7 July 2004
Whenuapai report released
Defence Minister Mark Burton today released a report on the public consultation process over the future use and disposal
process for Whenuapai airbase. It concludes the first stage of the process, and supports the need for a thorough
analysis as the next step in determining any future use of the land.
“This report was undertaken by Defence to gauge local views on the four broad options outlined in the October 2003
Whenuapai Discussion Document: residential usage, an industrial/development site, a commercial airport, or other public
works. Clearly, a thorough understanding of local views and concerns is essential to an informed decision making
process,” said Mark Burton.
Jim Anderton said that “much of the debate that surrounds Whenuapai’s future involves whether it should be retained as
an airport. Before a decision can be made, it is clear that the implications of this option need to be investigated
further—notably whether or not there is a need for a second commercial airport in the Auckland region, the national and
strategic considerations, and the likely local impacts.
“Cabinet has now directed the Ministry of Economic Development, in consultation with the Treasury, Ministry of
Transport, Ministry for the Environment, and other appropriate agencies, to produce a thorough and robust
whole-of-government report to answer these questions.
This work will build on the consultation already done with local communities. This is the next essential step in a fully
informed decision making process.” The full report, Whenuapai Airbase—Consultation, Future Use Options and Disposal
Processes, is available on www.nzdf.mil.nz
ENDS