New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Wednesday January 14, 2004
Whenuapai Airbase Submissions Close On Friday
More than 600 people have responded so far to the New Zealand Defence Force’s call for submissions on the future use
options for Whenuapai Air Force base.
Peter Bollmann, New Zealand Defence Force Director of Property Rationalisation says that with a few days still to go,
more submissions are expected. Submissions close on Friday 16 January.
“It is clear that people have put a great deal of time and thought into their submissions which reflect the views
expressed at public meetings and mainly focus on whether a civilian airport should operate on the site.”
A civilian airport is one of the four options under consideration by the government for the site once NZDF relocates the
air force base to Ohakea. Other options for consideration are public work, industrial development and rural residential
sites.
Mr Bollmann says the submissions are being thoroughly read and analysed. Defence will then hold a second round of public
meetings to provide feedback on the submissions.
NZDF is continuing to seek information from local authorities in Auckland through a series of workshops with councillors
and officials from local authorities including the
Auckland Regional Council.
“With just a few days to go we would encourage everyone who wants to have a say on the future of Whenuapai Air Force
base to send in their submission.”
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The New Zealand Defence Force began consultation on the future use options for Whenuapai Air Force base in October 2003.
All information including the discussion document, submission form and other reports are available on the website:
www.nzdf.mil.nz