Second Auckland runway cleared for takeoff

By Phil Boeyen, ShareChat Business News Editor

Thursday 13th December 2001

Auckland International Airport (NZSE: AIA) can go ahead with plans to build a second runway after striking a deal with the local council and residents.

The airport company was given regulatory go-ahead for the project in 1998 but has been in discussions since then with Manukau City Council and other interested parties, including an opposition residents group, on the best way to proceed.

Manukau mayor, Sir Barry Curtis, says a mutually acceptable agreement to build a second runway to the north of the existing runway has now been reached.

"While the proposed second runway was the major catalyst for the forum, we are pleased that there are forum initiatives that will apply to all homes deemed to be affected by noise as a result of the airport's overall aviation activity, not just from the second runway," he says.

"These initiatives include the establishment of a $250,000 per annum noise mitigation fund to benefit local community projects as well as noise and ventilation treatment packages for existing properties within defined areas."

The original clearance allowed for construction of a 3,000 metre runway with restrictions on land use but that has now been reduced to a runway length of 2,150 metres.

AIA boss, John Goulter says it was a major concession to restrict the runway to the west of George Bolt Memorial Drive and reduce its length but says this move will significantly reduce the area adversely affected by aircraft noise.

Construction will be in two stages, with the first stage built to 1,200 metres. This can be increased to 2,150 metres at a later date after public consultation.

"A 1,200 metre runway, which can be increased in the future, and a consent process for extending that runway, is vital for the airport," says Mr Goulter.

"The new runway, which will initially accommodate small non-jet aircraft, combined with the current rebuilding of the existing runway, will enhance the existing runway's life and capacity for another 30 to 40 years."

Mr Goulter says that without a second runway small non-jet aircraft using the existing runway would in the near future compromise the airport's position as an internationally competitive and efficient operation.

The airport company is planning to offer acoustic treatment packages to existing homes and schools identified in high and moderate aircraft noise areas, which are predominantly under the flight path to the existing runway.

Sir Barry describes the outcome as excellent for all the parties.

"The long-term future of the Auckland International Airport is assured. We've saved an enormous amount of money that would have otherwise been spent on proceedings before the Environment Court, but more importantly the effect on local community has been minimised."

"It's always been my philosophy that rather than going through legal processes at considerable cost and time delay you're better off sitting around the table with stakeholders, talking through the issues and trying to get a resolution," the mayor says.

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