Council's Runway Decision Great News

Media Release
30 May

Council's Runway Decision Great News

Wellington City Council’s approval of a $1 million grant towards the resource consent application to extend the airport runway is great news, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

“This was the right decision for the city and for the region, and councillors are to be applauded for it.

“In the chamber’s view, a longer runway which can handle aircraft capable of providing us with a direct link to Asia and beyond has the potential to be a game-changer for the region, and this decision is the first step towards that.

“The Chamber has been saying for some time that attracting long-haul flights is a major key to rebuilding the region’s economy.

“Long-haul flights will bring tourists and make it easier for Wellington-region businesses to engage with the rest of the world. That would attract more economic activity and investment and industry into the city and the region – that’s why it has the potential to be a game-changer.

“Last week the Chamber called on councillors to vote in favour of this on the basis of the significant long-term benefits this would mean for the region, and we reinforced that in a verbal submission to the Council immediately ahead of last night’s vote.

“We are rapt that they listened. An 11-2 vote is a very positive statement.

“A longer runway is certainly not a done deal by any means but it does mean the project is starting to move.”

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