in the world and the order books of New Zealand construction firms were full, he said.
‘‘We need as much labour and expertise as we can get.’’
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency business growth and innovation general manager David Jones said there was significant potential for the region to reap economic benefits.
‘‘A well connected international airport will bring tourism and business opportunities.
‘‘The more flight connections to Wellington, the better,’’ Jones said.
CSCEC president Wang Xiangming said the company was the largest constructional firm and home builder in the world, working in 46 countries, including on big projects in New York, London, Australia and Singapore.
It started working in New Zealand in 2015 and currently had two developments – a ‘‘super high-rise’’ apartment block in Auckland and a hotel, he said.
His company was actively looking for a new round of infrastructure projects in New Zealand and would also like to help develop the ‘‘economy around the airport’’.
China Express vice president Qui Ke said the company was serious about its objectives and was confident it could achieve its job of attracting Chinese tourists.
‘‘I want to assure you, our company will perform its contract, and with your help, we will open the front door.’’
Collette Devlin travelled to China with assistance from the Asia New Zealand Foundation.