In the last few weeks, you will have likely heard the uproar about the granting of a consent for a helicopter pad in Westmere.
I have been a firm advocate for those who oppose this decision and I wanted to elaborate on why.
I do not believe that in a growing city we should allow those with enough money to subject everyone else living nearby to the effects of their private helicopter usage unless there is a very compelling reason. I have more sympathy for those who argue it is good for their business than I do for those who simply want the convenience of a door-to-door helicopter when they could use any other means of transportation or a different helipad!
Before the decision to grant the consent was made, I ran a public meeting on the proposal. The overwhelming opposition was clear, both from nearby residents and others who do not want private property rights to undermine our collective values and interests. I submitted in opposition, as did over 1300 of the 1400 who submitted. The outcome was a rejection of the views of our community. Since the decision was made, I have continued to support the majority of residents who do not believe this is a fair or right outcome. I spoke at a recent public meeting alongside my local government colleague, Alex Bonham.
In our city, it isn’t right that a few who want private access to our sky should be able to diminish neighbours’ quiet enjoyment of their homes. Furthermore, it’s important that the will of the community is respected. Many people have highlighted that this decision has exposed a flaw in our resource management process, which is something I am following up.
Quiet Sky Waitematā has worked hard to protect the interests of its community. The worst aspect of a process that relies on litigation is that those with deep pockets have a direct and practical advantage and usually end up with what they want. As a former lawyer, it troubles me deeply that we rely on a system which ignores the reality of the cost of legal fees. Quiet Sky has done well to highlight that cities like New York and Paris do not allow private helicopter usage.
I have been thinking a lot about what true respect for ‘localism' means. Until recently, the National Party talked a big game about giving locals more power. Here is an opportunity for the National Party to put their money where their mouth is and back local decision making.
I am also concerned that the Government’s Regulatory Standards Bill might mean that anything done to take away such consents in the future could give rise to a right of compensation for a property right being taken away. Just considering that would likely cause a chilling effect, potentially taking such a ban off the table due to the costs of compensation.
Finally, I want to say I am greatly relieved to see the 99-year lease at Western Springs (where the Ponsonby Rugby Club is the current occupant) is off the table. In last month’s Ponsonby News, I wrote about my concern that we were going down a pathway of privatisation by stealth by contracting out our hospital services and leasing out land at Western Springs for 99 years, rather than facing up to the reality that we needed to pay for public services if we want them. Green space and quiet enjoyment are very important in our growing city.
We do not have enough sports fields for kids as it is – as I said last issue, it is at the grassroots sports level that we need to focus. I recently questioned the Minister for Sport and Recreation. During that exchange, our select committee agreed that investing in team sports is one of the most cost-effective ways to support young people. It is ironic that the Government, which claims to focus on value, ignores this when funding expensive and less-effective boot camps.(Helen White)
helen.white@parliament.govt.nz www.labour.org.nz/our-team/helen-white
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