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Kāpiti Coast District Council has rejected claims it supports the closure of Kāpiti Coast Airport, reaffirming its support for retaining air services in the district.
Kāpiti Coast mayor Janet Holborow says the council sees a long-term future for the airport and remains committed to supporting its continued operation regardless of ownership arrangements.
“The airport is an invaluable asset for Kāpiti and is critical to the district’s growth and resilience,” Janet says.
“We remain committed to working with the landowners and doing what we can to help ensure it remains in operation.”
Janet says the council is not in a position to purchase the airport but would continue using the tools available to support its future viability, including advocating to central government where necessary.
Economic and community role
Janet says air connectivity remains important for the district’s economy, tourism sector and regional resilience.
“We have a vibrant local economy, with strong innovation and business success. Air links between Kāpiti and our largest city are critical to business growth and the wellbeing of our visitor economy.”
She says the airport also plays an important role for community connectivity and emergency management planning.
“The airport also plays an important role in connecting whānau and friends, and in supporting the Wellington Region Civil Defence and Emergency Management Plan.”
Janet notes the airport is identified as regionally significant infrastructure in Greater Wellington’s proposed change 1 to the Regional Policy Statement for the Wellington Region.
Strong public interest
The council says there continues to be strong interest in the airport’s future from hapū, stakeholders and the wider community.
“We know there is strong hapū, stakeholder, and public interest in the airport’s future, and we will continue to monitor developments closely,” Janet says.
