What the Govt has actually said is that they do not need to make a 'sell' decision on the Whenuapai land just yet due to the Defence Force occupying the site for a number of years to come.
They also said that there is no reason why a deal cannot be struck with the Defence Force to fly commercial planes in and out of Whenuapai.

This 'no decision' was not what IFT wanted but they can work with the offer to enter into discussions with the Defence Force for use of the Airport.

So, the Govt gets to keep its nose clean and IFT gets an opportuity to proceed with it's plans to commercialise Whenuapai.
It will be interesting to read the press over the coming days to see what develops.

Odds 40/60