25 - 5-94 Task force optimistic on future of Wi By Lois Watso A Government-appointment task force is very optimistic Wigram air base will be retained and developed for civilian purposes, according to Christchurch's deputy mayor, Morgan Fahey. Dr Fahev, who sits on the task force set up to look at future uses for Wigram, said there was a wide scope for the full development of Wigram in some form or another. More than 40 proposals from individuals and groups have been received by the task force on the future use of Wigram and all proposais are being investigated. The proposals were called for following ; the Defence Force's decision to sell the base once Wigram closes in December 1995. Studies No pre-emptive steps from the disposal of Wigram can be taken until the task force has completed its studies and reports to the Government on alternative uses for the base. Dr Fahey said preliminary results should be available by the end of next month. Morgan Fahey . . more than 40 proposals being investigated. gram In the meantime, the task force is meeting weekly to assess the financial value of the air base and Its development potential. Ur Fahey said there were a number of aviational and recreational uses proposed for the base which could be economically viable, however no decision could be reached until the true value of Wigram had been determined. He said he could not comment on the value of the air base. Dr Fahey said the proposals being considered by the task force were in line with its policy not to foster proposals that would be in competition with Christchurch Airple are confident that nothing that has been put forward is in conflict with the airport," Dr Fahey said He said the task force had not decided whether an option or a combination of options was the most viable alternative for the development of Wigram. Ngai Tahu Dr Fahey said the task force had seen having ongoing talks with Vgai Tahu over the future of the base, which if sold must be otfered back to the original own- Trevor Howse, the manager of crown surplus Tahu, said the tribe would interested in the land if studies showed Wigram had the potential to be ertechvely developed. However Mr Howse said Ngai Tahu's involvement at this stage was unofficial and would remain so until the Defence Department moved to sell the land. "At the moment we are just an interested party that is looking to protect its interests, if in fact we decide we are interested in the land." Mr Howse said. 22-10 - 94 Wigram centre b sports id alive by Peter Mathias The Minister of Sport, J to develop a national spor Wigram air base. A spokeswoman for h prepared to meet Christchi discuss the idea. Cr Buist r: ohn Banks, has not ruled out plan ts coaching and training centre a is office said yesterday he was urch city councillor David Buist to aised the proposal in a letter to Mr Banks last week. Earlier, the Minister appeared when he issued a press stateme beyond New Zealand's financial r effective to target funding at programmes rather than spend it The RNZAF is pulling out of th to have squashed the idea ent saying the centre was means. He said it was more high-performance athlete t on bricks and mortar. he 247ha base at the end of next year to consolid around Woodbourne. Cr Buist said ye attractive because it i international-standar ate its training and support functions esterday the Wigram proposal was utilised an extensive range of existing a facilities. Some modifications might be needed, but these would c The city also boasted top-c and was home to leading spo Cr Buist said he hoped to speli out his plan. Althoug considered by the council, cost $2 million at the most. class sports medicine specialists rts coaches. meet Mr Banks next week to in the proposal has not been he is confident it will have widespread support. Mr Banks's statement said a 1992 Government-funded coaching research group had said one institute based in one city would not best serve the r It recommended upgrading e as a more convenient and co high-performance coaching in The Hillary Commission ado and this year invested $875 grammes. The national governi the venue for its programme. needs of all sports. existing coaching programmes st-effective way of assisting individual sports. opted these recommendations ,000 in eight academy proing body for each sport chose