Bay of Plenty snubbed in Jetstar destinations

The Bay of Plenty has lost out in this morning's announcement of cheap Jetstar regional flights.

There was hope that Tauranga or Rotorua would be selected as one of four regional destinations in today's announcement.

Jetstar unveiled its new regional network with destinations of Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth and Palmerston North to join its Auckland and Wellington flights.

David Hall, CEO Jetstar Australia and New Zealand, made the announcement this morning in Wellington, joined by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

"Today we're delivering on our commitment to bring low fares and increased competition to communities around the country," said Mr Hall

To celebrate the new routes Jetstar is offering special $9 one-way regional launch fares from 9.30am-1.30pm today for travel 1-15 December 2015, 2 February-21 March 2016 and 4 May-29 Jun 2016.

Mr Joyce said it was great to see increase air competition into some of New Zealand's key regional centres.

''Transport linkages are crucial for regional development and these new air linkages will help boost business and tourism traffic into regions like Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Nelson and Manawatu/Whanganui," Mr Joyce said.

Mr Bridges, who is also Tauranga MP, said the announcement was great news for consumers.

"As we have seen in recent years, competition between Air New Zealand and Jetstar has ensured passengers travelling on main-trunk routes have had access to lower fares and more choice. So this announcement means new services will bring these same benefits to regional communities throughout New Zealand."