Chinese Government pledges NZ $3.9 million grant to fund the Atiu Airport Upgrade Project

In 2016, the Chinese Government was considering funding the NZ $3.9 million Atiu Airport Upgrade Project. It is the intention of the Government of the Cook Islands to expand the tourism industry in the Outer Islands, including the island of Atiu in the Southern Group. The local airline has previously operated the Saab 340 to the Atiu aerodrome during peak demand but has since ceased operating this aircraft at the aerodrome due to the poor condition of the runway. To restore the service, the aerodrome would require certification under the rules of NZ CAA Part 139 for operations by Saab 340. The Government of the Cook Islands seeks to lower the cost of travel to the islands and increase tourism to Pa Enua (the Outer Islands). The Atiu Airport runway is currently undergoing critical repair work to ensure flights to and from Atiu remain operational. The project scope also involves the construction of a cargo shed. ICI reports that this project will be completed between 2019-20. The total estimated cost of the project is NZ$4,765,000. The coordinates are -19.997864, -158.107385.

Additional details

There was no funding was committed in 2013/14 (see page 21 of "Cook Islands Government Budget Estimates 2014/2015 Book 3 Capital Plan"), or 2015/16 (see page 202 of "Cook Islands Government Budget Estimates 2016/2017"), which also mentions that the project was deferred (see page 111). "Cook Islands Government Budget Estimates 2016/2017," says the grant is expected in the 2018/2019 fiscal year, however "Cook Islands Government Budget Estimates 2017/2018 Book 1," still lists the project as deferred, and "Cook Islands Government Budget Estimates 2019/20 Book 1," does not mention the project, while "Cook Islands Government Budget Estimates 2019/20 Book 2," mentions the 2019/2020 budget will include drafting design documents (see page 116). Since no official commitment or disbursement of financing has been recorded, this project has been coded as a pledge.

Number of official sources

9

Number of total sources

10