Lakes District Air Rescue Trust chairman Jules Tapper opposed the proposal made by Air New Zealand and Remarkables Park Ltd in the Environment Court last week and again yesterday, saying it was unwarranted, unappreciated and a basic distraction from the real issue, a land battle.

General aviation had occupied the airport since the 1940s and Mr Tapper said the tactics used by counsel for both parties were wrong.

"It's almost intimidating. A lot of people are scared to speak out."

"They're saying all general aviation should bugger off. It's a red herring and they've thrown it in there just to stir things up."

The Queenstown Airport Corporation wants to extend its aerodrome designation 19.1ha to cope with forecast growth.

Flight School

Mr Tapper supported the proposal, saying if the land was secured, general aviation would be moved north of the runway and could stay on site.

Aviation Colleges

Queenstown Airport Chief executive Scott Paterson said he though it was wrong small operators should be forced to relocate. The airport company had an obligation to all operators.

He was confident a solution could be found involving gaining "lot 6" land, from Remarkables Park Ltd.

Mr Tapper, who has flown from Queenstown airport for more than 50 years, said the general aviation group was part of the attraction for visitors coming in to Queenstown and complemented airlines' services.