My Account
Auckland Council is taking a closer look at the rules and regulations around helicopter landing pads, spurred on by Councillor Mike Lee.
At the Planning, Environment and Parks committee on December 8, Cr Lee tried to table a formal resolution on the issue, but was told by chair Richard Hills that it was not the appropriate time.
Council started looking at helicopter activity for consent holders of landing pads in May.
The move came after three local boards including Waiheke tabled resolutions with different requests on helicopter activity.
Cr Lee hinted that the response from Council so far was inadequate.
“We have had a staff officer report and response. We have had an opinion piece from senior manager Megan Tyler that action was on the way, but that was in June or July last year,” Lee said.
“An officer’s report indicates these landing pads are very unpopular with local communities, especially due to the noise.”
Chief of strategy Megan Tyler said staff would report back early next year with some options which may include a plan change to the Auckland Council District Plan (Hauraki Gulf Islands Section).
In rural areas, a helipad needs a resource consent if it is for private activity that is not related to farming or rural business activity.
Council is only able to regulate take-offs and landings including noise, number of flights and the visual impacts of helipads. Overflying activity comes under Civil Aviation Authority rules.
