Council working to attract new air services to Kāpiti

The Kāpiti Coast District Council will be working closely with Kāpiti Coast Airport Ltd to attract new air services to the Kāpiti Coast.

This follows Air New Zealand’s decision to stop services between Paraparaumu and Auckland.

 Mayor K Gurunathan says that while the news is disappointing, Air New Zealand isn’t the only airline capable of running services out of the Kāpiti Coast Airport and conversations with other airlines are already happening.

 “Kāpiti is fast becoming a destination of choice for visitors and business alike. Our District’s share of regional and national tourism has been increasing by 10-15% year-on-year over the past three years.

 “Kāpiti is a great place to be. Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve and Kāpiti Marine Reserve continue to rate highly amongst national and international media. 

 “We’re confident in the airport’s long term future. Last night I spoke with Evan Davies from airport owners Todd Property and it was heartening to hear him reinforce his company’s commitment to Kāpiti.”

 Mayor Gurunathan says the Kāpiti Coast Expressway projects, Transmission Gully, quality rail links and daily flights to and from Nelson and Blenheim, mean Kāpiti is connected and accessible to both the greater Wellington region, the central North Island and beyond.

 “Air New Zealand had some challenges delivering a reliable service within the constraints of its national schedule and this clearly had an impact on customers’ confidence in, and use of the service. This was particularly the case for business travellers.”

 “There have been a number of changes in New Zealand’s aviation market since Air New Zealand established its service out of Kāpiti and the growth in our tourism will be a real attraction to other players with more flexibility to extend their services."

 “Kāpiti Coasters love the airport, which was clear for all to see at the very successful open day last weekend. This news will come as a shock to many who use it, and our thoughts are with the locals whose jobs and businesses are most affected by this decision"