Short-term lease extended for rescue helicopter maintenance facility

Published on 04 March 2026

We have approved a short‑term extension to Northern Rescue Helicopter Limited’s (NRHL) lease at Kensington Park.

The extension allows NRHL to continue using the hangar for essential heavy maintenance on its rescue helicopter fleet.

Although NRHL moved most operational activity to Onerahi Airport in 2025, the Kensington hangar remains important for scheduled maintenance that keeps the rescue helicopters ready to respond across Northland.

Council has approved a one‑year extension with two optional one‑year renewals.

This provides continuity for critical emergency services while maintaining flexibility as Council continues work on the Kensington Park Reserve Management Plan.

NRHL will continue operating under its established noise‑mitigation procedures, including limiting engine ground testing to daytime hours and following Fly Neighbourly guidelines to reduce impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods.