I've only just started at Massey doing the ATP degree at Palmerston. But from what I've been able to assertain so far is that consolodation of both Ardmore and palmy seems to be the most logical thing to do. Weather it be closing Ardmore or Palmy, it has to happen due to some lecturers teaching at both campus's (or is that campie?) and stretched resources across both. The fact that Ardmore was chosen to close, to my understanding, is that Auckland is a busy place to learn in, plus lots of travel for students living there.
As for 'suposeded' lack of options available to learn to fly in Auckland now is rubbish... Just do what some other students on my course have done... Move! One guy has moved from Dunedin. If you are committed to learn you will move anywhere.
Well thats my opinion...
Cheers