Tauranga’s Island Air will receive $252,000 from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund to support fleet maintenance, helping secure the continued operation of its Tauranga–Mōtītī Island air service.

Mōtītī Island is home to about 50 residents and has no regular boat service.

The Island Air route is the only scheduled passenger and freight connection to the mainland, providing critical access for medical appointments, emergency travel, horticulture operations and grocery deliveries.

“I’m really pleased to see this funding confirmed,” Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said.

“This route is a lifeline for the people of Motiti Island. Without it, residents would be cut off from essential services and the wider Bay of Plenty. Securing the future of this air link is exactly the sort of practical support regional communities need.”

The funding for Island Air forms part of a wider government package aimed at supporting regional airlines and maintaining essential air connectivity across the country.

Three regional airlines will receive loans from the $30 million ring-fenced within the Regional Infrastructure Fund, according to Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Minister of Transport James Meager.

James Meager says Island Air is one of three regional airlines to receive loans from the $30m ring-fenced within the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Air Chathams will receive $17.2m to refinance debt, supporting routes that connect Auckland, Whakatāne, Whanganui, Kāpiti, Wellington, Christchurch, the Chatham Islands and Pitt Island. Sounds Air will receive $4.5m to upgrade its fleet and refinance debt, supporting connections between Wellington, Picton, Kāpiti, Blenheim and Nelson.

Island Air will receive $252,000 for fleet maintenance on its Tauranga–Motiti Island service.

“Regional connectivity is vital to New Zealand’s economic and social wellbeing, but the sector is under pressure, with some crucial routes at risk,” Meager said.

“Many of these airlines provide essential services and are often the most efficient way for people to access specialist health care, connect with family and do business.”

Rutherford thanked the minister for backing the funding, noting that communities like Mōtītī Island have no realistic transport alternatives.

“In places where regional airlines are the sole connection to the mainland, losing those routes would have serious consequences for residents and essential services,” the MP said.

Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, is continuing to assess applications from other airlines. The first loan under the scheme, to Golden Bay Air, was announced in February.