Podcasts about christchurch airport

How would you feel if the Government came out and said solar energy is the future and it was going to throw everything at it? Because that's something I think it needs to seriously consider doing. For me, there would only be one fly in the ointment – I'll get to that. But it's not enough for me to say that the Government shouldn't be ploughing money into solar energy. Lodestone Energy is in the news today talking about its latest solar farm, which will cover 42-hectares in the Clandeboye area in South Canterbury. There's also the big solar farm being built near Christchurch Airport, among others in the South Island. Which is brilliant. But I think our reliance on private operators to get these things up and running is very risky. Which is why I think the Government should be getting some skin in the game, as well. Now before you start thinking, “what about SolarZero?”, that's different to what I'm talking about. That wasn't about solar farms, that was a joint venture between the Government and a private outfit which supplied solar panel kits to homeowners. But it does show the risk of relying on private outfits because SolarZero went into liquidation and that was it. I'm not saying that Lodestone Energy, which is behind the solar farm at Clandeboye, is a risky bet. I only want the best for them. But as anyone in business will tell you, nothing is guaranteed. That's why we don't have a solely private health system. Why we don't have a solely private education system. If anything, state ownership is —at the very least— a backstop. And that's why I think the state needs to get more involved in solar power generation. The potential fly in the ointment is use of land that might otherwise be used for things like growing food, but I can live with that. The Government might point to the Christchurch Airport solar farm and say that the Crown has a 25% share in the airport, so it's already investing in solar generation, but that would be dancing on the head of a pin. I'm talking here about the Government allocating money to the construction and operation of state-owned solar farms. But how would you feel about that? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PACE, Fexco's leading aviation sustainability data and analytics platform, has expanded its product offering with PACE Airports and is announcing Christchurch Airport as its first customer. PACE has established itself as the market leader for aviation financiers and is trusted by the world's largest banks, like JP Morgan, and the second largest aircraft lessor in the world, SMBC AC, to inform them on their financed aviation emissions. Christchurch Airport is a global leader in sustainable airport management and a pioneer in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. It is the first airport in the world to reach level 4 in 2020 and to achieve level 5 accreditation in 2023. It is among only 18 other airports worldwide to achieve this rating. The airport chose PACE Airports so they can track, analyse and action live data rather than on an annual basis. Leveraging multiple new data points allows the sustainability team to have more accurate data-led conversations with airline operators and external stakeholders. Airports globally are challenged to understand and track their aviation-related emissions. One of the leading causes of this is a considerable lack of consistency within the industry in defining a standardised methodology that can be independently verified. Calculating carbon emissions is usually done on an annual basis at the end of the year, so the lack of real-time data inhibits airports from making actionable decisions to lower their carbon footprint. PACE Airports offers real-time aviation emissions calculations at the click of a button, allowing sustainability teams to focus on the actions rather than the calculations. In addition, banks can use PACE Airports to evaluate emissions in airport financing deals. Both banks and airports can rely on a single source of truth for emissions metrics to measure performance in sustainability-linked finance deals. PACE Airports tracks all commercial flight activity globally and calculates specific emissions based on over 10 billion data points, right down to the engine on the wing. It is highly configurable to allow airports to track specific runway taxi times and distances, enabling them to drill down into the minute details for highly accurate output data. Claire Waghorn, Sustainability Transition Leader at Christchurch Airport, said: "Christchurch Airport has always leaned into sustainability and innovation. We first started tracking our emissions in 2006, and we have continually challenged what more we can do in decarbonisation through innovation and adaptability. Our strategy has always been data-driven, and PACE unlocks a new level of insight and intelligence that is really exciting for us as we continue our sustainability journey. "At Christchurch Airport, our key focus on this sustainability journey has always been optimising our entire operations to reduce emissions; the insights from the PACE Airports platform now give us data to consider our aviation-related emissions across the entire airport operations." Bertie Murphy, CSO of Fexco Group, added: "Our vision at PACE is to be the independent aviation emissions source across the aviation value chain, trusted and relied upon by all stakeholders. Expanding into Airports is a natural next step in the evolution of our product. We are thrilled to welcome Christchurch Airport, a global leader in sustainability, as a customer. We are enthused to see the impact the data and insights from PACE are having at Christchurch Airport, supporting the team in delivering on their emissions reduction targets." PACE delivers up-to-date emissions data, covering over 99% of commercial flights, recording over 370,000 individual routes and over 10 billion flight data points, which are updated every 24 hours. PACE is trusted by the largest aviation financiers in the world, such as JP Morgan Chase, and SMBC AC, the second largest aircraft lessor in the world. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's...

Fabrum develops zero-emission technologies and has just put in a hydrogen-testing facility at Christchurch Airport..

One of the alluring, unmistakable truths about Hanmer Springs is that the gorgeous alpine haven has stayed true to its roots. It's been a sanctuary for the weary and the leisure-seeking for centuries. With a long and storied legacy as a hot-spot for healing mind, body and soul, Hanmer Springs proudly remains a premium alpine spa destination, whether you're a loved-up couple looking for a weekend escape, treating the whole family to some elemental treats, or you're after some personal pampering. And it's just an easy90 minute drive from Christchurch Airport, through the bucolic North Canterbury hinterland. Nature is the unbeatable balm to sooth the soul and spark your spirits in this secluded high-country basin. My first stop was at the resort village's crowning glory, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. With a lustrous back-story, the hot springs were developed as a publicly-owned bathhouse in 1884, fortuitously chiming with that insatiable Victorian passion for geothermal water and its therapeutic qualities. Prior to that, pounamu-gathering Māori had used the area as a resting place for centuries, while returning soldiers were sent to Hanmer to recuperate, after both world wars. (It's great to see the historic old Soldiers' Block, next to the pools, is currently being restored and set to reopen on Anzac Day.) Hanmer Springs is my runaway favourite place to get into hot water. But before surrendering to the sweet sensation of this watery wonderland, my body was in need of some professional panel-beating, so I headed to The Spa Hanmer Springs. It's one of New Zealand's busiest day spas, so book in advance and take your pick from the slew of exquisite treatments, from facials and feet retreats to the full body affair. I was booked in for a Spa Signature Massage, which is a full body relaxation massage. But as I chatted to my charming therapist Sophie about my various aches and pains, she switched up the treatment into a deep tissue recovery massage. Spending copious hours on the keyboard and long-distance driving, plus several days of line-trimming my jungle-like garden into a presentable state had all taken its toll. Over the course of an hour, Sophie's skilful techniques dealt to all the knots in my lower back, and released the stress and strain from my muscles. It was a liberating, corrective massage and I floated out of the spa like a happy little cloud. Luring over half a million visitors annually, the adjoining thermal pools complex is a sizzling attraction, where you can hop-scotch between the 22-strong network of rockpools, aqua therapy pools and sulphur pools. The latter are completely natural, containing unfiltered mineral water, with a soft and silky feel and piping hot at 42-45C. You can also laze in the highly-sociable hexagonal pools, loll about in the freshwater lap pool and lazy river, or enjoy some high-action spills on the waterslides, headlined by the nation's biggest slide Conical Thrill, and the recently installed hydro slides, Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder. I lolloped around the pools on multiple occasions during my stay. They're just so good. https://hanmersprings.co.nz/ After enjoying some body therapy, I dabbled in some retail therapy from the eye-catching assortment of independent boutiques, homeware and gift stores clustered around the tree-lined main street. There's a host of temptations, but I'm a big fan of Homestead and the Ada Design Store, for beautiful gifts and artistic home décor. Sweet tooths? The kids go crazy at the Lolly Pot, while a perennial go-to for nearly 25 years is Fudgelato, for fresh and creamy fudge and gelato. (Great name!) Two-wheeled pursuits are a big draw in Hanmer and after far too much indulgence, I had excess calories to burn. Pop into Hanmer Adventure's main street store who will get you pedalling in paradise, with a full range of rental bikes to choose from, from e-bikes to basic hardtail. They'll get you geared up too, with helmets and gloves. There's nearly 20 mountain bike tracks around Hanmer Springs, spanning all levels of expertise and endurance. If you're up for a gentle introduction, Hanmer Forest Park's Camp Walk Loop is a cracker, under a vast canopy of mature trees, while Alligator Alley and Snakes & Ladders are excellent trails too for easy-riding. www.hanmeradventure.co.nz A family-favourite on foot in the Hanmer Heritage Forest, off Jollies Pass Road, is the Forest Amble Walk and the animal sculpture trail. These whimsical wooden sculptures were created by Christchurch sculptor, Andrew Lyons, crafted out of a felled Redwood. The sculptures include a friendly giant, a hawk, a dog, possum and orangutan. The 30-minute return walk follows a flat and easy track and it's very embracing - suitable for toddlers, buggies and the elderly. Where to dine? Fuel up for your day's adventures with a cranking breakfast at the Powerhouse Café. Located in a historic hydro power station which celebrates its centenary next year, you'll find an enticing menu of hearty fare, sensational coffee, boutique beers and splendid Waipara wines. I had a great chat to the café owner, Mary Holloway, who has been in charge of the Powerhouse for over 20 years and a mainstay of the village community. For breakfast, don't go past the chilli scrambled eggs. They're served on toasted sourdough with stir-fried greens and roast chilli. Delish! Spoil yourself with dinner at the hospitality winner, No. 31 Restaurant & Bar. Housed in a characterful main street cottage, No. 31 is lauded for its upmarket intimate dining. Joining many other discerning diners for dinner, I started with an entrée of beetroot arancini, plump with an almond & cheese filling. Despite the lavish selection of locally-sourced meat mains, I opted for the grilled calamari dish, marinated in parsley, lemon and olive oil and served on a bed of garden leaves. The desserts are deliriously good too, plumping for a warm sticky liquorice pudding with salted caramel sauce, candied walnuts and vanilla bean ice cream. As you'd expect from such a decorated establishment, the cocktail menu is just as creative. Order up a Mushroom Sour, a modern take on a whisky sour, infused with mushroom powder. It marries the earthy richness of fungi with the classic blend of whisky, lemon and a creamy egg white froth. It's a savory and citrusy hit. Where to stay? Amplify the sooth-factor by bedding down at Village Lake Luxury Apartments. Just a two minute walk from the thermal pools & spa off Jollies Pass Road, my expansive apartment was utterly idyllic. The balcony reached out to embrace the forest-draped vista of Conical Hill, Mt. Isobel and the sprawling Hanmer Range. But it's the wraparound sense of serenity at the end of day and in the morning calm that makes this property such a sweet oasis. Lavishly appointed with all the creature comforts, you'll have a designer kitchen to drool over, full laundry facilities, gas fire, underfloor heating, top-quality bedding and posh toiletries to ramp up the sense of indulgence..www.villagelake.co.nz If you're a forward-planner, here's something to lock into your diary. Hanmer Springs' Alpine Winter Festival will return mid-year, kicking off for a fortnight of seasonal frolics on June 28. Enjoy icy plunge pools, night light tree top climbing, dazzling light displays, kids' quizzes and glowing mini golf. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Spoil yourself in Hanmer Springs. Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After all his talk about asset sales, David Seymour has obviously been scratching his head like the rest of us, wondering what we've actually got left to sell. And he's got Christchurch Airport in his sights. The Government —or the Crown— owns a 25% stake in the airport (which is the second largest in the country) and the ACT Party leader is saying today that he doesn't think it should. And I agree. Remember, 75% is owned by the Christchurch City Council, and it's the other 25% that Seymour thinks should be sold because he doesn't think owning an airport is core business for the Government. I think it's a great idea, but not for exactly the same reason as David Seymour. He thinks an airport shouldn't be a government activity. I don't care too much about that side of it, because the Government —or the Crown— has its fingers in all sorts of pies, doesn't it? My support for this comes down to numbers. And whether you and I would be better off if the Government stayed involved in the airport company or not. So David Seymour is saying today: “ACT believes that owning an airport isn't part of the Government's core business and would support selling its share so the money can better be used elsewhere.” He says: “Whether that means better infrastructure, better healthcare, better education services or homes for the next generation.” And the reason I think this idea is a winner has nothing to do with me saying “yeah open the doors to anyone with money”. It's not me agreeing with Seymour that governments shouldn't be involved in things like airports. It's got nothing to do with those things. And if you're familiar with my views on assets, you might think it's a bit weird that I'm supporting Seymour on this one. Because, generally, I don't consider anything to be an asset unless it's making money - and the airport is making money. It's making money for the Crown and it's making money for its majority owner, the city council. But if you dig a little deeper into the numbers - that's where the argument in favour of the crown selling its 25% share lies. In the 12 months until June last year, the airport company reported an underlying net profit after tax of $41.8 million. That was from revenue in the 12-month period of $233.1 million - a 15% increase on the year before. And, once they'd done things like taking into account changes to depreciation rules, the actual result for the year was $22.7 million. Here are some more numbers: All up, the airport company is worth more than $2.3 billion. So, if we do some really raw mathematics, let's say the crown's 25% share is worth $575 million. And if we take the crown's 25% share of last year's actual profit, that comes to about $5.7 million. So, what would you prefer? $5.7 million in a year or $575 million in a one-off transaction? The Crown could sign a deal and get $575 million. Or, based on last year's profit level, it could wait 100 years to get the same sort of return. Based on those numbers, I think it's a no-brainer. And I don't expect to be the only one thinking this is a good idea. Just a few days ago, Mark Lister from Craigs Investment Partners said Christchurch City Council missed a trick when it decided against asset sales. He reckons Christchurch Airport is an attractive asset, which is all the more reason for the Crown to sell-off its 25% share. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Friday, John MacDonald was joined in studio by Hamish Campbell and Reuben Davidson. David Seymour thinks the Crown should sell its share in the Christchurch City Airport – is it wise to sell off a profit-making asset? Eastgate Mall has made headlines for its crime this week, as MP for Christchurch East, will Rueben be asking for more police? And should we be nervous about the Cook Islands making deals with China? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton's incoming second bridge is being viewed as an economic lifeline for the South Island. Work on the project will begin in 2026. The Government will pay for its construction while the district council will foot the bill for the joining road. Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson says the current bridge has been washed away multiple times. She told Heather du Plessis-Allan that significant volumes of freight pass through Ashburton daily. Watson says it goes up to the Christchurch Airport and Lyttelton Port, so a bridge closure makes things difficult for businesses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation is underway after a Jetstar twin-jet plane slid off the runway and came to rest partially on the grass at Christchurch Airport this morning. Timothy Brown reports.

A Jetstar plane has had a difficult landing this morning, sliding off the runway.

Police have confirmed they have been notified of an aircraft sliding off a runway in Christchurch on arrival. Freelance Journalist Diana Clement spoke to Corin Dann.

Things are really packing a sad at Christchurch City Holdings Limited - the commercial outfit that looks after the city's assets such as the airport, Orion electricity, and the port company.   There are others as well, but the big ones are a 75% stake in Christchurch Airport, 89% of the Orion electricity distribution company, and 100% ownership of the Lyttelton Port Company.  Four directors —including the chairperson— quit suddenly yesterday, saying the relationship between CCHL and the council has broken down because the politicians are sticking their noses into things they know nothing about.  And those resignations were effective immediately. So, the organisation that is responsible for $6 billion of public assets in Christchurch has no chairperson and only half the number of people that normally sit around the board table.  There are four left. Two independent directors and two city councillors who represent the council.   So, a real hissy fit, if you want to call it that. But I'm not surprised, and I don't blame these people for quitting, especially when you consider why CCHL exists.  It was set-up in 1993, so more than 30 years ago. And the reason it came about in the first place was to create what CCHL itself describes as “an independent non-political buffer between the Council and the companies it owns”.  As it says on its website, it ensures that a commercial approach is taken to managing the Council's companies.  So, what that essentially means is Christchurch City Holdings exists to make sure that there is no political interference in the running of the council's commercial operations, and that the companies are left to do whatever they think needs to be done to make a profit and return a dividend to the council.  But those good intentions appear to have become just weasel words, especially when you consider what Abby Foote —who, as of yesterday, is the former chair of the board— says in her resignation letter. Which I'll get to.   But just so you know what's behind the four board resignations, you might remember how late last year CCHL wanted to take a long-term view and look into ways it could reduce some of the debt it's carrying. Which some interpreted as code for selling-off some of the assets to pay down some debt.   I see Abbie Foote, in her letter to the mayor, pushes back a bit on that. But I think that's definitely what we should be doing, whether they were thinking that or not. We need to sell some of these assets because it's crazy how much debt CCHL is carrying. It's a truckload of debt. $2.3 billion.  So CCHL wanted to clear some of that debt. But a majority of city councillors felt differently and decided just before Christmas that, instead of paying off debt —instead of even thinking about selling any of these assets— it told CCHL to forget about that and just deliver higher dividends. Essentially, to make more money.     And that is what led to what happened yesterday. With Abby Foote —speaking on behalf of herself and the other three directors who have quit— saying there has been a breakdown in the relationship between CCHL's board —and its management— and the council.   And here's one of several stingers in the letter she wrote yesterday to the mayor. She says recent decisions by city councillors in terms of the direction CCHL should be heading have “caused us to lose confidence in Council's ability to responsibly own core strategic infrastructure”.  Now I would like to think that this is something that can be fixed, but I don't think it can. Not with this current council, anyway. The council, by the way, that voted yesterday in favour of looking further into spending ratepayer money buying or leasing the earthquake-damaged Dux de Lux pub, for goodness sake.  And the question I've got in my head is this.   Knowing how politicians can't keep their noses out of anything, even when most of them don't have a business bone in their body, and even when there are structures in place like we have here with an independent outfit to prevent political interference in commercial decision-making, should local councils really be involved in running commercial entities? In particular, should the Christchurch council continue to be involved in running commercial entities?  And my answer to that is, no they shouldn't.  And what I think we should be doing here is accepting what the now former head honcho at Christchurch City Holdings is saying, that the council is incapable of responsibly owning these kinds of assets, that it's a hopeless business operator - and we should be getting rid of them. Because they are proving to be more trouble than they are worth.  What I think we should be doing is following the lead of Auckland, which is looking at selling its shares in Auckland Airport to create an investment fund.   That makes much more sense than what we have at the moment, which is an outfit that exists to prevent political interference in commercial decision-making about billions of dollars of council commercial assets, being stymied by the thing it's supposed to prevent - political interference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A community group is suspicious about Christchurch Airport's announcement it's pausing work on a proposed international airport in Central Otago. In 2020, the company bought 750 hectares of farmland in Tarras in hopes of building a runway to support flights from Australia, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia. Now, a letter has been sent to Christchurch city councillors saying the airport's board has decided to slow work on the plan. Local community group, Sustainable Tarras, thinks Christchurch Airport is not telling the full story. Their spokesperson Duncan Kenderdine spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Christchurch Airport has pulled back and put their controversial Tarras airport project on hold. Chief executive Justin Watson announced that all future work on the airport would be delayed, saying more time is needed to examine the overall impact and consult with local and national stakeholders. Christchurch city councillor Yani Johansen suspects short-term financial constrains caused the delay. "We've got massive amounts of things we need to focus on, there are much greater priorities than a new international airport in central Otago." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport's Tarras project is slowing down.  The airport had been developing a Central Otago airport on 800 hectares of land in the small town of Tarras.  It's been put on hold due to the need of co-investment from both public and private sources.  Queenstown Airport chief executive Glen Sowry told Mike Hosking that the Tarras project hasn't met community demands and expectations as Queenstown Airport has.  He says they've been working hard on making sure their future plans are what the regional businesses and community wants.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the news today that Christchurch Airport will pause plans for the Tarras Airport until it can get more public and private money, John MacDonald spoke to Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry about his reaction. Is this just patch protection? Or has the right decision been made?   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport is stopping any further work on the Tarras Airport project, the pipedream it's had to build an airport 400 kilometres away in central Otago. 400 kilometres from the city it serves. And 400 kilometres from its majority owner - the Christchurch City Council. The council owns 75 percent. The Government owns 25 percent. And it seems the project will only go further, if the airport company can get more people behind it and get more public and private money to pay for it. Which is never going to happen. But that's what it has told its parent company Christchurch City Holdings Limited which, in turn, told councillors about it last night. But I think it should go the whole hog now, and pull the plug on it completely. A few years back the airport company bought 750 hectares of land in the Tarras area but it wasn't until media got a whiff of it that it announced - or was forced to announce - its plan to set-up another airport to service Queenstown and Wanaka. The idea being that the Christchurch Airport company would get a slice of the action from that market. It also said it was doing it because it claimed that Queenstown and Wanaka airports are at capacity and so a third airport is needed in the area. Not that the other airports agreed. Queenstown Airport chief executive Glen Sowry says Christchurch Airport has been spending tens of millions of dollars pushing a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. What he's getting at there, is the claim that Christchurch Airport has made all along, that Queenstown is running out of space, with no room to expand. That's an argument for the airports to have. Because, let's be real, these are two businesses wanting greater market share. But for me, it comes down to a couple of things. For starters - here we are in Christchurch, with a council that says we're in a climate emergency, but it has seemed quite happy for its airport company to spend a truckload of money on a new airport 400 kilometres away. And the other reason why I've never been a supporter is that it's an airport that the people living there don't want. An airport that the local tourism sector down there doesn't want because the area just can't sustain massive increases in visitor numbers. And an airport that doesn't even seem to be needed. So why would you? From the images I've seen, it would look like a giant Westfield Mall dumped on a lifestyle block. It would be large-scale, capable of handling widebody long-haul jets from Asia and beyond, night and day. But, hallelujah, Christchurch Airport seems to be waking up to the fact that, while it might have the land, while it might have the big ideas, while it might have the bombastic confidence, there is one thing it doesn't have. And without it - this thing goes nowhere. When you've brassed-off the people living in Tarras and the tourism operators doing business down there - not to mention the other airports you're apparently coming to the rescue of - you don't have social licence. In its simplest form, social licence is public acceptance of a commercial activity. And, from what I can see, there is next-to-no public acceptance of what Christchurch Airport is proposing for Tarras. And that is why this thing is coming to a halt. And that is why I think Christchurch Airport just needs to lick its wounds and, instead of all this nonsense it's talking about taking time to build stakeholder alignment and find more money from the public and private sectors, it should be pulling the plug completely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport is celebrating the return of another international airline, with direct flights from Hong Kong resuming tomorrow. The Cathay Pacific route is the last to reopen after closing during Covid pandemic ... along with services linking Christchurch with Singapore, Dubai and Guangzhou (gwong-jjoe). Last week the airport welcomed a new route for this summer when the first-ever United Airlines flight from San Francisco touched down. Chief executive Justin Watson is on the line

Christchurch Airport's nose is going to be out of joint today. Because the boss at Queenstown Airport, Glen Sowry, has come out firing over Christchurch's plan to build a new airport at Tarras, in Central Otago. He's saying there is no need at all for another airport in the South Island and he's put out a statement saying “it's time to set the record straight”. Which is a statement of intent if ever I saw one. Because he goes on to say that Christchurch Airport is spending tens of millions of dollars pushing a solution to a problem that just does not exist, and he accuses Christchurch of making what he says are “many false and unsubstantiated claims about Queenstown Airport”. Now what he's getting at there, is the claim that Christchurch Airport has made all along that Queenstown Airport is running out of space and so Christchurch is coming to the rescue with this plan to build a new airport at Tarras. Which is an idea that I think is absolutely nutbar. Here we are in Christchurch, with a council that says we're in a climate emergency, but it seems quite happy for its airport company - which it has a 75 percent stake in - to spend gazillions building a new airport 400 kilometres away. An airport that the people living there don't want. An airport that the local tourism sector there doesn't want because the area just can't sustain massive increases in visitor numbers. And now - today - an airport that we're being told just isn't needed. Now I'm fully aware that what we're seeing today from Queenstown Airport is just as much about commerce as anything else. Because Queenstown Airport is a business, just like Christchurch Airport is a business. And, of course, Queenstown Airport doesn't want Christchurch Airport moving-in on its patch. Nevertheless, I'm with Glen Sowry. Christchurch Airport needs to butt out. Because you might have seen the stuff in the news recently showing what this airport in Tarras would actually look like. I'd describe it as Westfield Mall dumped on a lifestyle block. It would be appalling. And Glen Sowry makes it sound even worse in his statement today, when he says what Christchurch wants to do in Tarras is build a large-scale airport capable of handling widebody long-haul jets from Asia and beyond, operating night and day. And that it would be the local community dealing with, not only the visual and noise pollution, but also the environmental costs and additional strain on infrastructure. Christchurch Airport, of course, is hitting back. It's just put out a statement saying “Mr Sowry's claims there's no issue with airport capacity in Central Otago just don't add up“. This is Christchurch Airport's Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer Michael Singleton saying this. He says Queenstown Airport's own numbers show a significant lack of capacity beyond 2032 which, he says, will only get worse. He says if demand isn't met, it won't go away. Instead passengers will fly to other airports and then drive to Central Otago. Christchurch Airport is saying that its modelling shows that people could be driving an extra 500,000 kilometres on South Island highways every day by 2050 if nothing's done. But what Christchurch Airport doesn't get, is that it's this type of bombastic nonsense that is really brassing people off in central Otago. It's brassing-off the people living in Tarras. It's brassing-off the tourism operators down there. And, naturally, it's brassing-off its airport competitors - particularly Queenstown Airport. Which, when you add all those things up, tells you - and should tell Christchurch Airport - that it has absolutely no social licence to bowl into central Otago and plant an airport there. Because what social licence is, is public acceptance of a commercial activity. And, from what I can see, there is next-to-no public acceptance of what Christchurch Airport is proposing for Tarras. And this “we-know-best” attitude that's been coming through - and comes through loud and clear in its response to what the Queenstown Airport boss is saying today - makes it very clear that getting public acceptance of this Tarras Airport pipedream is going to be a very steep uphill battle for Christchurch Airport. An airport company, 75 percent owned by Christchurch ratepayers. 75 percent owned by the Christchurch City Council which is already talking about 18 percent rates increases next year. 75 percent owned by the council that's talking about selling assets to get the books in order. But, at the same time, a council that seems quite happy for its airport company to spend truckloads of money on an airport 400-kilometres away that we know isn't wanted and, apparently, isn't needed either.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown Airport has come out against a potential airport in Tarras, claiming the proposal is pitching a solution in search of a problem. Christchurch Airport has bought almost eight hundred hectares of land in recent years in preparation for a new terminal which would see four million passengers fly in and out of the small settlement near Cromwell each year. But Queenstown Airport says another airport would be excessive, with the nearest airport less than a hundred kilometres away. Queenstown Airport chief executive Glen Sowry spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Despite the sky-high airfares, air traffic numbers are almost back to pre-pandemic levels.  Global traffic is now at almost 96% of pre-Covid levels, with August seeing an annual increase of around 28%.  August domestic air travel is also up by around 25% on last year, and almost 10% more than 2019.  Board of Airline Representatives executive director Cath O'Brien told Mike Hosking that there's still some regional variation.  She says while Auckland Airport is at 92% of frequencies back, Christchurch Airport is only around 79% recovered.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport says it's premature to try and stop a new airport that's only just having the groundwork laid; but Tarras locals know what they don't want. 

On today's show, the boys discuss the controversial World Cup red cards, and they find the four pillars of Airports...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Otago residents fighting to stop the planned Tarras Airport are doing all they can to make their voices heard.   A new survey has slammed Christchurch Airport's plans with more than 80% of the region's surveyed residents and businesses in opposition.   The study has found opposition has risen by nearly 10% compared to two years earlier.   Wanaka Stakeholders Group Chair Meg Taylor told Kate Hawkesby that it will have a major impact on their region.   She says almost 96% of respondents say Wanaka and the Upper Clutha should or must be involved in the decision-making process.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six international companies - including Air New Zealand, Christchurch Airport and Airbus - have banded together to study opportunities for using green hydrogen to fuel aviation. In a report released this morning, the group says New Zealand is an ideal place to develop the low-emission fuel alternative, thanks to our short domestic flight times and high percentage of renewable electricity generation. Chris Boyle is a co-founder of Christchurch-based engineering company Fabrum - which is already working on hydrogen aviation projects overseas. He said that if any place can make this work, it will be New Zealand. Boyle spoke to Corin Dann.

There could be a decision on whether or not a proposed airport in Central Otago goes ahead within the next year. Christchurch Airport today unveiled details, including its preferred runway alignment, for the controversial international airport in Tarras. Our Otago-Southland reporter, Timothy Brown, is in Tarras and filed this story.

A group opposed to a proposed airport at Tarras says it's gearing up to fight the plan all the way to the courts. Christchurch Airport has unveiled more detail for its controversial proposal to build an airport in the small Central Otago settlement. The preferred runway alignment will have flights departing over Cromwell or through the Lindis Valley and be able to take flights to and from Australia, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Sustainable Tarras spokesperson Duncan Kenderdine spoke to Corin Dann.

A group opposed to an airport planned for Tarras says it's gearing up to fight the project all the way to the courts. Christchurch Airport yesterday unveiled more details of its controversial proposal to build an airport in the small Central Otago settlement. Otago-Southland reporter Timothy Brown ash the story.

The controversial Central Otago airport near Tarras could host over 3.5 million passengers a year.  This is according to documents released by Christchurch airport - who will be building it.  The report also confirms the airport will impact the village of Tarras, but the site is the best spot between Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra.   Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer at Christchurch Airport, Michael Singleton, joined the Mike Hosking Breakfast. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The controversial Central Otago airport near Tarras could host over 3.5 million passengers a year.  This is according to documents released by Christchurch airport - who will be building it.  The report also confirms the airport will impact the village of Tarras, but the site is the best spot between Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra.   Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer at Christchurch Airport, Michael Singleton, joined the Mike Hosking Breakfast. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The paddocks on James Thompson's city limits sheep farm are starting to look like the arrivals lounge at Christchurch Airport during the school holidays.

A man accused of kidnapping a Christchurch real estate agent had reportedly booked a one-way flight overseas. 44-year-old Harcourts employee Yanfei Bao was last seen in Wigram, on Wednesday. Her cellphone was found on the Southern Motorway on Friday. A 52-year-old Bryndwr man appeared in court today, understood to have been arrested at Christchurch Airport. The Herald's Sam Sherwood says Bao's husband is calling her disappearance a nightmare. "He says it's been a very dark space, but he remains hopeful for a positive outcome for his wife." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council could cash out $2 billion worth of shares in the airport - and it's not the only council considering asset sales to balance the budget.

In this episode I am joined by Claire Waghorn the Sustainable Transition Leader at Christchurch Airport. Claire talks to me about her career to date and how she came to be working at Christchurch Airport to help accelerate the transition towards zero emissions. Claire drills down into what tools and frameworks are available to all businesses who want to embark on their transition to more sustainable business practices. If you care about the planet and what you can do to help protect our home for future generations then I encourage you to have a listen to this podcast and the fascinating information that Claire shares with me. Is there a topic you want covered or a person you want to hear from? You can contact us through the Godfreys Law website, or you can message the Godfreys Law Facebook page. We'd like to hear from you, and any ideas you have about making the podcast better. The Real Solutions Business Podcast is presented by Godfreys Law - A Christchurch based law firm, serving Canterbury for over 140 years.

It could be good news if you're planning a Christmas trip to the US - direct flights from Christchurch to America. From the start of December, a United Airlines Dreamliner will depart the South Island three times a week. And the return trips, bringing Americans here, is predicted to put millions into the economy. Christchurch Airport, the General Manager of Trade Development, Scott Callaway, talks to Lisa Owen.  

There's soon to be a new non-stop flight service between Christchurch and San Francisco. United Airlines says it'll start the direct flights in December for four months, flying three times a week. There hasn't been a direct connection between the South Island and the US since 2006. Scott Callaway, Christchurch Airport General Manager of Tourism and Trade says it'll open a whole new door for tourism in the South. "This one's gonna be coming in with lots of Americans, their pockets full of cash- and it'll be equally exciting for New Zealanders to be getting a direct service." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dogfight over Tarras Airport: Opposition to plans for a new airport in the South island is intense and building.

It just doesn't make sense in any way, shape or form for Christchurch City Council's airport company to keep up this pipedream of building another airport in Central Otago. Tarras is the location. And you'll remember how a few years back the airport company bought a fair bit of land down there - 750 hectares. But it wasn't until media got a whiff of it that it announced - or was forced to announce - its plan to set-up another airport to service Queenstown and Wanaka. It wants a slice of the action from that market, which I can kind of understand. And if Queenstown and Wanaka airports can't be extended, then I can see why some people would think building another one nearby is the answer. And, to be honest, until now I've never really felt strongly either way. Until now. Unlike those who are concerned about the whole environmental thing and think it's nuts to be building more airports and aren't happy about how this thing could impact the natural environment at Tarras. Aviation, of course, is in the gun big time when it comes to climate change. And some in the aviation sector are responding. For example, Schipol Airport in Amsterdam - which is one of the world's busiest airports - announced last week that it was going to ban private jets from using the airport, reduce hours and scrap a plan to build a new runway. Christchurch Airport, though, wants to build a whole new airport - about 400 kilometres from the city it serves. And 400 kilometres from the city that its owners - the Christchurch City Council - want more people to come to. The environmental people who aren't happy with Christchurch Airport's plan to expand into central Otago are really ramping things up at the moment, too. Turning up at Christchurch City Council meetings with their “No New Airports” banners. They're doing the same down south with the Otago Regional Council and Central Otago council. But the reason I've had this realisation that this new airport is a nutbar idea, comes from ChristchurchNZ's intention to market Christchurch to the world as the City of Play. And how there's going to be this big effort to shift peoples' thinking of Christchurch as a gateway to the rest of the South Island. And, instead, promote it as a destination in itself. So why on earth would you want to build another airport - 400 kilometres away from Christchurch - if you want this place to be the destination, not just part of the journey? Well, you wouldn't. Unless you're Christchurch Airport, which wants to make it easier for more people to skip across the Tasman and completely avoid Christchurch, at the same time as the local tourism agency is trying to get people to stop using Christchurch as a stepping stone and to treat it more as a destination. And what makes this situation particularly oddball, is the fact that both these organisations - the tourism agency and the airport - both of them are owned by the Christchurch City Council. But it looks like they're singing from completely different song sheets. The airport, by the way, is 75 percent owned by the city council. The Government has a 25 percent stake in it. So, for all intents and purposes, the council owns and runs it. Just like it owns ChristchurchNZ. ChristchurchNZ has its own Board and is a bit of an arms-length operation. But there's no escaping the fact that we have two city council outfits completely at odds with each other. ChristchurchNZ wants to get more people coming here and not treating the city as just a gateway. The airport company wants to make it easier for people to fly directly to Queenstown and Wanaka, and avoid Christchurch altogether. Is this as weird to you, as it is to me? I don't think it's weird. I think it's nutbar. And I think the airport company should just forget about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleven New Zealand academics have written an open letter to politicians and business leaders, railing against the proposed construction of an airport in Central Otago, saying it runs against prevailing research. Christchurch Airport has bought 750-hectare site near the village of Tarras and is expected to decide this year whether to go ahead with what it says would be a sustainable airport which would provide social and economic benefits. Otago University professor of sustainable tourism James Highham initiated the letter. He spoke to Guyon Espiner.  

Controversial plans to build a new airport in Central Otago is coming under further scrutiny. Eleven academics have penned an open latter against Christchurch Airport's plans to build an international airport on 750 hectares in Tarras. They've joined the growing opposition from local residents. Otago University tourism expert James Higham who brought the academics together told Tim Dower the airport would also completely change the face of Central Otago. He says it also contradicts all sorts of other regional, national and global imperatives to decarbonise. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial plans to build a new airport in Central Otago is coming under further scrutiny. Eleven academics have penned an open latter against Christchurch Airport's plans to build an international airport on 750 hectares in Tarras. They've joined the growing opposition from local residents. Otago University tourism expert James Higham who brought the academics together told Tim Dower the airport would also completely change the face of Central Otago. He says it also contradicts all sorts of other regional, national and global imperatives to decarbonise. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airports are buzzing with holidaymakers in the lead-up to Christmas, and Christchurch Airport is no exception. A million passengers are expected to pass through its terminals this month, with domestic and international travel firmly bouncing back from the last two years. Chief aeronautical and commercial officer, and incoming chief executive, Justin Watson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Christchurch Airport has been accused of 'lacking transparency' around the proposed major development. Marilyn Duxson of Sustainable Tarras says management is not forthcoming with information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The school holidays haven't begun well for air travellers.12 Auckland and Christchurch flights have been cancelled today because of staff shortages, technical difficulties and weather.E tū Union Head of Aviation Savage says aviation employers are dealing with staffing issues all over the place.He told Andrew Dickens they won't be solved overnight.“And then when they're getting staff in, it takes time to train people and get them the security clearance they need to work in an aviation environment.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wild weather, employee sickness and engineering issues are continuing to disrupt flights across the country, while airlines and airports face high demand as the school holidays kick off. Air New Zealand has brought back its flexibility policy to ease some of the pressure, with more than two and a half thousand people swapping their tickets for credit already. Christchurch Airport chief aeronautical and commercial officer Justin Watson, and Wellington Airport head of operations Matt Palliser spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Qantas passengers who flew from Sydney to Wellington last night were diverted to Christchurch at the last minute.This was due to Wellington Airport's curfew, where international flights can't land between 1am and 6am.The passengers were left to spend the night in the Christchurch Airport terminal and were given a $15 food voucher.Mike, one of the passengers, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As of next Tuesday, people travelling to New Zealand will no longer need a negative pre-departure test.A Government source has confirmed the requirement will be dropped as of 11.59pm on Monday. An announcement by new Covid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall is scheduled for later today.The current rule means people coming to New Zealand by air must get a negative PCR, RAT or Lamp test 72 hours before departing on the flight to New Zealand.Pre-departure testing is one of the last border restrictions still in place. It is not the last however: even when pre-departure testing is gone, non-citizens and non-residents will still require proof of vaccination to travel here.New Zealand is one of a diminishing number of countries to have pre-departure tests and tourism operators had voiced concerns that testing was putting travellers off.The Government is also concerned it will become more difficult to get pre-departure tests as more and more countries drop them as requirements for travel. The United States dropped its pre-departure testing requirement on Sunday.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had said the tests would be gone by July 31 at the latest, but the Government's increased confidence in the Covid outlook has meant this date could be brought forward."While we are still working through this transition, it's fair to say we are confident that pre-departure testing will be removed by the time we come to the final phase of our reopening in July," Ardern said earlier this year.The timing will also allow the border to be more fully open for the ski season and Australia's coming school holidays.The final phase of border reopening will occur on 11.59pm on July 31, when all vaccinated travellers and students will be able to enter New Zealand, provided they have a visa. Pre-departure tests into New Zealand will soon be gone, a welcome move for travellers. Photo / Michael CraigPeople who arrive in New Zealand are also given a pack of RATs to do after arrival. About 90 per cent of people are completing these tests and 2-3 per cent are reporting a positive result.The Government does not see this changing significantly after the requirements are dropped.National has been calling for pre-departure testing to go. Earlier this week, the party's Covid-19 response spokesman Chris Bishop said the tests should be dropped."The world is moving on, but New Zealand insists that anyone coming here must present a negative test before getting on a plane," Bishop said."Pre-departure tests made sense when we were pursuing elimination. But they make zero sense when we already have thousands of cases a day at home," he said.Covid cases continue to level off after a peak earlier in the year. Another peak is expected later in the year, but the Government does not expect this to be impacted by changes at the border.Hospitalisations with Covid-19 are also levelling off. The seven-day average of people in hospital with or due to the virus was 362 yesterday, down from over 900 during the peak earlier this year.The Government does not believe dropping pre-departure testing will lead to a surge of domestic infection.- Thomas Coughlan, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As of next Tuesday, people travelling to New Zealand will no longer need a negative pre-departure test.A Government source has confirmed the requirement will be dropped as of 11.59pm on Monday. An announcement by new Covid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall is scheduled for later today.The current rule means people coming to New Zealand by air must get a negative PCR, RAT or Lamp test 72 hours before departing on the flight to New Zealand.Pre-departure testing is one of the last border restrictions still in place. It is not the last however: even when pre-departure testing is gone, non-citizens and non-residents will still require proof of vaccination to travel here.New Zealand is one of a diminishing number of countries to have pre-departure tests and tourism operators had voiced concerns that testing was putting travellers off.The Government is also concerned it will become more difficult to get pre-departure tests as more and more countries drop them as requirements for travel. The United States dropped its pre-departure testing requirement on Sunday.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had said the tests would be gone by July 31 at the latest, but the Government's increased confidence in the Covid outlook has meant this date could be brought forward."While we are still working through this transition, it's fair to say we are confident that pre-departure testing will be removed by the time we come to the final phase of our reopening in July," Ardern said earlier this year.The timing will also allow the border to be more fully open for the ski season and Australia's coming school holidays.The final phase of border reopening will occur on 11.59pm on July 31, when all vaccinated travellers and students will be able to enter New Zealand, provided they have a visa. Pre-departure tests into New Zealand will soon be gone, a welcome move for travellers. Photo / Michael CraigPeople who arrive in New Zealand are also given a pack of RATs to do after arrival. About 90 per cent of people are completing these tests and 2-3 per cent are reporting a positive result.The Government does not see this changing significantly after the requirements are dropped.National has been calling for pre-departure testing to go. Earlier this week, the party's Covid-19 response spokesman Chris Bishop said the tests should be dropped."The world is moving on, but New Zealand insists that anyone coming here must present a negative test before getting on a plane," Bishop said."Pre-departure tests made sense when we were pursuing elimination. But they make zero sense when we already have thousands of cases a day at home," he said.Covid cases continue to level off after a peak earlier in the year. Another peak is expected later in the year, but the Government does not expect this to be impacted by changes at the border.Hospitalisations with Covid-19 are also levelling off. The seven-day average of people in hospital with or due to the virus was 362 yesterday, down from over 900 during the peak earlier this year.The Government does not believe dropping pre-departure testing will lead to a surge of domestic infection.- Thomas Coughlan, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport says it's achieved its goal of becoming beyond carbon neutral - and now it's entered into being climate positive.The airport is considered a global leader in getting airports and aviation to a lower carbon future.Nick Flack, General Manager of Planning and Sustainability at Christchurch Airport joined Tim Dower.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport says it's achieved its goal of becoming beyond carbon neutral - and now it's entered into being climate positive.The airport is considered a global leader in getting airports and aviation to a lower carbon future.Nick Flack, General Manager of Planning and Sustainability at Christchurch Airport joined Tim Dower.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's leader is labelling self-isolation rules under the first phase of the border re-opening as "totally nuts".Fully jabbed New Zealanders and eligible travellers in Australia can now travel here, skip MIQ and self-isolate at home for seven days instead.The first flight into Auckland Airport is due at 2:45 pm this afternoon while the first into Christchurch Airport is scheduled for 5:30 pm.National Leader Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking it should be if you're positive you isolate, if you're negative you're free to go.“That's the frustration, and the Government's saying they'll continue to look at it. Why don't you just get it right once and do it right and get it done?”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The travel industry's imploring the Government to remove self-isolation requirements for returnees as the first phase of the border re-opening begins.Fully-vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers from Australia can now skip MIQ and isolate at home for seven days instead.The first flight into Auckland Airport is due at 2.45 pm this afternoon while the first into Christchurch Airport is scheduled for 5.30 pm.House of Travel's Brent Thomas told Kate Hawkesby a limited number of New Zealanders will head over from here due to self-isolation.“What we do need is for business travellers to be able to travel as well. They need to be able to go and see their suppliers, they need to go and be able to see their customers, and then coming back for a week and having to self-isolate just doesn't work.”LISTEN ABOVE

Over the next week, travellers passing through Christchurch airport around midday will be greeted by visiting therapy dogs. Karyn Hay chats to Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson about the P.A.W.S programme.

A real mixed bag this week. Greg discusses how a couple got two brand new homes in Martinborough for $550,000! After listening to the Rolling Stones "Honky Tonk Women' he discusses the extra scrutiny on lending to buy housing. Then he asks the question will banks enter the housing market directly, investing and cutting out first home buyers. Published: 12/7/2021 1:00:00 PM Property Matters is the property show for you.  The audience includes buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and people interested in general housing advice.  Greg Watson presents the very latest Manawatu market news and commentary.  He analyses, comments on and makes light of real estate news from Manawatu, around New Zealand and overseas.  Every show calls on years of experience and has a section of tips and advice around housing with anything from renovations, to achieving higher sales prices, buyer tips, landlord help and guides for tenants.  To listen to this show on 999am: Tune in on Tuesdays at 1pm (or OnDemand below from 1:15pm.)

A solar farm big enough to power 20 percent of residential Christchurch is to be built at the city's airport. Kowhai Park is 400 hectares of land at Christchurch Airport that will be used to generate renewable energy. Phase one will deliver a 220-hectare solar array capable of generating 150 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 30,000 homes, on the airport campus. Australian renewable energy fund, Solar Bay, is committing $100 million to the development of Phase One. They say there is nothing else like this in New Zealand; it's innovative, far ahead of its time and absolutely world leading in every sense. Solar Bay co-founder Andrew Archibald joined Kerre McIvor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A solar farm big enough to power 20 percent of residential Christchurch is to be built at the city's airport. Kowhai Park is 400 hectares of land at Christchurch Airport that will be used to generate renewable energy. Phase one will deliver a 220-hectare solar array capable of generating 150 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 30,000 homes, on the airport campus. Australian renewable energy fund, Solar Bay, is committing $100 million to the development of Phase One. They say there is nothing else like this in New Zealand; it's innovative, far ahead of its time and absolutely world leading in every sense. Solar Bay co-founder Andrew Archibald joined Kerre McIvor. LISTEN ABOVE 

For two years, a small team at Christchurch Airport plotted an audacious strike – to move in on their rival's territory. This is the unlikely story of the plan to build an international airport in a tiny town in Central Otago.

Christchurch Airport is beginning its transition towards a low energy future. The city's international airport has announced it's committing 400 hectares to create a renewable energy park with a solar farm. CEO Malcolm Johns told Heather Du Plessis-Allan the airport will be platform to help other organisations de-carbonise their sector. “Our focus in this precinct is to be a landlord and to bring together multiple parties, allow them to scale up over the next 30 years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport is beginning its transition towards a low energy future. The city's international airport has announced it's committing 400 hectares to create a renewable energy park with a solar farm. CEO Malcolm Johns told Heather Du Plessis-Allan the airport will be platform to help other organisations de-carbonise their sector. “Our focus in this precinct is to be a landlord and to bring together multiple parties, allow them to scale up over the next 30 years. LISTEN ABOVE 

It looked like a hard sell - land stuck next to a noisy neighbour - an international airport, with high voltage cables directly overhead. But Christchurch Airport has found a solution, devoting 400 hectares to create a renewable energy park. More than half will be dedicated to solar energy, generating 150 megawatts - enough to power 30,000 homes or a fifth of the city's residential electricity use. Today the airport unveiled its plans with hopes it will help more businesses kick carbon to the curb. Tess Brunton has more.

We kick off this week by announcing the winner of the two night stay at Russell Orongo Holiday Park and then welcome three more inspirational tourism leaders for a chat about their NZ Tourism Awards Finalist entries.  First up is Claire Waghorn from Christchurch Airport.  Claire is the Sustainable Transition Leader there.  Christchurch Airport are finalists in the Toitu Envirocare Environment Award, and huge props must go to their entire team for the work they have been doing for well over a decade to champion our environment and make a real difference.  Not easy for an airport!  Then we welcome Matt Wong, Managing Director at iFly Queenstown.  They are finalists in the Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award so we tackle how they managed to keep their team engaged through lockdown and come out the other side stronger than ever.   And finally we chat with Visitor Destination Manager at Nelson Regional Development Agency, Tracee Neilson about their Tourism New Zealand Industry Collaboration entry.  They're also doing some great work carbon off-setting their visitor economy and it seems like the entire region has got in behind the project.  It's great to hear and see our industry 'walking the talk' and making a real impact.  There's another competition - this week an iFly Kickstart pack for two people valued at $198.  Timings:  9.17 - Claire Waghorn, CHC Airport (https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/) 30.46 - Matt Wong, iFly Queenstown (https://www.iflynz.co.nz/) 51.08 - Tracee Neilson, Nelson Regional Development Agency (https://www.nelsontasman.nz/)   Enjoy the show. Vote for us in the NZ podcast awards (www.nzpodcastawards.com)  www.destinatenz.com  #NZTourismAwards #TourismMarketing #Environment #Climate #Collaboration #EmployerofChoice 

We start by announcing the winners of our Dive! Tutukaka competition last week and announcing this weeks' competition to win a 2 night stay at the Russell Orongo Bay Holiday Park valued at up to $360.  You must listen to find out how to enter!  First up we welcome Ceillhe Sperath from Time Unlimited Tours who is a finalist in the Tourism Industry Champion Category. Full name Ceillhe Tewhare Teneti Hema Sperath - is a New Zealander of Maori descent from the largest Ngapuhi tribe in Northland with the added bonus of her Irish heritage on her paternal side that affords her the gift of the gab. Ceillhe is a direct descendant of Patuone ("The Peacemaker") and Tamati Waka Nene, two of the main signatories on the Treaty of Waitangi - New Zealand's founding document in 1840. Ceillhe is passionate about her indigenous culture and wishes to share her experiences of a rich living culture that uses the essence of time to draw on the past, present and future to ensure her manuhiri (valued guests) are central to the experience and feel integrated in a meaningful and connected way. Winner of several global tourism awards as well as named as one of the world's top 25 global guides in 2021, she will share her extensive knowledge and love of New Zealand in a way that ensures people and places are equally respected.   Sam Taylor from ChristchurchNZ drops in to talk about their Industry Collaboration Finalist entry with Christchurch Airport.  Sam is a senior marketer with a background in branding across the private sector and some of NZ's most iconic brands including Just Juice, V Energy, and JUCY Group. In his current role at ChristchurchNZ he leads the team delivering marketing across the full economic development remit, including tourism. This means he has an understanding of how tourism marketing fits in to the bigger picture of economic development goals and how important a strong destination is to a place more generally. And finally, we welcome back Tori and James Burns from the  Russell Orongo Bay Holiday Park – this time talking about their second finalist entry, this time in the Community Engagement Award.   Timings:  8.26 Ceillhe Sperath - www.newzealandtours.travel 29.42  Sam Taylor -  https://www.christchurchnz.com/ & https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/ 49.09 Tori and James Burns - https://russellaccommodation.co.nz/   Terms and conditions for the prize can be found at www.destinatenz.com/competitions #NZTourismAwards #TourismMarketing #MarketingTips #Marketing #TourismAwards #NZTourism #TourismNZ #NewZealandBusiness 

Frustrated businesses are urging the Government to allow them to bring in rapid Covid-19 tests to protect New Zealand work sites.A powerful group of 25 businesses across a range of sectors employing thousands of staff have formed a coalition to jointly import 370,000 rapid antigen tests to be introduced on workplaces around the country.Mainfreight's managing director Don Braid said the businesses were seeking urgent approval from the Government "to allow for the importation of rapid surveillance tests as a critical part of health and safety management in the workplace".The 25 companies requesting urgent approval to introduce the tests at critical work sites include Mainfreight, Foodstuffs North Island, Genesis, Hynds Pipe Systems, Mercury, Summerset Group, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport, Sky NZ, Queenstown Airport, Spark, Vodafone, The Warehouse Group, ANZ Bank, Contact Energy, Fulton Hogan, Woolworths NZ, Fletcher Building, Chorus, Carter Holt Harvey, Meridian Energy, DHL Express NZ, Air NZ and Auckland Airport.The plea is a sign of businesses increasingly frustrated with the slow rollout of rapid testing as the latest border failure hit in August when the Government's mass vaccination programme had got off to a slow start.Braid said businesses wanted to take care of their people from a health and safety perspective and to keep their sites operational.''Vaccinations and testing are key to this and it is bewildering that the rapid testing we are using in 26 locations around the world is unavailable to us at our home base in New Zealand.''Mainfreight managing director Don Braid. Photo / NZMEComment has been sought from Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. There will be an update from the Government on testing tomorrow.Last month it announced a trial at Middlemore Hospital of the tests which use swabs taken from the nose or throat for surveillance testing for Covid. In Britain the National Health Service encourages people to do them at home.Braid said: "We believe the Government shares our concern that the addition of antigen testing cannot suffer the long delays that occurred in introducing saliva testing. With the current Delta outbreak we are confident they will act decisively and work with us to make it happen."He told the Herald relevant Government ministers had been willing to consider all options but he feared the push to import the tests for use within businesses could get bogged down at the Ministry of Health.''We asked for a workplace opportunity to try these antigen testing units three or four weeks ago but it was stymied by the ministry.''There was heavy demand for the kits - priced at around $10 - around the world and he was worried this could lead to a shortage if this country didn't act quickly to import them.Testing didn't replace vaccination as the most important way of fighting Covid, said Braid but was another tool.''Business has been trying to assist the Government and the ministry and we feel we have a vital role to play.''Rapid antigen tests are used widely overseas as an additional tool to curb the spread of Covid-19, providing on-the-spot results in minutes to help identify chains of transmission, provide reassurance to employees and ensure workplace continuity.The 25 companies, which are looking to procure 370,000 tests via medical supplies wholesaler and distributor EBOS Healthcare, have written to the Government seeking emergency clearance to import the tests within the next seven days.The tests, which would not take the place of existing PCR tests for border workers or those who are experiencing symptoms, provide results in about 15 minutes, unlike PCR tests which can take days to return results.Five of the six rapid tests under consideration are approved and in use in Australia with final option currently under an approvals process, the coalition says.Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin said the company was focused on keeping its staff and cu...

Christchurch Airport has today released analysis showing Tarras - a small Central Otago farming settlement - can support an international airport. The airport - which is owned by Christchurch City Council and the Crown - bought 750 hectares of farmland in the area last year. But, as Timothy Brown reports, the findings don't mean the proposal is ready for take off yet.

Greg Straight is probably one of New Zealand's most prolific illustrators having carved out a niche generating custom illustrations for high profile brands. His work is all around us in the form of murals, packaging designs, billboards and magazine covers as well as featuring in nationwide campaigns for many household brands. When covid hit Greg had just opened his new studio. All of his projects got cancelled almost overnight, what do you do? Plus, his wife works in the business full time too. Countdown,  Christchurch Airport. Auckland Council, Qantas, Sunday Telegraph, Nespresso, TVNZ , McDonalds Greg has a professional but laid back approach. His works span everything from logo design and branding to murals, lots of stunning packaging, infographics and so much more! Oh, and he's met the prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Here are Greg's Takeaways 1.If the worst happens and you lose all of your projects look to see how you can make it work, there might be something you've overlooked before. 2.Don't ignore your local contacts, there can be lots of work there. You know their home and area so it's actually easier to fill their needs. Plus, the know like and trust factor is there too. 3.Working near another creative can be a game changer, look online for open studios 4.Working with your partner can be scary and stressful 5.Sometimes we just to unplug and go somewhere for the day to change our view point  6.When you create art it won't always go out the way you want it but that doesn't always mean that it hasn't worked out. Sometimes it's best you took a different root. 7.If Greg hadn't gone over to that other artist in the cafe, he wouldn't of got a whole exhibition! 8.Keep on creating, don't stop! 9.Don't be precious about your art keep on making 10.Don't give up, keep crafting and developing to find your style 11.When you spend the time doing personal projects you aren't restricted! 12.Do nothing and nothing happens Www.Gregstraight.com  

Cantabrians could find themselves flying direct to Los Angeles with American Airlines.The airline giant is planning to run a Christchurch Airport-to-LAX direct route from January - pending international borders opening.Flights are already available to book on the airline's website for just under $2,500.House of Travel's Brent Thomas told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it will be a wait and see if the borders will be reopening, but the American vaccine rollout is going well.He says that we are likely to see a change in thinking by that point around allowing vaccinated people here.There is limited demand for this route at the moment, but Thomas says that is likely to change. "We're expected to grow as the vaccination program rolls out from mid-this year"We are seeing bookings for 2022 for long haul, and we are expecting that to grow."LISTEN ABOVE