Air Chathams has flown profitably from the mainland to the Chatham Islands since 1984 — the KCDC courted them to fly from Paraparaumu to Auckland. “No problem,” said Air Chathams, “provided you subsidise us.” “Sure,” said councilors, “how much do you want?”
“It’s a sad day for local government in Kapiti” says Guy Burns in response to news Kapiti Coast District Council will give $150,000 to help Air Chathams start flying from Paraparaumu to Auckland.
“Councillors have shown poor judgement handing over ratepayers’ money to a private, profit making business. Air Chathams needs to stand on its own feet if it thinks it’s feasible to fly out of Paraparaumu.
“Rate rises are high, debt levels have sky rocketed. There’s no place for local government subsidising private enterprise. In fact KCDC have lost millions over the years in failed attempts to promote economic development.
“KCDC should stick to the basics of providing core services for ratepayers, not using public funds for subsidising Air Chathams.”
I have to wonder why the airport is deemed so important when some 0.000045% of the population actually use it?
Very strange that a council purporting to want to help the less well off should force these very people to subsidise the travel of a few, whose ticket will often be paid by a company or the government.
A referendum on the matter would be appreciated or better still new elections.
We think it’s probable most trips were being made by businessmen and council staffers, not tourists.
Your Kapiti council has a generous spirit, just like the Horowhenua council. Ours gifted $1.86 million to Willis & Bond property developers, a private company also. Really nice of them. I am sure the ratepayers will enjoy eating their cake.
Reblogged this on Rangitikei Enviromental Health Watch and commented:
The Kapiti council has a generous spirit, just like the Horowhenua council. Ours gifted $1.86 million to Willis & Bond property developers, a private company also. Really nice of them. I am sure the ratepayers of both Kapiti & Horowhenua in fact throughout NZ these days are enjoying eating their cake.
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