Government seeks costs for huge expansion of Ohakea Air Base

The Government has called for detailed costings for moving the Air Force's Whenuapai operations to Ohakea.

The relocation of Whenuapai Base's present operations to the lower North Island base could require as many as 26 separate construction projects, Defence Minister Phil Goff said yesterday.

The projects will prepare the World War II-vintage base to cater for the new NH90 helicopters and Whenuapai-based Boeing 757 troop and VIP carriers, C130 Hercules transports and Orion surveillance aircraft.

Mr Goff said a master plan of the redevelopment would be prepared. It would yield detailed cost estimates to be presented to the Cabinet some time next year.

In 2002 the Air Force announced a gradual withdrawal from Whenuapai over five years to consolidate its operations at two bases - Ohakea, and Woodbourne, near Blenheim.

But two years later the Government said consolidation would not be completed until 2010, and possibly as late as 2014.

Mr Goff said yesterday the consolidation would deliver significant operational efficiencies.

Some units from Whenuapai and the nearby Hobsonville Air Base had already relocated to Ohakea.

"This has been accomplished without significant need for development work, but we are now at the stage where expert assistance is needed with the complex process involved in assessing and scoping details of the work that will be needed."

A contract to prepare the master plan had been awarded to engineering consultants Beca Carter Hollings and Ferner.

Mr Goff said all design and construction packages would be competitively tendered.

The redevelopment was likened to "building a small town" by consolidation project leader Group Captain Graham Poucher.

Apart from hangars, modern buildings were needed for barracks, offices and a departure and reception lounge for the international airport.