Source: New Zealand Government
Upgraded airfield infrastructure of Masterton’s Hood Aerodrome improves safety and supports the strengthening of the region’s economy, thanks to a $10 million government grant, says Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson.
Mr Mark Patterson is in Masterton today joining locals to celebrate the completion of this significant milestone for Wairarapa’s aviation capability and regional development.
“The Hood Aerodrome upgrade is a major step forward for the Wairarapa. The aerodrome is now safer and better positioned to support the region’s aviation sector, economic development, and community needs for years to come,” Mr Patterson says.
“A series of essential improvements were completed at the aerodrome, including resurfacing and widening the runway, improving lighting, upgrading water and electrical networks for 27 new hangar sites, and building new access roads.
“This work secures the aerodrome’s long-term operational capability and has enabled it to meet Civil Aviation Authority certification requirements, which allows for larger aircraft to operate from the airfield, and positions the airfield for future tourism and economic growth.
“The region can now count on continued support for medical life-flight services, search and rescue operations, agricultural topdressing, aviation events, recreational flying, and pilot training,” Mr Patterson says.
In 2020, Masterton District Council received a $10 million grant to upgrade safety and services infrastructure at Hood Aerodrome. The total value of the project was $17.07 million, which includes co-funding of $7.07 million from the Council.
In addition to the airfield upgrade, further work – supported by $954,000 from the government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) – has recently been completed to protect the aerodrome boundary from erosion and enhance flood protection. This project is one of 16 flood resilience initiatives in the Wairarapa co-funded by the government.