United Future
Bernie Ogilvy

UF trio back Whenuapai decision

Transport spokesman Larry Baldock and Auckland MPs Paul Adams and Bernie Ogilvy all saluted the decision taken this week.

"This is a huge piece of infrastructure that exists to do the job - and frankly New

Zealand is not a country overburdened with infrastructure," Mr Baldock said.

"It would have been incredibly short-sighted to give up this opportunity for a second airport to serve the northern hub of Auckland," he said.

"Many of Aucklandís problems have been caused by a lack of long term vision from our leaders, and with the cityís current growth it would be absolutely ludicrous to have lost such a facility as Whenuapai," Mr Adams said.

"This is an existing substantial airport that already has airlines wanting to use it, and companies prepared to pay the costs to develop it," he said.

"What with lower landing fees, and a large growing population surrounding it, this equates to cheaper fares via more competition, not to mention less congestion on our roads," Mr Ogilvy said.

"At a time when Auckland road transport needs are being worked on, including the upper harbour upgrade, it makes absolute sense to funnel a large number of our domestic air travelers to a central airport.

"Many North Shore residents are tired of the two-hour drive to Mangere during peek Auckland traffic," he said.

Ends.