Nelson Weekly
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Wednesday 26 October 2022
Flights offer SH6 alternative ANDREW BOARD A new air service between Nelson and Blenheim is being set up to help people get between the two regions while the main state highway connecting them is closed for repairs.
Both the Nelson and Marlborough airports have waived their landing fees for the service to help lower the costs for travellers and the Nelson Mayoral Relief Fund is kicking in $10 for each seat to make it even more affordable. The initiative comes on the back of
Waka Kotahi closing State Highway 6 between Hira and Renwick for repairs to the sections of road that were significantly damaged in August’s floods. The only other route connecting the regions is via Wairau Valley, which is likely to add another hour to each trip.
The air service has only been guaranteed for two weeks from 1 November, but will be extended for the full seven weeks if there is sufficient demand. Nelson Mayor-elect Nick Smith brokered the deal between the airports and Origin and says
around 4000 vehicles use the State Highway daily. “The greatest benefit of these flights will be less disruption to public services like health during the State Highway closure. There
SEE PAGE 2
Rollar Derby’s smashing return
Angela “Jam Tart” Middlebrook high fives teammate Jasmine “Multiple Orjas” Elliot while Gina “Eager Beaver” Holland watches on and Emma “Dilemma” Flanagan keeps an eye on play. Story on page 2. Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.
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