You forgot to mention that the "previous owner" sold off lumps of the airport, enough of it that it came close to returning his original investment. The land was promptly developed for housing (surprise, surprise), and, despite signing covenants to the effect that they would never complain about the noise, the residents of said housing now spend a consderable amount of their time, you guessed it, complaining about the noise. In the time-honoured way of the squeaky wheel, their voices carry a disproportionate amount of influence.
Good analysis of the new owners intentions, though. One way or another, the runways are destined to be dug up under the new owners - maybe not immediately, but you can bet your bottom dollar it will happen eventually.
As usual, the pilot community, other voices of common sense, and the original Maori owners, will all lose out. Such is the way under an (allegedly) corrupt local government.
Once it is gone... you will never get it back...
Last edited by MOR; 25th Jun 2006 at 05:16.