Request for proposals sought for Taupo to Wellington flights

4 March 2015

Taupo District Council is to seek an air operator to provide services on the Taupo to Wellington route Air New Zealand will stop operating at the end of April.

Consultation will also take place with the community over the importance of having flights to the capital and to gauge opinion over what support, if any, the Council should give to secure a service.

Mayor David Trewavas said since Air New Zealand announced in November it was to cut services from Taupo to Wellington he had been approached by businesses, retailers and residents concerned about what the loss of the flights might mean for the district.

Promoting economic development is a key component of our long term strategy and as the leaders of the community we want to do whatever we can to ensure the rest of the world knows that our district is open for business, he said.

Our airport is a valuable part of what our district has to offer and we want to do whatever we can to ensure it remains viable for many, many years to come.

Discussions had already taken place with a few potential operators with the aim of starting the service as soon as Air New Zealand pulled out of the route. However, this was not possible and with more interest now being shown, requesting proposals was the most open and transparent way to select a provider.

This is a significant issue for our community and we need to ensure that due diligence is undertaken, said Mr Trewavas.

We also want to hear the community's views and will be asking for feedback shortly, he said.

END

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz