Billie Moore: NZ Airports Association CEO on the potential closure of its Westport-Wellington service

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Feb 4, 2026 · 3m · transcript

Westport’s only air link could be cut within months.

Originair won’t guarantee its Westport-Wellington service beyond May after failing to secure Government and local funding.

NZ Airports Association CEO Billie Moore says Westport is one of the last remaining airports still co-owned by the taxpayer.

She told Ryan Bridge taxpayers already cover half the airport’s annual shortfall, just to keep essential services running.

Moore says the public contribution needs to be beneficial.

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