Purpose and Key Points
1. This note provides the Defence perspective on aspects of the current and future use of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland (i.e. Whenuapai and Hobsonville), in particular the prospects for joint use and the timing of the RNZAF's consolidation at Ohakea.
2. The key points of this note are as follows:
- RNZAF consolidation at Ohakea may be complete within six and half to nine and half years;
- agreed principles for the joint use of military airfields require, inter alia, that RNZAF buildings, operational areas and support facilities must be maintained in a clearly delineated separate secure environment from joint users' facilities; and
- depending on the base's future use, the RNZAF may wish to retain some units at Whenuapai after the consolidation at Ohakea. These units would have little impact on the operation of a commercial airfield.
3. This note should be read in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) paper on the future use of Whenuapai, and the Defence paper on the progress of the Ohakea consolidation project, both due to be considered at the 8 December meeting of the POL Committee.
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