Kāwhia airport mooted

KĀWHIA may have its own airport in future if proposals put forward to Ōtorohanga District Council by Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation chair Wayne Brewer are acted upon.

Speaking at the public forum, Wayne presented the council with some ideas from the Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation.

“I haven’t done much in the way of investigation, but I wanted to really put it to council to see if there might be an appetite for a proper airstrip, not just helicopters.”

Wayne said he was not suggesting an airstrip for large commercial craft, just light aircraft.

There was concern about the vulnerability of Kāwhia Rd, in case there was a catastrophe that took the road out – which nearly happened earlier this year and had happened on the Coromandel.

If the road was knocked out, the only alternate access was by sea, or helicopter.

Wayne said the airstrip could be located on TKI land beside a north/south section of the road.

“I would imagine it being available to the community, perhaps a joint venture with council,” he said.

The road ran more or less east/west, which he said was ideal for an airstrip.

“We would have to fell a lot of trees, but with the harvest two to three years away, now’s the time to start looking at that.

“It would just mean not replanting on the area chosen as the most suitable site,” Wayne said.

The airstrip is in addition to TKI plans for a 40-kilometre cycle trail, use of the hot springs in a tourism venture, and construction of amentities including a café and bike hire.

TKI is also looking at a climbing wall, tree walks, challenge courses and glamping options.

Wayne said they would have to seriously look at sewerage and water if TKI’s plans for next 5-10 years took off.

TKI secretary John McCrae said the driver was TKI plans to develop Kāwhia’s tourism potential.

“I don’t know if everyone is aware but the traffic and the forecast for tourism is actually very positive,” he said.

“This year is probably going to surpass 2019 and the way the airlines are coming on, we are expecting 24/25 being extremely busy.

“I think there is also a change in the thinking in how people want to travel. They do want to get off the beaten track.

“They do want to go and see places that are unique and different.

“And we see the Kāwhia community as being one of those areas that would actually be very appealing.’

But to get tourists off the beaten track will require a portfolio of products.

“It will have to be a multitude of different attractions,” he said.

TKI was looking to partner with many different operators to ensure there was a suite of different attractions, he said.

The council’s involvement was not limited and was invited at every level, John said.

“We need guidance on the consenting process,” Wayne said.

“We’ve already discussed that with one or two people within the council.”