Jim Scotland: Let me set the record straight

Jim Scotland

I refer to your Talking Point article by Hastings District Councillor Simon Nixon on April 4 and also note Doug Laing's recent article referencing a joint statement by the mayors of Hastings District Council and Napier City Council.

I can assure councillors that Tony Porter's situation is not irregular or unsatisfactory. Tony has attended every planned meeting of the board and several other informal meetings with Air New Zealand, tenants of the airport, and the consultants assisting with the possible terminal development this year.

Stuart Webster offered his resignation to the Crown last July, to be effective from December 31. He was asked by the Crown to remain on the board until March 31 this year. Up until now Stuart has paid a full part in all aspects of HBAL's governance.

Councillor Nixon is completely wrong to suggest that both these gentlemen have ceased to function in their governance roles. For example, both attended the March board meeting chaired by Tony, held last week on March 31.

On March 24, I presented to Hastings District Council and discussed the half yearly report and the draft Statement of Intent outlining the forecast results and the planned capital projects for the next three years.

This, and a subsequent similar meeting with Napier City Council on March 25, was a public meeting, and I note that Mr Nixon was present at the HDC meeting. None of the issues outlined in his article were raised at that meeting. If they were, I would have happily answered those within the governance role of HBAL's directors.

Last week [April 9] the Crown announced former All Black captain Taine Randell as the new appointee to replace Mr Webster.

Readers concerned about the possible change of name of HBAL should refer to Simon Hendery's article, where Mr Prentice said Mana Ahuriri had approached the shareholders, including both councils, regarding a name change. The directors were advised that all shareholders supported the name change at some future time. The board decided an appropriate time to action a name change would be after the possible redevelopment of the terminal building. At that time, they will ask for shareholder support for a new company name. That is, the name change will be a shareholder decision, as is a transfer of shares by any shareholder.

Given the publicity about a $5.0 million terminal upgrade, I would remind councillors and other interested parties that the reference to this project is in the draft Statement of Intent. This document is currently with all shareholders for their comment. Directors will only recommend capital expenditure that meets earnings criteria and adds to HBAL as a welcoming gateway to Hawke's Bay.

We agree the terminal is in need of an upgrade and that there are arrears of maintenance and services that need attention. Currently, there is no $5.0 million project; this is a capped figure included in the draft SOI for expenditure on the building over the next two years.

The directors of Hawke's Bay Airport Limited welcome the public interest in the activities of the company. However, the article by a councillor of one of HBAL's shareholders is most unhelpful and largely incorrect.

-Jim Scotland is deputy chairman of Hawke's Bay Airport Limited.

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