A hearing into proposed changes to the Kapiti District Plan has begun in the Environment Court.
Kapiti District Council voted last year in favour of a $450 million redevelopment at Paraparaumu airport, including a new retail centre and extended runway.
Opponents of the plan say iwi still have unresolved land claims at the site.
Paraparaumu Airport Limited told the court the redevelopment is necessary for the long term financial viability of the airport.
The company said it will not be able to afford future upgrades without the redevelopment.
It also said Te Ngarara has been consulted and claimed the iwi is not the legal owners of the land.
