Great Barrier Island issues and options

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Great Barrier Island Airfields

Issue

Transportation and accessibility are extremely important issues for Great Barrier Island. The island is accessed by air and ferry services. The regular car ferry takes approximately four hours and brings over the majority of supplies, including fuel. There are two airfields on Great Barrier, at Okiwi and Claris. Claris is the principal airfield and is currently being widened and lengthened. Night flights are not permitted from either airfield.

Under the Auckland City District Plan, Okiwi Airfield is within Strategic Management Area 12 -Whangapoua and is zoned Land Unit 3 - Alluvial Flats. Under Land Unit 3, commercial airstrips are a listed discretionary activity. Claris Airfield is within SMA 6 - Kaitoke, Land Unit 2 - Dune Systems and Sand Flats and the Claris policy area. Under Land Unit 2, commercial airstrips are a listed discretionary activity. Neither airfield is designated under the District Plan.

The 'Gulf Island Transport Strategy', published by the Auckland City Council, sets out strategic directions for transport on Great Barrier Island. The strategy states that Claris Airfield is and will continue to be the main airfield for the island. However, the document recognises that Okiwi Airfield is a vital link to the northern part of the island and has some potential for growth, particularly from tourism. The Okiwi airstrip upgrade in 2001 has improved the serviceability of the airfield and will allow its greater use, especially over the winter months, although the airfield is often closed during wet weather.

Currently there is no provision for Okiwi Airfield in the District Plan, although some initial work and consultation was undertaken on a plan change to provide for it. The Claris Airfield is provided for by the Claris policy area. However, commercial airfields are still listed discretionary activities within Land Unit 2.

Given the increasing importance of air travel to Great Barrier Island, consideration needs to be given to ensuring that both Claris and Okiwi airfields can operate effectively within the structure of the District Plan.