The Provincial Growth Fund will invest $98,000 to aid the community owned Chatham Islands Airport Company to complete the geotechnical analysis and develop a business case for the extension and strengthening of the Chatham Islands runway.

This project has been identified by the community, iwi, imi and the local council as a priority for sustainable growth and aligns with the objectives of the Provincial Growth Fund.

Head of the Provincial Development Unit, Nigel Bickle, said the airport is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure for the Chatham Islands and is the main mode of transport connecting the Chatham Islands people and businesses to the rest of New Zealand.

“It has the potential to provide a number of benefits to the region including making it easier to travel to the mainland for health and education purposes; supporting growth opportunities in the fishing and tourism sector; and creating more jobs,” Nigel Bickle said.

“The detailed business case will explore these benefits, as well as provide an assurance that any upgrade to the airport can be completed in a timely and efficient manner.”

The Provincial Growth Fund seeks to ensure regions and people across New Zealand can reach their full potential as part of an economy that is sustainable, inclusive and productive.