Queenstown Airport

The controversial alliance between Queenstown and Auckland airports has cost Queenstown ratepayers more than $560,000 so far, and the final cost in litigation costs and legal fees is still to be determined.

A "prudent" approach has been taken by the Queenstown Airport Corporation in its proposed dividend policy for providing a return to the Queenstown Lakes District Council, which could see the community receive $2.25 million by September and a total of $3.75 million after the next financial year.

Memebers of the public might learn by the end of this week what the Queenstown Lakes District Council has been discussing concerning the Queenstown Airport Corporation.

Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Steve Sanderson gives the Queenstown Times an update on rocketing passenger numbers and infrastructure projects, and says the withdrawal of High Court action against the airport lets the corporation focus on the tasks ahead.

Queenstown and Auckland airport chiefs and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden have welcomed the withdrawal of legal actions to overturn the controversial share deal between the two airports.

More space for private jets will be provided in a $13 million upgrade at Queenstown Airport to be completed by the end of next month.

It has taken nine months, but the controversial strategic alliance between Queenstown Airport Corporation and Auckland International Airport Ltd will finally be aired in the High Court at Queenstown this month.

The appointment of Dunedin-based Murray Valentine as interim chairman of the Queenstown Airport Corporation board, replacing ousted chairman Mark Taylor, came as a surprise to most Queenstown Lakes District councillors, who told the Otago Daily Times they "read about it in the paper" yesterday.

An interim director of the Queenstown Airport Corporation board is likely to be appointed this week.

Cannabis bullets wrapped in tinfoil and stashed in a woman's bra yesterday set off an airport security checkpoint detector at Queenstown, police say.