23 Jul 2020

Some Tarras locals horrified by international airport plans

From Nine To Noon, 9:06 am on 23 July 2020
State Highway 8, looking towards 8A.

State Highway 8, looking towards 8A. Photo: Google Maps

A proposal for a new publicly owned international airport in the tiny town of Tarras in Central Otago has taken the community by surprise, with some saying it would ruin prime growing land and devastate the environment. Christchurch Airport, which is 75 per cent owned by the Christchurch City Council and 25 per cent by the Crown, revealed yesterday it had already spent $45 million on the proposal. This would see a two-point-two kilometre runway capable of accomodating international jet aircraft - in competition with Queenstown airport, just over an hour away. Kathryn speaks with Chief Executive of Christchurch International Airport, Malcolm Johns; Di Lucas, whose family owned Bendigo Station still have the original homestead; and Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director is Justin Tighe-Umbers.