WCC WITHDRAWS PLAN CHANGE At a meeting of the WCC on 30th September, the Council again debated the question of continuing to pursue Plan Change 22.   Mayor Harvey and his Council had invited Russell Stewart of WAAG to speak and courteously agreed to have other speakers from the public make statements. Councillor Flaunty moved a motion to have the Council abandon Plan Change 22. However, another Councillor moved to amend the motion to simply defer the decision to a future date.  The amendment was thoroughly debated but was lost.  This put Councillor Flaunty's motion back on the table.  Following a vote on this substantive motion it was passed with a substantial majority.  Plan Change 22 will therefore be withdrawn and the area of land used by the Defence Department remain with it's current zoning. WAAG congratulate the WCC Council and it's members for a well balanced meeting with views presented by all interested parties.  While we have in the past seen WAAG and WCC having heated exchanges in this case all parties showed that a contentious subject can be resolved honourably. A large contingent of WAAG supporters attended the meeting.  For many the outcome was unexpected and some tears of joy could be seen.  After six years of uncertainty about commercialising of Whenuapai and even after the Government had assured the public that the Air Force would not be sharing the facility with commercial airliners, the delays by the WCC had taken it's toll.  People living in the area can finally get on with their lives in the knowledge that the battle is over. The many people who had contributed to the Environment Court fighting fund will now get their money back. Russel Stewart's presentation.  <here>   Dear Visitor, WAAG was established in 2003 to provide local communities and interested parties with a platform to express their concern about a proposed airport on the land currently used by the New Zealand Defence Force at Whenuapai. WAAG is a not for profit incorporated society and is open to participation from anyone who is wanting to protect and preserve the unique and highly desirable environs of Auckland's North Shore and Waitakere areas, both of which host some exceptional eco-systems and lifestyle environment. WAAG encourages input and support from its vast membership who include many professionals with expertise in the aviation and commercial sectors. Regular meetings are held with communities and WAAG issues are lobbied at both national and local government levels. Communication with WAAG members is made on a regular basis via the WAAG website and direct mail. Membership is by nominal subscription or donation. If any of the following issues are of concern to you, your family or your business and you would like your concerns to 'be counted', then you can count on WAAG to represent you: Environmental damage and climate change Pollution levels in your neighbourhood Noise Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to your positive support that will hopefully help the future generations of our region. Yours sincerely, Russell Stewart President