Eleven leading New Zealand academics recently wrote an open letter stating a proposed new airport in Tarras should not proceed, as it runs against prevailing research.

In the letter, the group suggested “significant environmental, social, cultural and economic as well as political and reputational consequences” of failing to reduce carbon emissions by building a new airport during a climate emergency.”

Read more: Professors say ‘no’ to proposed airport in Tarras

Tarras airport project director Michael Singleton told the Central App he had read the letter with interest, and always welcomed perspectives on the project.

“We believe a new airport can fit within New Zealand’s emissions targets and meet the challenges posed by a changing climate,” he said. 

“No project, including our own, is likely to be given approval if it fails to demonstrate how it will address its impacts and fit into a low emissions future.”

Michael said researchers “continue to wrongly assume our plans are driven solely by long-haul tourism”. 

“That is not and never has been the case.

“Airports need to be able to serve a range of people from local residents, visitors, friends and family, exporters or goods and services (including education). Our project aims to do that.”

The Central App asked a Tarras local what they thought of the academic input, and their response was it looked like the “greenies” were determined to stop the airport.

“Why can’t they just build the thing?”

One Tarras local said it looked like the “greenies” were determined to stop the airport

This view seems to be in the minority in the Tarras area, however. A survey conducted by the Sustainable Tarras group indicated that 85 per cent of the community disapproved of the airport proposal.

The open letter has also not affected the neutral stance taken by the Central Otago District Council (CODC). In a statement attributed to Mayor Tom Cadogan, the council said: 

“CODC has not taken a formal position on the potential development of an airport at Tarras.

“As the consenting authority, it is important that we are very circumspect before taking a position, although we reserve our right to do this in due course should a firm proposal be tabled. 

“If we do, it will need to take into account a range of factors, including those related to the environment, those people most directly impacted, and the interests of the community at large.

“We would note that at this stage CIAL (Christchurch International Airport Ltd) is a landowner only and have not made any applications for development at the site.”

The Central App understands CIAL will soon release details of the proposed airport’s runway orientation early this year (2023) after postponing the release in late 2022.