The New Zealand Defence Force commenced consultation on the future use of the Whenuapai Air Force Base in October 2003, with the publication of a discussion document. This is available for download and provides information on the base and the possible uses. Four possible options identified include a commercial airport, public works, commercial development or using the land as rural residential sites.
The first round of public meetings were held in November for people to seek additional information from Defence to help them prepare their submissions.
2,257 submissions from the public and other interest groups were received by the 16 January closing date. These have been analysed by an independent research company and the report was sent out to all submitters. Submissions Report
A number of submissions have been identified as being from representative or special interest groups and organisations. Permission has been given for these to be released and they are available for download.
Feedback on the submissions was given at a series of public meetings in February following the completion of the independent Submissions Report.
Local Authority Consultation
The views of the regional and local authorities are critical and NZDF is consulting with them in conjunction with the Auckland Regional Council.
The Regional Growth Forum met on 25th February and the following resolutions were agreed:
- That the RGF recommend to the Minister of Defence that a joint officials group from the NZDF, other relevant government departments and the RGF be established with an agreed brief and timetable to report in detail to the Minister, the ARC and the RGF on the options for the future use of the Whenuapai Airbase.
- That the joint officials group report on progress to the RGF at the next meeting on 21 April 2004.
- That the government be requested to ensure a robust decision making process which will support local, central government and regional objectives.
- That the government be requested to approve this process as being important to securing the best outcomes and that the study proceed with urgency and be concluded by June 2004.
Central Government Agencies
The preferred outcome for the site must be consistent with a range of strategies such as :
- Auckland State Highway Strategy
- New Zealand Transport Strategy
- The New Zealand Tourism Strategy
- The Sustainable Development Programme of Action
The NZDF has the support of a number of agencies and will work closely with them to ensure that these aspects are considered.