May 26, 2020
Rotorua Airport land use change irks former owners
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones is urging opponents of the expansion of Rotorua Airport to get behind a project that will benefit the whole region.
The Rotorua Lakes Council-owned airport company wants $22 million from the government’s shovel-ready infrastructure project fund for the work.
Descendants of the original landowners say the plan, including the creation of an industrial business park, goes beyond the purpose for which the land was taken under the Public Works Act.
Mr Jones says it’s a worrying trend.
"How on earth in a Māori rich area are we going to create new economic opportunities at a time when our own rangatahi are going to be disproportionately afflicted by unemployment if every decision, which does require pragmatism and does require boldness, is subject to some kind of hapū handbrake really," he says.
Copyright © 2020, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com