Independent commissioners have made a total about turn on the council planner’s recommendation to decline this application. Initially found to be a non-complying activity with more than minor adverse effects on a range of counts: ecology, trees, recreational amenity, public safety and noise, the commissioners found instead, that use of a private helicopter is an inherently residential activity, like a car, and can be permitted, subject only to complying with AUP noise standards. In a single move, all other considerations have been deemed irrelevant. What might this mean for residential suburbs?
The Rawene Avenue decision suggests new absurdly permissive controls for private helicopters will become the norm. It may lead to them coming and going from residential properties with no consent required. The burden of proving compliance with the noise rules will fall to neighbours who will have to monitor helicopter movements, their frequency, timing and noise levels – but how do they do this?
Noise conditions are notoriously complex to measure. Current standards rule a maximum decibel level and an averaged decibel level over seven days. This averaging controls the number of flights per week to meet the noise standard. How is this compliance established if no consent is required? And how can the neighbourhood be expected to measure such things and why should they have to? In other contexts, eg, loud parties and barking dogs, the only recourse neighbours have is to file a complaint through council’s compliance and monitoring team. Monitoring helicopters would place an intolerable burden on the community.
If helicopters are to be likened to other residential transport modes, what is the regulatory framework that ensures good behaviour? Vehicular road traffic has recognised infrastructure, a road code and a considerable team of traffic police who monitor and enforce it! Are the commissioners really proposing that council’s painfully under-resourced compliance and monitoring team could effectively manage this permissive new environment for helicopters in residential suburbs?
Through a dubious logic, the controversial conclusion reached at 38 Rawene Avenue may lead to unintended consequences with far-reaching effects. Is this the city we want or the Wild West?
If you feel strongly on this issue, please send your thoughts to Auckland Council Planner John.duguid@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and Director of Policy Planning and Governance megan.tyler@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Jeanette Budgett, Quiet Sky Waitematā
Here is a view of Herne Bay cliffs from Piper Point roost with Scout Hall in background. South Pied oystercatcher and Variable oystercatchers on roost.
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