Airport group accuses airlines of profiteering
a choking effect on regions at a time the Government is investing in provincial economies.’’
He said the fare hike coincided with Jetstar’s withdrawals and the agreement between Air New Zealand and Qantas to co-operate in each other’s domestic markets.
However, the body representing airlines says the price hikes reflect increased costs and softening demand. Justin Tigheumbers, executive director of the Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand, said airlines pulling out or reducing capacity on routes were responding to a slowdown in local passengers in the second half of last year. At the same time, airlines faced more in red tape and jet fuel costs.
He felt the airports were alleging profiteering for other reasons.
‘‘I think that’s just a classic bit of deflection away from the real issue, which is the Government’s looking to or has proposed to remove the ability for airports to charge as they see fit. No other monopoly infrastructure has that right to charge as they like, protected by legislation.’’
Wheel clampers have been told to play by new rules limiting what they can charge drivers for parking on private property.
But Consumer NZ’S head of research Jessica Wilson said if the new rules that came in to effect this month failed to rein in the cowboys then the Government would need to consider an outright ban of the practice.
‘‘This is still going to require those rules to be monitored to see how well they are working.’’
The Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Bill passed in November and made it an offence to charge more than $100 maximum for wheel clamping.
Before the law change, clampers charged up to $760 to remove clamps.
Clampers must also release a clamped vehicle within a reasonable period after payment is made.
Under the new rules police can issue fines to clamping firms for infringements of up to $1000 for an individual or $5000 for a company.
If convicted, penalties range up to $3000 for an individual and $15,000 for a company.
But Jake Thomas, the owner of a Mount Maunganui parking enforcement business, said the Government did not listen to private property owners during the consultation process.
Thomas said he had changed