Wellington closed for business

The lack of long haul flights out of Wellington airport is choking local business activity, says Wellington Regional Council candidate Chris Lipscombe.

“There are still no international long haul flights from Wellington,’ says Mr Lipscombe. “Our front door to the city – and the region – is closed.”

“We need regular, long haul flights from Wellington to destinations in Asia and the Americas. Flights that will connect us to family and friends, and to business partners, suppliers and customers. Flights that will encourage more visitors to come to our region, and carry high value exports to overseas markets.”

Mr Lipscombe claims that better access to overseas markets will help local businesses grow, and create wealth and jobs for New Zealanders. “It’s about a better future for our kids and our communities,’ says Mr Lipscombe.

Discussions around lengthening the runway are a distraction, says Mr Lipscombe. “A plane that can take off fully laden from Wellington and fly to Asian destinations has been in production since 2006.

This plane – the Boeing 777-200LR – is already in service with airlines that fly to New Zealand, like Emirates.”

Mr Lipscombe says that international long haul flights will promote export-led growth, create jobs, and revitalise businesses in the city and across the region. “As your Regional Councillor,’ Mr Lipscombe claims, “I will push for long haul flights from Wellington airport as a priority under the ratepayer-funded Regional Strategy.”

Mr Lipscombe worked for five years as a senior manager with the Wellington region’s economic development strategy, and won an award for his work on securing government funding for creative sector projects in Wellington.

ENDS

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