We have put together a series of FAQs to help answer questions the public may have.
Why is Northland Rescue Helicopter Limited (NRHL) moving to Whangārei Airport?
There are issues with the current Kensington base, such as a lack of space, having to take off and land next to busy sportsfields, as well as concerns from the community about noise.
Whangārei Airport is designated for aviation activities and NRHL can meet civil aviation flying regulations in almost all weather conditions, which is a priority for a rescue service.
NHRL requires their base to be close to Whangārei Hospital, have clear approach and departure paths, offer good operational safety for crew and the public, and comply with civil aviation regulations.
Why can’t NRHL move to a non-residential area?
Over the past two years, NRHL has looked at a number of alternative base sites around Whangārei and considered the criteria for establishing a safe and efficient base for operations.
They considered other sites in both semi-rural and industrial areas of Whangārei, including having on-site discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority, but there were drawbacks with each of the other sites.
Whangārei Airport offered the best operational compliance of all the sites considered.
Where will the NRHL base be located at the airport?
We are assessing different locations at the airport to find one that best meets the operational needs of NEST while minimising noise for residents.
Does Whangārei Airport zoning allow for NRHL to operate there?
Yes, Whangārei Airport is designated as an airport with the planning framework allowing for this activity.
How many flights a day will there be?
On average, NRHL flies three missions in a 24-hour period and about one-third of the flights are at night.
Will training take place at the airport?
NRHL will be moving as much of the training as possible away from the airport and will avoid flight training activities, except for transit to and from the airport.
Doesn’t this just move a noise problem from one community to another?
This will shift the activity to a designated airport. However, NRHL will be looking at what initiatives they can employ at the airport with design and procedures to reduce noise and emissions.
For example, their Fly Neighbourly programme looks to find ways to reduce noise and emissions without compromising safety or effectiveness.
How will NHRL reduce disruption for neighbours?
NHRL has agreed to:
- Consider the noise concerns of nearby residents.
- Reduce noise as much as possible.
- Avoid flight training activities, except for flying to and from the airport.
- Maintain a Fly Neighbourly Programme and review it every year with the Council’s Airport Noise Management Committee.
- Choose quieter aircraft when replacing old ones.
- Create a procedure for late-night ground runs in emergencies.
- Follow all noise reduction procedures whenever possible.
- Follow any Airport Noise Management Plan (ANMP) for maintenance and testing whenever possible.
- Comply with all laws and regulations, especially those about noise.
- Work in good faith with the Council and the Airport Noise Management Committee (ANMC).
What is a Fly Neighbourly programme?
Fly Neighbourly is an operational plan aimed at minimising noise impact on residents. Under the plan, NRHL will ensure:
- The service operates according to the programme and the approved Airport Noise Management Plan whenever possible.
- Pilots are trained on the programme and any approved or updated Airport Noise Management Plan every year.
- Staff follow the programme and approved or updated Airport Noise Management Plans.
- Training is conducted away from the airport, except for necessary flights to and from the airport.
- Simulated aircraft malfunctions during these flights do not affect the standard flight path or time.
- Training instrument approaches will be kept at least 0.5 nautical miles away from the shoreline unless landing on the runway.
Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
NRHL, the Council and the ANMC will:
- Regularly review the ANMP and the programme to ensure compliance and make necessary adjustments to reduce noise pollution in Onerahi.
- Work together to to update the ANMP annually.
NRHL can operate a maximum of two aircraft, with one additional backup aircraft.
What is Council’s role within this?
Whangārei District Airport is a joint venture between the Ministry of Transport and Whangarei District Council, and operates as a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO).
The CCO contracts Northland Aviation Limited to manage the airport on its behalf. Council has approved in principal a lease for NEST at the airport, and has a separate role in regulating compliance with the District Plan.
What is going to happen to the current Kensington park base?
It will be used for recreation, possibly to extend hockey facilities or be turned into open space for the community.
Will the ambulance service also be relocating to the airport?
No. A shift of ambulance services is not planned under this proposal.