Letters: Airport upgrade fails to win support

An artist's impression of the new Rotorua Airport arrivals lounge. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

I strongly oppose the proposed $5 million Rotorua Airport revamp. We upgraded the airport five years ago and it is still very much fit for use.

I advise Mr Stubbs, the chairman: We ratepayers don't need and don't want the Koru Lounge. The Koru Lounge is for long-distance travellers.

Where are these travellers? We can't get enough of them to make sufficient profits to pay off our debts. Where is the money coming from?

Can you show us your strategy for turning a definite profit on this $5m outlay? If earthquake strengthening is required now, why wasn't it done at the time of the last upgrade?

Tourists are not going to fly into Rotorua because of the look of the airport. They are here for sightseeing and the most important factor is airfare costs.

May I also suggest that this $5m, could be better used to pay off our debts in order to reduce our rates or contribute towards reducing homelessness.

WAITSU WU
Rotorua

Happy with the airport

The recent comment about again upgrading the airport is very similar to the previous upgrade stating the need to upgrade the fire station, tourist numbers, and financing that won't affect the current owed amount on the last upgrade.

In regard to tourists using the airport for arrival and departure, are there figures available showing what percentage of overseas visitors actually come in or out of Rotorua by plane?

From my way of thinking most tourists arrive by road and whenever I use the Rotorua Airport most of the others are flying in or out on business or are New Zealanders going to Auckland to fly overseas.

I am personally happy with the Rotorua Airport as it is.

GARRY OWEN
Ngongotaha

Rotorua theme please

At the moment our main airport building when viewed from any angle looks like a white version of the many "red sheds" scattered around New Zealand.

Can this revamp give us an uniquely Rotorua building eg with Maori and/or Volcanic themes.

TIM EDWARDS
Rotorua