Air New Zealand Withdrawal Huge Loss For Kapiti

Air New Zealand Withdrawal Huge Loss For Kapiti

Kapiti, Friday 9 March 2018 - The suspension of Air New Zealand flights between Paraparaumu and Auckland will leave a large hole in the region's economy.

Air New Zealand announced today their last flight from Paraparaumu will be 3 April 2018, just a week after the hugely successful Open Day at Kapiti Coast Airport where more than 1000 people visited to show their support for the daily flight service.

“We are particularly disappointed with the airline’s decision, after the overwhelming show of community support last weekend. We have been working with the Kāpiti Coast District Council, the Porirua Chamber of Commerce and Air New Zealand since 2017 to build demand for the flights, in recognition of the vital role they play in regional economic growth,” says Heather Hutchings, Chair of
the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce.

“Collectively, we’ve been very open to doing what we can to build an enduring service, however doing this hasn't always been easy in the face if ongoing cancellations and delays - we hear and understand how frustrating this has been for travellers, who have continued to support the flights - especially business commuters.

“We will now look to build Kapiti’s reputation as a tourism destination, to boost the local economy and support local businesses. We are already bringing together under the Chamber umbrella all the fantastic tourism operators in the region. Wairarapa has built an excellent offering, despite having no regional airport, and we will be looking at what has worked well to replace what the withdrawal of flights leaves behind’” says Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce.

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