NZ Airports proposes funding programme for regional airports

New Zealand Airports Association (NZ Airports) proposed a regional airports funding programme supported by local and national government to offer financial support to maintain infrastructure (Stuff/Radio NZ, 26-Jul-2017). The association noted 12 regional airports require NZD32 million (USD23.7 million) over the next five years to address critical repairs. NZ Airports CEO Kevin Ward stated these airports are not commercially viable and therefore have been retracted by large airlines and Airways New Zealand: "The way these two make their business decisions is going to determine the future for the whole sector and really that may not be in the regional or national interest". NZ Airports estimates once all airports are up to standard, they will require NZD5.2 million (USD3.8 million) p/a for ongoing maintenance. The 12 airports include Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Whangarei, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Whanganui, Masterton, Timaru, Westport, Hokitika and the Chatham Islands.