The Queenstown Lakes District Council has made clear its expectations of Queenstown Airport in respect to a proposed airport at Tarras.

The aiport’s “statement of expectations”, a document prepared by the council to guide the airport’s next statement of intent, also rules our wide-bodied jets for Queenstown or Wanaka airports, goes before councillors on Thursday.

The document, prepared by a working group including elected members and airport representatives, was signed by Mayor Jim Boult.

The annual report is produced by the council-controlled trading organisation — of which the council owns 75.01% — and sets its strategic direction for a three-year period, but is reviewed annually.

It is next due to be considered by the council in June.

The last report, referred to as its statement of intent (SOI), was finally approved by the council in October, following protracted discussions.

Regarding the “position on proposed Tarras Airport”, the document said moves by Christchurch International Airport Ltd to buy land for the development of an international airport at Tarras presented, “in the shareholders’ opinion”, potential new competition.

“It is conceivable that this proposal could impact the QAC and it is, therefore, our expectation that QAC’s strategic planning will reflect the need to understand and plan for any activity created by the Tarras proposal.”

Read this in full here.