2. H V ROSS ROBERTSON (Labour—Manukau East) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What advances in the UK - New Zealand Air Services Agreement have been made to allow Air New Zealand to secure a second daily service to London?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Acting Minister of Transport) Link to this
Yesterday Air New Zealand announced plans to launch a second daily service between Auckland and London Heathrow Airport. That is as a direct result of the air services agreement and the market access opportunities secured by the New Zealand Government, following an agreement with the United Kingdom last year. It is very good news for New Zealanders, for our tourism industry, and for Air New Zealand.
H V Ross Robertson Link to this
Can the Minister tell the House over what period the negotiations were conducted?
Constant efforts were made over 6 years, including efforts at ministerial level and in negotiations led by the New Zealand Ministry of Transport, until open access was achieved last year. Noting the welcome the House has just accorded my colleague Minister John Hill, I regret to advise that Australia has yet to achieve such open access.