The government is investing $2 million to fix the cyclone-damaged Westport Airport.

The airport suffered erosion damage to its seawall following Cyclone Fehi in 2018. About 300 metres of the seawall collapsed, leaving only a 58 metre clearway on one side of the runway. Now, the Provincial Growth Fund will provide $2.074 million to repair damages.

“Because Westport Airport is an important gateway into and out of the Buller District, tenders for this work will be called urgently,” Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said. “It has approximately 10,000 passengers per year on both commercial and recreational flights, as well as air ambulance landings and military training operations.”

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Meanwhile, Minister for Rural Communities and MP for the West Coast Damien O’Connor said the airport in Westport is a core infrastructural asset, and that the investment will ensure that service continues uninterrupted.

“Investing in this resilience infrastructure will provide the Buller District with a strong foundation for growth, and will preserve crucial connections to the rest of New Zealand,” Jones added. “The Buller District is one of the most isolated areas in New Zealand, and its people have to access vital services. This investment will keep the community connected and enable future growth.”