WAAG To Become Inc. Society

A recent Committee meeting of the Whenuapai Airbase Action Group (WAAG) has
resolved that WAAG will become an incorporated society. WAAG decided to take this step as part of the Group's preparations to appose Waitakere City Council's proposal to change the Waitakere City District Plan relating to the zoning the Whenuapai Airbase land.

It appears that Waitakere City wants to try to eliminate any possible use of the Whenuapai Airbase land for purposes other than a commercial airport. District Plan changes are required to be publicly notified and WAAG expects this may happen in the near future.

Waitakere City is putting forward the contention that the only proper use for the
Whenuapai Airbase land, when it becomes surplus to Ministry of Defence
requirements is for the operation of a commercial airport.

There are in fact many other alternative uses that have been identified during the Defence Departments Consultation Process held in 2004, including combinations of a regional public hospital, business park, housing, retirement village, sport and recreational and educational facilities.

WAAG supports the existing military use of the airbase and continues to voice its message on behalf of thousands of North Shore, Rodney and Waitakere Rate Payers. The vast majority of residents are opposed to an unnecessary second commercial airport for Auckland because of the environmental impact of such an activity, and the inefficient use of resources due to duplication of commercial aviation infrastructure.

Nothing has been shown, through research or professionally prepared reports, which provides any evidence that the Auckland Region actually needs a second commercial airport, either now or within the next 50 years. What Auckland does need is urgent improvement of its transport infrastructure such as completion of motorways, more buses and trains to ease congestion particularly around Auckland's International Airport at Mangere. These improvements are now well underway and are projected by Transit NZ and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority to be largely completed near the time the Air Force vacates the Airbase in 8-10 years.

WAAG will arrange public meetings and make a comprehensive submission to Waitakere City on behalf of the many thousands of residents who will be affected by a commercial airport operation. If it gets that far WAAG will oppose the commercial airport proposal at Whenuapai via an appeal to the Environment Court.

Once public notification of the District Plan change is available, WAAG plans
to publicise this to residents within the relevant North Shore, Rodney and Waitakere City areas. WAAG will make it easy for residents to lodge submissions in support of the WAAG opposition to the proposed Waitakere City District Plan change.

Please watch our web site www.waag.co.nz for regular updates and submission information.

WAAG Committee

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