[ Last Updated 3 May 2006 ]
Short Description
Questions asked and answered about the future use of Whenuapai Airbase.
Contents
1. Why is Consolidation Taking Longer than Expected?
The RNZAF will be working to complete the consolidation as soon as possible and will be actively seeking ways to compress the timeframe for development works to be completed. However, NZDF advise that the sheer scale of redevelopment work at Ohakea requires significant planning and phasing, particularly as this will be happening on an airbase that must be kept operational throughout the redevelopment.
2. Doesn't this Scupper the Second Airport?
There is no reason to think that. If local government in Auckland believes that an airport at Whenuapai is an appropriate public work, then their interest will still be there at the point that the land is eventually declared surplus.
3. Why Can't the Airbase Be Jointly Used by Defence and a Commercial Airport until the Land is Declared Surplus?
In principle the government is not opposed to joint use. However, providing for military operational and security requirements would mean clearly separating any military and commercial activity. This would mean that the commercial operator would need to make a significant investment in developing its own facilities and upgrading the runway. The government would also be concerned to ensure that any joint use arrangement did not create expectations as to the ultimate outcome of the Public Works Act disposal process. Whether or not such a large investment would be made under those circumstances is rightly a decision for the potential investor.
4. Doesn't this Decision to Defer Increase Uncertainty?
No. All we are doing is preserving the status quo. The appropriate time to make a decision regarding the future use of Whenuapai is closer to the time of departure. In the meantime the RNZAF will continue to operate at existing levels for the foreseeable future.
5. When Will a Final Decision Be Made?
Given that the RNZAF is going to be at Whenuapai until at least 2010, there is no reason to make any further decisions for some years.
6. In Making this Decision, Is the Government Acting to Support Air New Zealand?
No. Air New Zealand has not figured in the Government's decision at all.
7. Does the Government Have Another Public Work in Mind for Whenuapai?
No alternative public work use has been identified to date. Government is aware however that West Auckland is under increasing pressure for development, and that public work requirements, such as for housing or schools, could eventuate in the medium term as developments in the vicinity progress.
8. If the Costs of Shifting to Ohakea have Increased as Reported, Will the Government Reconsider the Decision to Consolidate?
No. The government is committed to consolidating the RNZAF at Ohakea. There are a range of options for consolidation, and a corresponding range of costs to be worked through, so it is premature at this stage to speculate on what the final shape or cost of that consolidation might be.
9. Will the Government Sell the Land to Waitakere City in 2010 or Thereabouts?
When the land is no longer required for Defence purposes, then government will need to work through the Public Works Act disposal process. If the Waitakere City Council still have a requirement for the land, then that will be considered at that time, after having considered other government public work requirements.