Whangārei Airport

Whangarei-Airport-Entrance

The Whangārei District Airport is located on Handforth Street in the suburb of Onerahi, an easy ten minute drive from the city centre.

It is jointly owned by the Ministry of Transport and Whangarei District Council, and managed by Northland Aviation.

Whangārei Airport

We have agreed in principle to support the relocation of the Northland emergency helicopter base to Whangārei District Airport.

Read further details here: 

Following submissions from the public we have set up a Noise Management Consultative committee to work between the community and council on noise matters. 

We have also established an Airport Noise Management Plan to address community concerns that could not be addressed through the District Plan process.

Airport Management Plan(PDF, 1MB)

We have set up an airport noise management committee to provide a way for community noise concerns to be considered and addressed.

The committee will include representatives from airport management, elected members and the community.

The Airport Noise Management Committee will meet at least quarterly.

Agenda and minutes

What is the purpose of the Airport Noise Management Committee?

To consider, and where appropriate make recommendations to Council on aircraft noise and any other concerns that arise from the operation and activities at Whangārei Airport.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Identify community concerns regarding aircraft noise.
  • Co-operatively formulate and propose methods and procedures to minimise noise impact on the surrounding community.
  • Act as an advisory and complaints committee and make recommendations to the airport manager concerning noise complaints.
  • Report any noise complaints with the subcommittee’s recommendations to the the Council.
  • Assist and advise the Whangārei Airport Authority concerning the dissemination of relevant information to the community.
  • Review current procedure for handling noise complaints and modify that procedure where necessary.
  • Assist the Council in the management of the adopted Noise Management Plan, which will address:
    • procedures for handling noise issues
    • noise abatement procedures
    • timely provision of aircraft noise and flight path monitoring information.
  • Monitor the results of noise level monitoring and compliance with the noise abatement procedures and the Noise Management Plan.
  • Access appropriate technical expertise and guidance as required.   

We have completed the first of a number of investigations into the future of air transport in the District.

The Whangārei Airport Strategic Study confirms that growing issues related with Civil Aviation rules, runway length, and significant costs for extending the existing runway, mean the current airport has a lifespan of only 10 to 15 years. 

Get further information on the project:

Airport Location Study