3-2-93 Base talks refused The RNZAF will have nothing to do with a local consortium's proposals for alternative uses of Wigram Air Base. The group's leader, Bob Davidson, this week received a letter from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal John Hosie, refusing to take part in or alow any time tor discussions with the group on the future of the base The Air Force felt it had no right to be involved in any dealing over the tuture of the base after it withdrew from it, Air Vice Marshal Hosie said The consortium will low take up its proposals vith city councillors and rezoning of the land at Wigram would be necessary atter its defence specification lapses. The land is owned by the Crown. The plan is to develop an aviation training centre 'Seam THE consortium of civil aviation interests keen to develop the Wigram air base as an aviation centre will seek the help of the Christchurch City Council in making a "seamless" transition from Royal New Zealand Air Force to civilian usage. The Wigram Corporation wants the council to form a steering committee io oversee changes in the zoning of the Wigram land, at present desig nated for defence use, but not automatically permitting aviation use if the RNZAF leaves. The Mayor, Ms Vicki Buck, understands that the Air Force will soon formally announce that it is closing Wings 'face final call What may be Wigram's final Wings and Wheels pageant is scheduled for March 14. The event, a combination of classic cars, old planes, and Royal New Lealand Air Force air power, has been an annual fixture for more than a decade, but its future hangs on whether the air force decides to close Wigram. This year's display has been confirmed, but with the RNZAF decision to shift flying training to Ohakea by July, the base is likely to be closed for flying operations soon after. The Wings and Wheels day is a fundraising event to benefit the Air Force Museum and the Lifeline organisation. Members of the Country Gentlemen's Car Club will give their vehicles a run around the track, while the flying programme includes civilian and military aircraft. Classic wartime aircraft from the Alpine Fighter Collection's stable at Wanaka will be among the star attractions on the day. They include a torpedo bomber, fighter, and a fly Japanese Zero • fight RNZAF displays and Skyhawk jets, aerobatic team, Andover, and Iroqu and the Kiwi Blue Grumman Avenger a P40 Kittynawk ing replica of the ter. include Aermacchi the Red Checkers Hercules, Orion, ois handling displays, parachute team. 10-2-93 less' transition By DAVE WILSON the base, and transferring its remaining functions to Woodbourne and Ohakea. The council was keen . to retain Wigram as a complete entity, rather than see it disposed of piecemeal, she said yesterday. Mr Bob Davidson, who heads the Wigram Consortium, said it was essential that the 247ha site, the birthplace of military flying in New Zealand, was retained and not subdivided and sold. The consortium, which last year proposed a joint civilian/military use of Wigram, is now proceeding with its plans in the belief that the RNZAF is committed to leaving the base. Mr Davidson said the consortium in January asked the Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Somerford Teagle, for a legally binding undertaking that Defence would not consider any other proposal for the use of the base, or to sell or lease it to another party for one year. In the event that Defence wanted to seil the base, the consortium. was ready to respond immediately with a realistic offer. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice for W Marshal John Hosie, responding to that approach, said the RNZAF could not be a party to such a request. Air Vice Marshal Hosie said if the base was closed, the disposal process for the Crown Land was determined by the provisions of the Public Works Act. "It is not possible to predict when the land and buildings might be available for purchase, or even if they will be made available" he said in a letter to Mr Davidson. "He has thrown the ball to the city council" Mr Davidson said, adding that Air Vice Marshai Hosie had indicated any future use of the facilities at Wigram would be deter- igram mined by commerciai interests in Canterbury, in consultation with the city council. The consortium has a proposal for an integrated civil aviation centre at Wigram, involving flight and aviation industry-related training, a tourist flying venture, aviation electronics training and maintenance ventures. Parties in the Wigram Consortium include NZ Charters, (Mr Davidson's company), NZ Post, Canterbury Aero Club, Lincoln University, Brazier Aviation, Garden City Helicopters, Akarana Aviation (which has associations with the Piper Aircraft Corporation in America, the Sir George Seymour College and Aviation Associates.