14 August 2004

Common Sense Prevails Over Whenuapai

New Zealand First MP Dail Jones has described Cabinet’s decision to defer the sale of the Whenuapai Air Base as a victory for common sense.

“New Zealand First would prefer to see the RNZAF remain at Whenuapai and disagrees with both National and Labour Party policies to move the Base to Ohakea. The sale of the base was part of the former National government’s policy to sell state assets – a policy which has been adopted by this Labour government,” he said.

“In March 2003 at a meeting in Whenuapai, I expressed my view that the area should be developed on a planned basis similar to that of the Albany basin and I believe this is still the best approach.”

Mr Jones was the Member of Parliament for the area from 1975-1984 and has had a continuing interest in the area since that time including as a resident, local lawyer and a List MP. “The Waitakere City Council should now look ahead and adopt the same approach adopted by the old Takapuna City Council and start planning for the area as a future commercial and technical business site with complementary residential development.

“The council should also be more vigorous in taking steps to change the regional plan,” concluded Mr Jones.

ENDS

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