Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says a proposed runway extension at Wellington airport might not be the best way to move the region forward.
Wellington City Council and Wellington International Airport Ltd are proposing a 300-metre extension to the runway, costing about $300 million.
Mr Joyce, told a public debate at Massey University on Tuesday night he's not convinced a runway extension will create massive growth for the city.
He said it might need to happen at some point, but he believes there are other things that will build the capital more aggressively and more quickly.
Mr Joyce said he is excited about the future of Wellington, but it needs to do more to attract investment.
