Whakatāne mayor supports state subsidies for regional flights

Friday 24 October 2025 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 24 Oct 2025, 3:49pm

In this story Air New Zealand, Nándor Tánczos, Air Chathams, Nikhil Ravishankar

Whakatāne's mayor has expressed support for Air New Zealand's suggestion that the government provide subsidies for regional flights. Chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar proposed situational assistance during economic downturns to maintain service to smaller centres. However, Associate Transport Minister James Meager stated the airline has not formally approached the government regarding financial subsidies.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZFri 24 Oct 2025, 8:38am

   Whakatāne mayor backs Air NZ's call for state subsidies on regional flights (opens in new tab)

   • Associate Transport Minister hoses down calls for Air NZ subsidies (opens in new tab) Fri 24 Oct 2025, 3:49pm
2. Otago Daily TimesFri 24 Oct 2025, 9:45am

   Mayor backs call for state subsidised regional flights (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldFri 24 Oct 2025, 2:56pm

   Whakatāne Mayor backs Air New Zealand’s call for state subsidies on regional flights (opens in new tab)