One of W\u0101naka Airport\u2019s regular users has taken aim at the costly community survey conducted by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.<\/p>\n
The ratepayer-funded study found the Upper Clutha community wanted the airport open with connections to nearby cities \u2014 but rejected flights to Auckland or Australia.<\/p>\n
The council spent $250,000 towards the independent consultancy group, Egis, to survey the community over six months and hold several meetings.<\/p>\n
They presented the findings this month to the council, which showed people were strongly against international flights or closing the airport, but for supporting domestic routes to Christchurch and Wellington.<\/p>\n
Wa \u00afnaka Helicopters chief executive Pete Spencer-Bower said they supported the results, but noted the survey was a waste of money given this was already known through other surveys and public opinion.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The findings represent a line in the sand, providing clarity and confidence for aviation operators, training providers, and the wider community,\u2019\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018However, the $250,000 ratepayer-funded study largely confirms what the community has consistently said for years through previous consultation efforts and through the successful legal challenge in the High Court of New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Those funds could have been invested in critical infrastructure priorities, including safety and compliance upgrades that are increasingly required.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
He said operators across the W\u0101naka Airport had endured years of uncertainty through its Queenstown Airport Corporationled management.<\/p>\n
The council appointed the corporation to manage the W\u0101naka Airport on its behalf.<\/p>\n
Mr Spencer-Bower said the survey\u2019s 15% satisfaction level with local representation in airport management reflected \u2018\u2018mistrust and disconnect\u2019\u2019 between current governance and the W\u0101naka community.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It is now time for Queenstown Airport Corporation to rebuild that trust and align fully with the clearly expressed expectations of the community, or step aside in favour of a governance model that can.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The airport served as a civil defence and emergency response hub and the survey showed there was strong support to shore up those capabilities.<\/p>\n
There was also strong support for developing the airport to have medical facilities and a permanent flying doctor service or medical transfer service, the report said.<\/p>\n
The airport at present supported many aviation businesses, including scenic flights, flight training and skydiving.<\/p>\n
Long-standing aviation operator W\u0101naka Helicopters was also a training provider.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018W\u0101naka Helicopters recognises the critical importance of maintaining and strengthening the airport\u2019s role as a centre for general aviation, regional connectivity and aviation training.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Mr Spencer-Bower said he hoped to work with the council to make sure results of the survey are now carried out.<\/p>\n
Last year Sounds Air announced it was no longer operating flights from W\u0101naka to Christchurch due to a rise in costs and noted one of the main uses for the Sounds Air connection was medical travel.<\/p>\n
The survey showed strong support for encouraging more events at the airport like Warbirds Over W\u0101naka.<\/p>\n
A W\u0101naka Stakeholders Group spokesperson said the results of the community engagement broadly aligned with what members had been saying consistently since 2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We don\u2019t want jets at Wanaka Airport and there is support for regional services, provided the numbers stack up, alongside general aviation.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018There is clearly still a great deal of work for council to do before councillors can make a decision on the future of W\u0101naka Airport.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
W\u0101naka Airport provided 200 jobs and was at present subsidised by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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