Last week’s Tarras Airport public meetings showed there are varied thoughts surrounding the proposed international airport set amongst cattle pastures. 

Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan says he is pleased Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL), as the developers, are engaging with the people and community of the district. 

“It is good to see CIAL making the effort to engage with the public at the level they have and no matter how this project pans out, open and robust lines of communication between the company and the community are crucial,” he says.

“Public sentiment is varied across Central Otago with some fervently opposed, some dead keen and many adopting a “wait and see” attitude at this early stage.” 

Christchurch International Aiport Ltd’s Tarras Project Director Michael Singleton, in a statement, says it was good to see and meet many of you at our open days at the Tarras Community Hall recently.

Christchurch International Aiport Ltd’s Tarras Project Director Michael Singleton. Image: Contributed.

“We were pleased to welcome more than 120 people over the two days - both faces we’d seen before and some new ones too,” he says. 

“Thanks for taking the time to learn about the project, read some of the feedback we’ve had so far and share your opinions with us.

“We know a lot of you are waiting for more details on the project - we understand that and are not here to make you 'pick a position'.”

“What remains very clear (as you will see on the post-it notes below) is there is a real diversity of opinion.  

One person commented that the project should be a “national conversation” and asked if there is a need for another international airport. 

Another asked “Where is the ‘we don’t want an airport’ - how much have you listened?”

There were diverse opinions from those who attended the public meetings. Image contributed. 

Michael says the project’s flight paths and runway alignment will soon be presented to the public for further discussion. 

“We are pleased with how the various streams of work are progressing,” Michael says. “The addition of Rhys Boswell to the project team (read more below) will add further momentum.

“As we talked about at the open days, we are on track to have an update on runway alignment during June/July. That will enable us to then provide more detail on flight paths.

Michael says CIAL will have a Tarras project website live as a source of accurate information the public can rely on, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

“The active engagement with the Tarras community will continue throughout the project,” he says. “We will also be broadening our discussions with communities around the wider Central Otago district and neighbouring regions.”

“In summary, we are working hard investigating options around flight paths and runway alignment and expect to be able to release an update in June/July.

“We will have a project website live soon which you will provide you with a go-to source of accurate information on the project.

“We are acutely aware of the project's potential impact, which is why we are taking the time to explore options so that the information we release is well-researched and considered.

“You're more than welcome to email us with any questions: [email protected]”

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