Minister of Transport Michael Wood is holding a public meeting this month to hear people’s views about North Shore Aero Club’s application for Airport Authority status.
The Aero Club applied in 2020, in order to facilitate development of the airport.
It is up to the Minister whether or not the application goes forward to Cabinet for a decision and Minister Wood wants to hear the issues for himself before making that call.
Airport Authority status would give the aero club powers, including making its own bylaws (which must be government approved) and compulsory acquisition of land (with approval from the Minister of Lands).
The proposal received staunch opposition from a large number of Dairy Flat residents, concerned about issues such as the expansion of the airport and the potential for larger aircraft to operate there. There was a public meeting called by the Ministry of Transport in October 2020 and around 500 submissions.
Minister Wood has invited anyone with views on the proposal to attend a public meeting on Saturday, May 14 in the North Harbour Lounge at North Harbour Stadium, 11am.
The meeting will include the opportunity for members of public to share their thoughts on the application directly with Minister Wood.
