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Do We Need An Airport?
Isn’t it funny how the term sustainable has changed? At its inception, I always thought it referred to something that could continue without damaging the planet. Now its any business concern that will make a buck. And so it is with the airport.
A Boeing 747 consumes … View moreDo We Need An Airport?
Isn’t it funny how the term sustainable has changed? At its inception, I always thought it referred to something that could continue without damaging the planet. Now its any business concern that will make a buck. And so it is with the airport.
A Boeing 747 consumes four litres of aviation gas per second. That is a fuel consumption of 12 litres per km, and on a one-hour flight, an estimated 15,000 litres. It is the biggest single use emitter of greenhouse gas. When the world went into lockdown in April, the sky turned a deeper shade of blue. It gave us all hope that if we stop destroying the planet, it will recover. By its very nature then, the Airline industry is not sustainable.
Airports are also famous for their noise pollution. A jet engine on take-off, emits approximately 140 Decibels of noise. This is more than enough to raise blood pressure and cause cardiovascular damage. I think we have all gained in health literacy in recent months and understand the benefits of peace and quiet and the ability to wind down and relax. 140 decibels of noise on a regular basis is not conducive to good health and well-being.
Economically, does it make sense? Not really. It employs a handful of people in Kapiti. In terms of investment it doesn’t add much to the local economy. On a cost benefit basis it probably doesn’t look too flash. Since the outbreak of Covid 19, Airline companies have reduced operations in the region of 70 percent. Air New Zealand expects to record a loss of $120 million for 2019/2020 and in this uncertain climate, it does not appear that Covid is going away anytime soon. With a third wave set to engulf Europe and the US showing no sign of peaking, predictions are for at least another three years of it. That’s a long time to mothball an industry. Few people are brave enough to fly in this climate.
Does the airport have other intrinsic qualities that make it desirable? I can’t think of any. My one and only flight to Auckland from Kapiti Airport was nerve wracking and uncomfortable. On my arrival at the airport I hoped to get a coffee but everything was closed. On boarding, I felt like I had been seated in a pressurised Bristol Freighter as the plane lumbered out of the airport and flew at low altitude to Auckland. It felt immeasurably slow. While it was nice to see all the landscape, it was not a comfortable feeling to be that low to the ground. The turbulence was distinctly unnerving and the plane shuddered alarmingly when this occurred. On my next trip I travelled to Wellington and boarded a nice big comfortable jet plane that whisked me away while I enjoyed a hot coffee on board. A much more pleasant trip.
With all this in mind, I’m puzzled then as to why the council and other business interests are so keen to retain the airport. There has been a lot of circular skulduggery going on it seems, in recent months, as various business interests jockey for position. Alarm bells went off for me when the Kapiti Coast Council CEO announced we should buy the airport. No meaningful community consultation has occurred on this but the council seems happy to spend ratepayers money on something of dubious merit and with no mandate. Noone has seen how the numbers stack up in order to make an informed decision whether they would support it. I haven’t seen the figures either, but having spent four years as a Treasury Analyst and another four as a Wall St Analyst in my misspent youth, I suspect they don’t stack up too well. Perhaps that’s why we haven’t seen any numbers. It would be very informative to see the current and projected rates of return for this enterprise.
I don’t think we need an airport. The Airport should be closed, the assets sold and the land returned to its rightful owners. The government has a moral obligation to return this land to its original owners and should never have appropriated the land in the first place. If government cannot return the land, the rightful owners should be compensated.
Rather than throwing good money after bad on a sunset industry, I would prefer to see council invest ratepayer’s money into ventures that are actually sustainable. That is, they are capable of continuing without damage to the planet. I personally would like to see the land adjacent to the airport, further developed with green industry such as solar technology or light industry such as health technology which would provide employment and career opportunities for Kapiti residents. With work from home arrangements now taking on a new ethos, there will be many business interests keen to establish operations outside of major cities. We all know Kapiti is a fabulous place to live, with great people and a supportive community. Why not capitalise on this with developments that will enable us to prosper. I will be deeply disappointed if Council buys this white elephant of an airport and saddles us with the debt.
What do others think? It doesn’t look like anyone is going to be given the opportunity to submit on community consultation regarding the airport, so let’s use Neighbourly as a forum.
Beautiful oak hutch dresser in good condition. Only selling because we have downsized and have no room for it. The top can be removed for transporting. Height is 1860, width 1210 and depth 455
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Police in Levin say the tap’s been turned off on a flow of burglaries following the arrest of a suspect.
Dozens of taps were removed without shutting off the water supply, which caused thousands of dollars of water damage to a number of premises. Story --bit.ly/dPlij6
Hey neighbours,
Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.
Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.
In fact, once … View moreHey neighbours,
Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.
Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.
In fact, once you’ve tacked on the weekends, you’ll end up getting a whopping 25 days off out of those 10 stat days, plus your region’s anniversary day.
To find out how to get the most out of your annual leave next year, click here.
Grief and kids: this workshop looks closely at the impact of grief across all ages from birth to teenagers and provides tangible suggestions on ways to support children and young people.
Suicide Grief: this workshop discusses the impact of suicide grief on individuals and provides tangible … View moreGrief and kids: this workshop looks closely at the impact of grief across all ages from birth to teenagers and provides tangible suggestions on ways to support children and young people.
Suicide Grief: this workshop discusses the impact of suicide grief on individuals and provides tangible strategies to process and support others living with this significant reality.
Workshops Presenter Caroline Loo is the founder and director of the Loss and Grief centre Services for Southland. She established the service to support people experiencing loss and grief after her daughter died and she found it challenging to find support that understood the specific nature of significant grief. She has written and published a book about Grief and Faith and provides workshops and webinars for groups across NZ.
Creche for pre-schoolers 3 to 5 – We have a trained Pre-school teacher for a limited number of children on a first come basis. If you think this will help you attend, please contact lossandgriefkapiti@gmail.com
Booking Date: 30th September
Time: 9.00am to 12.30pm with cuppa on arrival and morning tea
Workshops 'Grief and Kids' and 'Suicide Grief'
Cost $90.00 Registration / Booking link — here. Registrations close 28th September.
Creche registrations will close when full.
Loss & Grief Centre Kapiti, 1 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu email: lossandgriefkapiti@gmail.com or visit website.
New damage to the slip-prone bank at Blue Bluff on Ōtaki Gorge Road after heavy rain is worrying the Kāpiti Coast District Council - and it has temporary closed the area to vehicles. ( Photo shows previous slip dadage; Ross Giblin, Fairfax NZ) -- bit.ly...
If you’re not on the Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list, check out their latest newsletter update here: bit.ly...
They recently wrapped up a survey on water quality, and now they’re looking for your input on water security and allocation.
Please email whaitua@gw.govt.nz if you’d like… View moreIf you’re not on the Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list, check out their latest newsletter update here: bit.ly...
They recently wrapped up a survey on water quality, and now they’re looking for your input on water security and allocation.
Please email whaitua@gw.govt.nz if you’d like to be kept up to date on the latest news coming from the committee.
Porirua mayor Anita Baker has decided to no longer use Facebook.
She says the level of abuse has given her no other choice.
What is your experience of Facebook?
If you do not want your comments used in a story, please put NFP (Not for Publication).
In this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.
We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a … View moreIn this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.
We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a year-round food supply. Plus go in the draw for fertiliser and soil enhancer from Fodda and there’s another chance to win Mr Fothergill’s ultimate garden pack.
Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:
Another edition of our community newsletter, Tātou Rohe, is hot off the press! Read it here: bit.ly...
Sign-up to receive this bi-weekly update direct to your inbox at gw.govt.nz/tatou-rohe
What is double glazing? We’ve put together some information that might help you with your research if you're considering getting retrofit double glazing click here to read. If you’re interested, we offer a free no obligation quote click here or call us on 0800 658 658.
Turn a cardboard lidded hat box into a stylish piece of home décor using Resene testpots, with a tribal twist.
When painting with a tribal theme, throw perfection out the window and embrace crooked lines, texture, and less than perfect paint techniques to get a more organic result.
Make the most… View moreTurn a cardboard lidded hat box into a stylish piece of home décor using Resene testpots, with a tribal twist.
When painting with a tribal theme, throw perfection out the window and embrace crooked lines, texture, and less than perfect paint techniques to get a more organic result.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own
It’s all about ideas, inspiration, and exclusive show specials at the Wellington Home and Garden Show on from the 2 – 4 October at Sky Stadium. Join the fun with our 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer
There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with a huge range of Home and Garden … View moreIt’s all about ideas, inspiration, and exclusive show specials at the Wellington Home and Garden Show on from the 2 – 4 October at Sky Stadium. Join the fun with our 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer
There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with a huge range of Home and Garden Exhibitors, featuring everything from featuring Kitchens, Builders, Landscaping & Plants, Home Maintenance, Homewares, Art, and more! Be sure to check out the ‘Set the Mood’ Interior Design challenge and the Springfree Family Zone.
Save the date in your diaries and connect with local businesses from the 2 – 4 October 2020 at the Wellington Home & Garden Show
Fri & Sat 10 – 5, Sun 10 – 4
Sky Stadium, Wellington.
Adults $8
Gold Card Friday $4
Under 16 free
Te Raukura ki Kāpiti presents Capital E’s National Theatre for Children presents, The Lost Letter Office.
The Lost Letter Office is a love letter to handwritten letters. Using magic, movement, music and clown performance, it explores how these paper creations can deliver powerful gifts of … View moreTe Raukura ki Kāpiti presents Capital E’s National Theatre for Children presents, The Lost Letter Office.
The Lost Letter Office is a love letter to handwritten letters. Using magic, movement, music and clown performance, it explores how these paper creations can deliver powerful gifts of love.
A young girl Nixie has just moved into the neighbourhood and a retired magician NahNah is back from her world travels. Each alone in their homes, with a longing to write and connect with someone – their letters go on an adventurous journey. Book your tickets now! Saturday 10 October at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti – Performing Art Centre.
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