NEWS RELEASE
National Party Stance on Whenuapai a Milestone for Campaign
Auckland 29 November 2007 – Confirmation of the National Party stance in respect to the future of Whenuapai as a
commercial airport is being hailed by WAAG president, Russell Stewart as a “milestone” in the community led campaign to
stop the use of the Whenuapai Airbase as a commercial airport.
In a letter received from National Party Leader John Key, Mr Stewart says the National Party policy is now clearly
opposed to Whenuapai as a commercial airport. In the letter, the Mr Key says 'we are committed to the long term
retention of Whenuapai as a Defence facility under a National Government. We are totally opposed to any plans to dispose
of the base for housing development or any similar purpose, to handing over the base for use as a commercial airport,
and to proposals for joint military/commercial use.'
As the member of Parliament for Helensville whose electorate Whenuapai falls under, Mr Key has maintained a long
standing opposition to Whenuapai but until now this position has not been formalised by the National Party.
Mr Stewart says “we now have strong support at both local and central government level against Whenuapai. Whilst the
Labour Party has written to WAAG stating that they will not discuss Whenuapai’s future until closer to the time the
airforce vacates the land, the Green Party has entered the fray with strong opposition to a commercial airport on
environmental grounds.”
“Each party, including the North Shore City Council who recently overturned a decision to support the Nor-West Airport
Company, are further demonstration of the futility of pursuing Whenuapai as a commercial airport, the economic and
social merit of which has been highly questionable from the outset” says Mr Stewart.
WAAG has for a long time been pushing to get Whenuapai onto the central government agenda with it for many years having
been relegated to the position of a “local issue.”
It would appear that finally, the voice of the region has been heard, along with the compelling arguments against the
establishment of a commercial airport in what is widely regarded as a unique and precious environment that is enjoyed by
so many.
WAAG maintains its support of Whenuapai remaining as a Defence Facility and appreciates the important role that the Air
Force fulfil from this site which is carried out in low level aviation activities.
ENDS
www.waag.co.nz
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