26 Jul 2010

Business group to seek auditor-general review of Queenstown stake

4:10 pm on 26 July 2010

A group of businessmen is to ask the auditor-general to review a decision by Queenstown Lakes District Council to sell off part of the town's airport.

Auckland International Airport bought a 24.9% stake in the airport in a secret deal earlier this month, upsetting Air New Zealand, which says increased landing fees are sure to follow.

The airline is vying for an equal stake in the airport and is due to meet Queentown Lakes District Mayor Clive Geddes on Monday to discuss the matter.

But a spokesperson for the Queenstown Community Strategic Asset Group, John Martin, wants the airport in community control and plans to write to the auditor-general about it.