Future of Ohakea secure says Minister
DefenceThe future of Ohakea airbase is secure and there may be new opportunities for the communities that support the base, the Minister of Defence Mark Burton said.
"This is a difficult time, especially for the 30 civilian staff at Ohakea who have been made redundant and the 7 uniformed personnel for whom positions could not be found. A further 59 personnel at Ohakea have taken voluntary discharge and a number of others have sought early release.
"Comprehensive measures have been put in place to assist these personnel, financially and otherwise," Mark Burton said.
"Ohakea airbase remains a key New Zealand Defence Force asset. The planned $20 million upgrade of the runway at Ohakea will proceed and the Iroquois helicopters of 3 Squadron are scheduled to move to Ohakea next year.
"Further consolidation of Air Force resources at Ohakea is a possibility, along with the development of Ohakea as a joint military/civilian base," Mark Burton said.
"It is important to remember that modernising and re-equipping the RNZAF is a crucial commitment made by this government.
"We are upgrading or replacing the ageing Iroquois helicopters. The C130 Hercules and Boeing-727s will also be replaced or upgraded. The P-3 Orions will get modern equipment upgrades. A significant amount of money will be invested in our airforce.
"This investment is likely to offer opportunities for the Rangitikei region," Mark Burton said.