Paraparaumu Airport
It’s great news that Air New Zealand will begin daily flights between Auckland and Paraparaumu from October this year.
I’ve been a strong supporter of the airport development since I first met owner Noel Robinson several years ago.
This will be fantastic for Kapiti and Horowhenua, with the 50 seater service set to provide a real boost for the regional economy.
Three daily return services will begin October 24 this year, with a flight time of just over one hour. There will also be three return flights every weekend.
Over the next few months Paraparaumu Airport will undergo a multi-million dollar upgrade to help prepare for an influx of visitors and activity when flights begin.
Plans are also in place for a new carpark and terminal, and continuing development of the Kapiti Landing Business Park. A new Mitre10 Mega store is opening next month with more businesses to follow.
The 100,000 residents from Porirua to Levin stand to benefit hugely from these flights. Instead of the hour or so drive into Wellington airport, we’ll have a closer option linking us with directly with Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city and powerful economic hub.
The timetable looks to be geared around the business commuter, but also offers opportunities for tourism both domestic and international.
This will really help boost visitor numbers of Kiwis and those coming from overseas.
Prince William’s visit to Kapiti Island last year has raised awareness of what we have to offer with good weather, beaches, mountains, boutique shopping, gourmet food and a rural lifestyle.
The timing of the first flights catches the tail end of the Rugby World Cup, which offers marketing opportunities for tourists to stay a few days longer on the Kapiti Coast.
The expressway plans, including Transmission Gully, will also help with quicker and easier travel times for visitors and commuters.
The chance to open up the ’Nature Coast’ as a tourist destination and attract new businesses is one I’m very excited about as local MP, and I know our community will be taking full advantage of the benefits to come.