THE REACTION
The neighbour
Maori Point Vineyard is near the site of the proposed airport. Vineyard co-owner Marilyn Duxson said the plan had been talked about for some time but its announcement came as a jolt.
She said while there could be positive spin-offs for local businesses, it could shatter the area’s peace and quiet and she worried about the environmental impact of the airport.
“It seems to be a weird time to be building an airport at a time of Covid. I can’t say that we’re keen on it with planes landing across the road.” Duxson said the small community would meet ahead of a planned meeting with Christchurch Airport bosses.
A mayor
Queenstown Lakes District Council mayor Jim Boult is a former Christchurch Airport chief executive and said the Tarras announcement was a surprise.
”I regard it as a strong vote of confidence in the future recovery and prosperity of our district and the central and southern parts of the South Island sufficiently to make such a significant investment. The proposed runway length is interesting, in that it is close to that required for a widebody jet service. Some in our community have signalled strongly that they do not want such a development. As I know very well from my time in the airport industry, purchasing land is only one step in a very long process of developing a greenfield site airport.”
Other airports
Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive, Colin Keel: “While we will be interested to see how Christchurch’s Airport’s proposal progresses, Queenstown and Wanaka airports are and will remain vital air transport infrastructure assets that are uniquely positioned to serve the needs of the community and connect people to our district and broader region.”
Auckland Airport: “The lower South Island is currently well-served by a number of regional airports . . . Auckland Airport remains confident in the long-term future of Queenstown Airport as a critical piece of infrastructure in one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.”
The airlines
Board of Airlines Representatives executive director Justin Tighe-Umbers said the plan was positive and a clear vote of confidence in the long term future of NZ aviation.
“The current Covid-19 pandemic will pass, but demand for visitors to the South Island will continue to grow. Pre-Covid, airlines could fill every aircraft going into Queenstown, and that was starting to approach its limit for flights. Adding in extra capacity would be a major boost to the local economy, and New Zealand’s aviation network.”
Air New Zealand’s chief operating officer, Carrie Hurihanganui, said the Tarras plan deserved consideration.
“Current population and growth projections suggest that existing airport infrastructure in Queenstown is insufficient for the long term and will eventually exceed its capacity limits.
“The Southern Lakes region is the jewel in New Zealand’s tourism crown and it is crucial that infrastructure — including airports — is aligned with population growth, community needs, and New Zealand’s future tourism aspirations post Covid-19.”