Waikato takes flight

There’s much to celebrate about the return of international flights in and out of Hamilton Airport via Jetstar’s decision to offer return flights between the city and Sydney and Gold Coast.

Of course, it is good news for Hamilton, but we haven’t heard much about the benefits to our district when international flights resume in June next year.

An obvious one for those in the southern half of the Waikato district., at least, is that there is now the opportunity to head over the ditch to Aussie for the first time in 13 years out of Hamilton instead of heading up to the big smoke over the Bombays.

Employment for our people will be generated as 360 jobs are expected to be created, and business travel over to Australia will be made easier for those that find it to be a better option than traveling out of Auckland.

But perhaps the best news is that it further opens up our district’s tourism opportunities to international visitors in a big way. And that’s not just to Australians!

Here’s an example. Giles from the UK is travelling the world, he’s done is time in Aus and is keen for the next leg of his world tour to be in New Zealand.

He loves a good surf, and he’s heard that Raglan has one of the best left-hand breaks in the world.

He goes on to Google and finds there are cheap flights direct to Hamilton – just 45 minutes east of Raglan. Decision made. He won’t bother with Auckland Airport - Hamilton Airport it is.

And the fact that it is so close may just mean he will plan to extend his stay in Raglan by a couple of days.

He may decide to explore the wider district with that extra time – like perhaps explore Nikau Caves in Waikaretu or check out the Haks in Ngaaruawaahia.

Result is – more tourism dollars spent in our patch.

Either way, international flights to Hamilton exposes all parts of our district to even more eyes from around the world.

From another point of view, Council has a 15.65% ownership stake in Waikato Regional Airport Ltd (WRAL - operators the airport and associated property).

Our shareholding in WRAL is considered a strategic asset. The airport is a significant infrastructural asset for the region and important to economic growth and development.

While the return of international flights may confirm that it’s a wise investment, our view is that over time, irrespective of having an international carrier, we anticipate the value of our investment to continue to increase.

Ngaa mihi kind regards,

Mayor Jacqui