15 August 2016
Wellington needs the Airport Runway Extension
The proposed Wellington Airport runway extension is a welcome step in futureproofing the infrastructure needed to manage
Wellington’s growth and development.
“We strongly support the application for the runway extension being granted. Make no mistake, not only Wellington, but
the wider region, needs the runway extension. We believe that it will play a crucial role in creating and providing
greater economic and social prosperity”, Property Council Wellington Branch President, Mike Cole, outlined.
“You cannot simply look at the pros and cons of the proposal in isolation. It is important to take a broad, holistic
view of what the project can do for the region. The runway extension will provide a vision of a city and region open for
investment and business, especially when coupled with the proposed Centreport expansion, the construction of
Transmission Gully, the planned Convention Centre and the Movie Museum.
However, Mr Cole points out that “Wellington runs the risk of being left behind if we do not make the needed investment
in our infrastructure. We are seeing billions invested per year in Auckland and hundreds of millions being invested in
the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty for infrastructure to manage future growth. This is a golden opportunity that
shouldn’t be missed.
“So instead of bickering about flyovers or undertaking projects with watered down benefits that appease the naysayers,
let’s get on and build the runway extension. Historically, as a country we have been too conservative when funding major
infrastructure projects. We have cut corners and end up with sub-optimal results or ended up spending far more on future
upgrades. Look at the decades it took to debate whether to fund Transmission Gully or complete the Auckland rail
existing network with the City Rail Link.
“Our inability to make the bold decisions is hurting us economically, both as a nation and a region.
Now is the time to build the runway extension to ensure that we provide the best possible opportunity for the continued
development and growth of both Wellington city and the wider region.
“There are so many examples across New Zealand where investment in infrastructure has had a significant positive impact.
Without the runway extension Wellington simply has no direct access too the lucrative North American and Asian markets.
I have no doubts that Wellington will reap the economic benefits of the runway extension in the future.
END.