A study involving researchers from four universities has identified community opposition to a proposed Central Otago Airport.

A group of researchers and scientists concerned about the airport proposal, dubbed ‘Informed Leaders’, have previously raised “significant concerns” about the project.

Read more: Airport at Tarras would cause ‘unacceptable risk’ say researchers

The three researchers leading this study (Professors Robert McLachlan of Massey University, James Renwick of Victoria University of Wellington, and James Higham of Griffith University and the University of Otago) aimed to survey a representative sample of Central Otago residents.

The study looked at five issues relating to the airport proposal: Central Otago lifestyle, climate change, infrastructure and growth, tourism, and air travel and airports. 

The first of three reports was released today (Friday January 26), making available findings about Central Otago residents’ views on a number of topics.

An artist's impression of the proposed airport.

Respondents chosen at random from throughout the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts were asked more than 70 questions, and given the opportunity to comment on all topics.

The survey revealed a strongly unified population sharing many values, beliefs and concerns, the researchers found. 

Sixty-three percent of respondents were opposed to the proposed Central Otago Airport (and 51 percent strongly opposed) compared to 22 percent in favour. 

This level of opposition was found right across the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts, the researchers said. 

Robert McLachlan said the proposal to build an international airport at Tarras is “not just a local issue” as it is significant for New Zealand as a whole. 

“It’s a national issue that can only be resolved by a national plan for aviation emissions that meets our international agreements. With the sixth largest per capita aviation emissions in the world, and as a country that relies on aviation for so many things, New Zealand has to take action.”

James Renwick said the impacts of climate change are clearly on Central Otago residents’ radar, which is consistent with research conducted elsewhere. 

“People are conscious that we have to do everything we can to get New Zealand to net-zero, and that we all have to play our part. We’re seeing people do that in numerous ways including solar energy, reducing waste to landfill and reducing unnecessary travel. Aviation can be a significant portion of people’s footprints - especially where flights are medium to long haul.”

James Higham said there were strong themes running through the responses. 

“There is no doubt that people choose to live in Central Otago for the same reasons that tourists want to visit. It is a superbly beautiful, unspoilt and tranquil place,” he said.

“It’s clear from our research that sustainability is now a very high priority for the people of Central Otago, and they also very clearly understand the impact of tourism that the region benefits from. This study shows that they want better tourism with less impact, rather than more tourists.”

The study also found that 89 nine percent of respondents lived in or visited the region for its ‘lifestyle’; other natural factors, such as climate and landscape, also figured extremely highly. Other factors, such as ease of travel and work opportunities, were regarded as less important. 

There was a high level of concern about climate change and environmental sustainability in the region, and strong support for a greater focus on the value of visitors rather than the volume.

Two more reports are scheduled: one due out next month will present an analysis of all detailed written responses; and a third report, scheduled for April 2024 will represent the results of bivariate analyses to uncover the relationships between responses to different questions.

Read the first report here.

IMAGES: Supplied