More opposition to regional airport security levy

Another regional centre has joined in the clamour over the proposal to charge passengers boarding international flights at non-metropolitan airports more than twice as much as they would pay to leave larger airports.

Palmerston North City Council chief financial officer Brian Trott said he was concerned the Government would impose a two-tier structure under which passengers at the three big airports -- Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch -- would pay $8.15, while the cost would be $19.80 for those boarding at regional airports.

Last week, Rotorua's Mayor said hopes for a trans-Tasman airport for the Bay of Plenty regional centre may be grounded by proposed Government rules that would make flying out of the city too expensive to be viable.

A two-tier structure would hurt regional economies and development, said Brian Trott.

"We are opposed to differing charges at airports, because we believe this approach is inconsistent with the Government's strategic policy, its regional economic development, the New Zealand transport strategy and the New Zealand tourism strategy."

Mr Trott helped prepare a submission by Local Government New Zealand to the cabinet policy committee, recommending a single national charge.

Palmerston North Mayor Heather Tanguay said she supported the submission.

"I do not believe this is fair and equitable to regional airports. Our region will suffer as a result of this charge, should it happen. It will affect our growing market of international travellers. We need to be doing all we can to encourage more to use our international facilities, not penalise travellers by imposing extra costs."

- NZPA