![\"James](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/M7ZEU7MS5JEQ3ALF6RL2UU672Q.jpg\")
\nJames Meager says Island Air is one of three regional airlines to receive loans from the $30m ring-fenced within the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n
Tauranga\u2019s Island Air will receive $252,000 from the Government\u2019s Regional Infrastructure Fund to support fleet maintenance, helping secure the continued operation of its Tauranga\u2013M\u014dt\u012bt\u012b Island air service.<\/p>\n
M\u014dt\u012bt\u012b Island is home to about 50 residents and has no regular boat service.<\/p>\n
The Island Air route is the only scheduled passenger and freight connection to the mainland, providing critical access for medical appointments, emergency travel, horticulture operations and grocery deliveries.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really pleased to see this funding confirmed,\u201d Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis route is a lifeline for the people of Motiti Island. Without it, residents would be cut off from essential services and the wider Bay of Plenty. Securing the future of this air link is exactly the sort of practical support regional communities need.\u201d<\/p>\n
The funding for Island Air forms part of a wider government package aimed at supporting regional airlines and maintaining essential air connectivity across the country.<\/p>\n
Three regional airlines will receive loans from the $30 million ring-fenced within the Regional Infrastructure Fund, according to Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Minister of Transport James Meager.<\/p>\n
\nJames Meager says Island Air is one of three regional airlines to receive loans from the $30m ring-fenced within the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n
Air Chathams will receive $17.2m to refinance debt, supporting routes that connect Auckland, Whakat\u0101ne, Whanganui, K\u0101piti, Wellington, Christchurch, the Chatham Islands and Pitt Island. Sounds Air will receive $4.5m to upgrade its fleet and refinance debt, supporting connections between Wellington, Picton, K\u0101piti, Blenheim and Nelson.<\/p>\n
Island Air will receive $252,000 for fleet maintenance on its Tauranga\u2013Motiti Island service.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegional connectivity is vital to New Zealand\u2019s economic and social wellbeing, but the sector is under pressure, with some crucial routes at risk,\u201d Meager said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of these airlines provide essential services and are often the most efficient way for people to access specialist health care, connect with family and do business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rutherford thanked the minister for backing the funding, noting that communities like M\u014dt\u012bt\u012b Island have no realistic transport alternatives.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn places where regional airlines are the sole connection to the mainland, losing those routes would have serious consequences for residents and essential services,\u201d the MP said.<\/p>\n
K\u0101noa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, is continuing to assess applications from other airlines. The first loan under the scheme, to Golden Bay Air, was announced in February.<\/p>\n
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