Poll: Do you support the opening of a new airport in Tarras, Central Otago?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Pressure is mounting on the city council to come out against Christchurch Airport’s “senseless” plans to build a new airport in Central Otago.

Eleven academics from across New Zealand have formed a group to oppose the airport’s proposal to build a “world-class sustainable airport” in Tarras – about 90km from Queenstown.

The council owns a 75% stake in the airport, with the other 25% owned by the Government.

Three of those academics spoke at Wednesday’s Christchurch City Council meeting and urged the council not to continue supporting the project. The Tarras development was a vanity project that would cripple Christchurch’s economy, they said.

Christchurch Airport project director Michael Singleton said New Zealand was geographically isolated and high-quality air connectivity would always be an important driver of social and economic wellbeing.

“Doing nothing in the face of a well-documented and fast-approaching infrastructure deficit and changing climate jeopardises the long-term ability of communities to maintain or improve their standard of living," he said.

Read the full story here and tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Do you support the opening of a new airport in Tarras, Central Otago?

18.9% Yes

18.9% Complete
77.2% No

77.2% Complete
3.9% Not sure/something else (share your thoughts in the comments)

3.9% Complete

640 votes

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