More than 150 residents packed into Dairy Flat Hall to have their say about the North Shore Aero Club’s proposal for Airport Authority status (HM October 14).
The meeting, on October 29, was called by the Ministry of Transport. MP Mark Mitchell, Cr Greg Sayers and local board member Louise Johnston also attended.
A group called Stop Airport Expansion brought 70 badges and soon ran out.
“The elephant in the room” – the airport’s growth plan – was tackled early by Aero Club general manager John Puncheon, who said “modest expansion”, including runway extension and more regional transport links are on the table. Its Master Plan includes capacity for 80-seater aircraft.
He said the club serves its members and the community is “a very close second”.
Residents were clear this is not good enough, when the club has a huge impact on its community.
Speakers were angry about aircraft noise as well as potential appropriation of their properties. Near neighbours say the Master Plan shows red lines through their homes.
Underlying the anger is distrust caused by the aero club’s previous interactions with residents and a lack of consultation.
Stop Airport Expansion spokesperson Brian Sutton said the airport wants to impose restrictions on the community so it can grow, when it should work with residents to keep its operations appropriate for the area. “We want you to withdraw the application, and that’s what we’ll be saying in our submissions,” he said.
Submissions close on November 9 but an extension of time goes online this week. Info and submissions: transport.govt.nz/air/airport-authority-status/north-shore-airports-application
The Aero Club’s Master Plan link
