Whenuapai Airbase Action Group (WAAG) is hailing the landslide victory of its recommended council and mayoral candidates
all of whom campaigned vigorously on a'no commercial airport at Whenuapai' ticket and were elected.
Mayor elect, Andrew Williams had, prior to the local body elections, provided WAAG with a firm commitment of his
intention to oppose North Shore City's involvement in the Nor-West airport company and oppose Whenuapai as a commercial
airport in recognition that his constituents would be more adversely affected by the pursuits of a neighbouring council
than Waitakere's own residents.
This is in stark contrast to ousted mayor George Wood, who despite overwhelming constituent pressure over the years, had
refused to budge on the airport issue even going so far as to using his casting vote to push North Shore's joining of
the airport company through.
WAAG president Russell Stewart says "if ever council and Government wanted a clear message from North Shore residents
about their opposition to Whenuapai as a commercial airport, then they have it now."
In reference to recent comments made in the media by Infratil director, Tim Brown about WAAG supporters dreaming of a
return "to the golden weather",
Mr Stewart says " clearly Mr Brown underestimates the value that North Shore residents place on their city as a
lifestyle city and their determination to protect the unique and enviable environment and lifestyle that is a key
attraction of Auckland's North Shore."
ends