Feedback invited on Taupo-Wellington air service

11 March 2015

Taupo District residents are being invited to have their say on the importance of having a Taupo to Wellington air service from today.

Potential operators are also being invited to submit proposals to Taupo District Council on how they would keep the district connected with the capital.

Air New Zealand announced late last year it will be cutting services on some regional routes, including flights between Taupo and Wellington, from April 2015.

The company based its decision on the poor operating economics associated with running their 19-seat Beechcraft planes. At the same time, it announced it would increase flight capacity on the Taupo to Auckland route by introducing a 50-seat plane for the service.

Mayor David Trewavas said an assessment of the economic loss to the district from not having the Taupo to Wellington air service was estimated to be between $1.5 and $2 million a year.

There were concerns about the potential impacts losing this air service might have and the Council wanted to see what interest there was in stepping in to fill the gap left from Air New Zealand exiting the market.

We also want to hear from our residents and ratepayers on the importance of having direct flights from Taupo to Wellington and what support, if any, the Council should give to securing a service, he said.

A survey and more information is available online. Hard copies are available from council offices and libraries. Feedback closes at 5pm on Friday, March 27.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz