Northland Rescue Helicopter Limited relocation
Published on 14 July 2025
Council and Northland Rescue Helicopter Limited (NRHL) have recently signed a lease enabling NRHL to relocate its flight operations to Whangārei District Airport.
Council’s Planning and Development General Manager, Dominic Kula, said NRHL’s lease includes the blue hangar (which NRHL already owns) and the old Air Training Corp (ATC) building. NRHL also has an existing sub-lease for the old control tower.
While the lease is for 10 years, NHRL may leave the airport earlier if funding to build a new base at an alternative location is secured.
“There is a long history to, and a high level of local interest in Northland’s rescue helicopter service’s (formerly NEST’s) bid to operate from the airport. A legal challenge to Council’s decision-making delayed the finalisation of leases. While further proceedings have been lodged with the Environment Court by a new community group (ECHO), they relate to the airport designation (rather than the lease).
“Through the lease negotiation process, NRHL has implemented several measures to address concerns expressed about noise that their operation could generate.
“The Airport Noise Management Committee (ANMC) has been reactivated to communicate between Council, the airport management and the community.
“The committee plays a key role, identifying any noise concerns, suggesting ways to reduce noise, advising on complaints, sharing information with residents, clarifying airport activities and responsibilities, and providing easy access to information and complaint procedures.”
Mr Kula said the Airport Noise Management Plan was being updated to cover all airport noise issues, not just any caused by NRHL, and the airport is investigating cost-effective monitoring options.
“Over the next week, around 500 households near the airport will be surveyed on their views and expectations about the relocation.
Mr Kula said a separate agreement had also been signed by Council and NRHL, outlining NRHL’s commitments to reduce noise, follow noise-abatement procedures, and engage with the community and the ANMC.
Mr Kula said some activities, like maintenance and engine testing, may continue at the Kensington site. This could require a new or extended lease, although that would need to go through a Council decision-making process.
“Northlanders hold the rescue helicopter service in high regard and value the work it does for some of our most vulnerable residents. This move should ensure that service continues while NRHL continues to review options for an alternative permanent location for the service in future, subject to funding being secured.”