A group of Masters of Planning students from the University of Otago are researching the potential positive and negative impacts of a proposed airport for Tarras.

The primary aim of the research is to assess the impacts of a busy new international airport in Tarras, focusing on the effects on rural amenities and rural production in the area and subregions by exploring and recording the viewpoints of residents and community members. 

The students said they have no views or vested interest in the potential airport or region. The survey is purely academic and a part of their academic programme.

The survey questions are comprehensive, ranging from what participants value most about Tarras, how supportive or otherwise participants are of the proposal for an airport in the area, and what infrastructure would need to be added to the site to sustain an international airport.

Anti-airport lobby group Sustainable Tarras spokesperson Suze Keith said the group is pleased to see the interest in the Tarras airport proposal by the Otago University planning students. 

“We are looking forward to reading their report in November,” she said.   

The students said no material that could personally identify those that complete the survey will be used in any final reports at the study's conclusion.  

The questionnaire has four sections with optional questions that the students say should take 5-15 minutes to complete. 

After the process, a copy of the research results will be provided to the Central Otago District Council, which has yet to formulate any official stance on whether the proposed airport should or should not proceed.

The survey can be found here.