MEDIA STATEMENT April 26, 2004

WHENUAPAI AIRPORT PROMOTERS WELCOME NORTH SHORE SUPPORT

The promoters of a commercial airport at Whenuapai, with an associated industrial and commercial development, have welcomed the backing of Enterprise North Shore, the commercial arm of North Shore City.

Mr Bryan Mogridge, chairman of Waitakere City's Mayoral Task Force on Whenuapai, says the enterprise boards of Waitakere City, Rodney District and North Shore City now back the proposal, which is also supported by Kaipara District Council.

Mr Mogridge said it was clear that business in the north west is enthusiastic about the potential benefits of a commercial airport, and associated development, at Whenuapai, because they understood how it would create employment, generate wealth, bring more tourists, and stimulate the activities of budget airlines offering cheaper fares in and out of the region.

Announcing its support for the commercial airport proposal the Board of Trustees of Enterprise North Shore says that as the fourth largest city in New Zealand, with more than 19,000 businesses, North Shore City warrants a more efficient infrastructure including transportation.

Chairman Maurice Boland says Enterprise North Shore has participated in many meetings and discussions on the future of the Whenuapai land, and says the majority of businesses support the commercial airfield option, as it will resolve, in part, the serious challenges of transportation and freight.

"Whenuapai is much more conveniently located for business in the north west, some of whom spend hours travelling to and from Mangere at peak times, and is also more convenient for customers visiting them, who currently face the same access difficulties."

Mr Boland said there is considerable cost in demolishing the current airport facilities and runways, and it is unlikely another airport would ever be built in the north west if the opportunity of converting Whenuapai to commercial use is lost. He noted that more than half of the Whenuapai land will still be available for development, which would complement a commercial airport.

Mr Mogridge said he hoped Government would listen carefully to the views of business and the general public in the north west, where every professional public opinion poll has demonstrated strong support for developing a commercial airport at Whenuapai as the Air Force withdraws over the next few years.

Issued by Enterprise Waitakere, April 26, 2004.

The full text of the Enterprise North Shore announcement is available on the web site of Enterprise North Shore www.ens.org.nz. Other information on the project, including the latest market research covering Waitakere, Rodney and North Shore is available on the web sites of Infratil www.infratil.com, Waitakere City www.waitakere.govt.nz and Enterprise Waitakere www.enterprisewaitakere.co.nz.

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