TOP STORY: Private jets face detour to reach Bay

REBECCA STEVENSON Local business leaders and politicians have criticised the New Zealand Customs Service's move to bar international private jet flights from Hawke's Bay Airport.
Air Napier was allowed a limited number of international flights a year with a restriction of 15 people on each flight. This rule has been in effect for several years, but chief executive Gary Peacock said he learnt last week Customs wanted to shut it down.
"I have been told Customs are getting an opinion from the Crown Law Office as to whether it's legal."
Customs' group manager airports Roger Smith confirmed an "initial review" had been done and the government agency's view was that international flights could land at international airports only. New Zealand has seven such airports, and Hawke's Bay is not one of them.
"Napier is not currently an international airport. Once jets have been cleared by Customs at one of these seven airports they can then fly on to Napier."
Several wealthy businesspeople use the Air Napier service, including American investor Julian Robertson, Craggy Range owner Terry Peabody, and executives from McCain Foods. If direct flights to Napier are stopped the jets will first have to fly to Auckland, Hamilton or Palmerston North, be unloaded and checked by Customs, Biosecurity New Zealand and the Ministry of Agriculture, before being reloaded and continuing on to Hawke's Bay.
That would not only cost thousands of dollars Mr Peacock said, but the inconvenience and lost time would also be a major annoyance to his customers.
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said he would do anything in his power to ensure the flights continued.
"It's just ridiculous. These people make significant investments in this region and I just can't understand the logic."
Customs' review comes as regional leaders look to increase investment in Hawke's Bay by extending the airport's runway to allow international commercial flights. Simon Nixon, a member of the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Runway Trust, which was set up to push for the extension, said Hawke's Bay didn't have a decent airport now and the decision would make the area more isolated and less attractive for investors.
"I think it's very damaging. What the hell is going on? They know perfectly well we are trying to improve the service."
He said barring international private flights would stymie development in Hawke's Bay, a thought echoed by Mission Estate Winery chief executive Peter Holley. "We need to have the infrastructure and access if we want to get development."
Napier MP Chris Tremain said it was vital the flights continued.
"Customs are already here at the port, are they going to stop international ships coming into Napier? They never would. It seems senseless in terms of taking Hawke's Bay forward."
Mr Peacock said he expected a decision by the end of the week. If it went against Air Napier he would not fight it, he said.