Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow is calling on the Government to step in and save Kāpiti Coast Airport from closure.
“Wellington Airport is vulnerable in an emergency, and we need a back-up as a region. Our community and local MP have made it clear they want an operating airport in Kāpiti.
“Selling it off in 1995 was a mistake, and once it’s gone it will be very hard to get back. We urge the Government to step in,” says Mayor Holborow.
“The airport is loved by our community as a local asset and for regional resilience. It was used by the military in World War II and was New Zealand’s busiest airport from 1947–59, hosting two royal visits.
“With the backing of our community, Council has provided substantial support in recent years to ensure air services continued to operate between Kāpiti and Auckland, providing funding, loans, and promotional support. However, challenging economic conditions have seen both Air New Zealand and Air Chathams pull out of providing services from Kāpiti Airport.
“We have also tried to negotiate with the airport owners and have written to ministers previously asking them to intervene.
“Over the last 24 hours we’ve received a large volume of emails asking us to stop re-zoning of the airport in response to reports that Kāpiti Airport may close in the coming weeks. It’s important to understand that Council can’t just vote to stop a change of designation.
Mayor Holborow says if a landowner, or a future landowner, requests a zoning change, Council is obliged to process it under the Resource Management Act 1991 (which will eventually to be replaced by the Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026). She says this is a prescribed process involving engagement, submissions, further submissions, and a hearing before a Council decision can be made. It takes time and councillors must remain impartial throughout this process.
“Any councillor voting against the recommendations of the hearing’s panel would be required to provide the reasoning behind their decision. Then, once a decision is made, there is the possibility of legal appeals.
“It’s a frustrating situation due to the fact that the asset is in private ownership. Council is not in a position to buy the land or fund the infrastructure needed to keep it operating.”
Mayor Holborow says “what is clear is that we need to work together and put pressure on our local MP and the Government to save our airport.”
A further statement was released by the Kāpiti Aero Club – see below
Media Statement from Kāpiti Aero Club Incorporated 12th November 2026
On Tuesday 9th November, Kāpiti Aero Club received a letter from Kāpiti Coast Airport Holdings Ltd requesting that the club surrender its existing lease agreement, which runs through to 2033.
The request is for the lease to be brought to an early end on 30th November 2026, and for the club to vacate the land by the 28th February 2027. This is an unreasonably short period of notice and sets the expectation that Kāpiti Airport is to close at the end of November which would have significant implications for the club and community.
Kāpiti Coast Airport Holdings Ltd has not announced the closure of the airport. There has been significant uncertainty for the club’s staff, members and wider community, and the club is deeply concerned about the implications of a possible closure. It is exploring all avenues to secure its future and is taking legal advice in response to the request to surrender its lease.
Loss of the airport poses a potential threat to the safety and wellbeing of the residents of the region in times of civil emergency by depriving the population of critical infrastructure and resources when they are needed most.
About Kāpiti Aero Club
Established at Kāpiti Airport in 1983, Kāpiti Aero Club is the pre-eminent flight training organisation in the Wellington region. The club has 13 staff and operates a fleet of more than 10 aircraft, providing flight training for both recreational and professional pilots. With more than 250 active members and 50 current student pilots, the club plays an important role in developing the next generation of pilots in New Zealand and supporting the wider aviation community. Many of the club’s former students and instructors have gone on to become professional pilots working for airlines. Kāpiti Aero Club has been part of the community for more than four decades. The club is determined to protect its future and continue providing flight training. It hopes the importance of Kāpiti Airport to the local community and the wider region will be recognised as decisions about its future are made. More information: https://www.kapitiaeroclub.co.nz/community/
