King passes airlines' file over to Hodgson

Transport Minister Annette King has passed to Health Minister Pete Hodgson the hot potato of considering an application from Air NZ and Qantas for approval of their proposed "Tasman Networks Agreement".

Hodgson was Acting Transport Minster when the airlines made their application for authorisation of the deal under the Civil Aviation Act.

"I have delegated responsibility to avoid any perception of conflict between my role as MP for Rongotai and the responsibilities of the decision-maker on this matter," she said.

Wellington airport is in Rongotai.