Airbase marked in plan for Waitakere city

Waitakere City Council is to start changing its district plan to ensure that the Whenuapai military airbase can be secured for future civilian use.

Listed airport company Infratil joined forces with the council two years ago to try to get the airbase converted into a commercial airport suitable for low-cost airlines.

After a campaign that pitted the council and Infratil against Auckland International Airport and Air New Zealand, the Government scuppered the deal by saying the Air Force would not move from the site for 10 years. Infratil was prepared to spend more than $50 million to bring the airfield up to scratch for commercial operations. It would serve as a secondary airport for Greater Auckland.

Waitakere development committee chairwoman Penny Hulse said yesterday that planning changes would be made that recognised "the existing use of the airbase and the council's objective that it be reused for commercial aviation".

Any alternative uses, other than those related to an airport, would "have to stack up against the city's long-term objectives".

An economic analysis has estimated a financial loss to Waitakere of $230 million a year if the Air Force leaves its Whenuapai base.

"This is no different to earmarking farmland for future use as a park. We are putting a solid stake in the ground about what the land use should be, bearing in mind the social and economic objectives that we have for the city," Hulse said.