Govt pledge on Cooks air service

Press, 25 November 1982, Page 22

Govt pledge on Cooks air service

PA Wellington Cook Islanders have been told by the Government that future tariff increases on the air service to Rarotonga should be kept to a minimum. The assurance has come after a visit to New Zealand by the Cooks Minister for Economic Development, Mr Vincent Ingram. Mr Ingram expressed concern about schedules and fare rises on the Air New Zealand service. The Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr Gair, said that the “uncertainties” were “now behind us.”

“With costs kept under scrutiny, I am sure the need for future tariff increases can be kept to a minimum,” said Mr Gair.

Improvements in Air New Zealand's profitability, recently announced by its chief executive, Mr Norman Geary, signalled confidence in the future.

Mr Geary had attended a meeting with Mr Gair and Mr Ingram. Mr Gair described the present fare rises as "a catchup.” The two Ministers have appealed for a positive approach from Cook Islands exporters and the New Zealand travel industry to capitalise on the Boeing 747 service to Rarotonga. “Mr Ingram and I are of one mind in saying that full realisation of the potential of the service will depend on their enthusiasm,” said Mr Gair. .