Environment

Few cities in the world can boast an airport location as convenient as that enjoyed by Wellington. It is only minutes to the centre of the capital and accessible either via a scenic coastal drive, or directly through the Mount Victoria tunnel. Being situated in this unique location in the centre of a residential area inevitably poses challenges.

Air Noise

Wellington Airport has a duty to manage its noise levels responsibly. The Wellington City Council District Plan sets out our responsibilities in operating and developing Wellington Airport.

The District Plan sets out the Airport Area Rules, which:

  • Govern the total noise for aircraft movements at Wellington Airport
  • Control hours of flight with a curfew in place (from midnight to 6am for domestic flights and international departures, and from 1.00am to 6.00am for international arrivals, with some exemptions)
  • Control engine testing and other land-based activities.

Also, an Air Noise Management Committee oversees the ongoing development of a Noise Management Plan, an additional instrument for the management of aircraft noise and noise disputes.

A noise monitoring system established at 3 sites around the airport allows detailed ongoing monitoring or aircraft noise and assessment of whether the total noise generated is within the ‘quota’ set by the District Plan. The Airport comfortably complies with this requirement.

Wellington Air Noise Management Committee

The Wellington Air Noise Management Committee (ANC) is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Noise Management and District Plans. It meets on average once every two months.

Representatives on the committee include WIAL, WCC, New Zealand Defence Force, Airways Corporation and local aircraft operators. There are four resident representatives, and an acoustic expert elected to provide technical advice to the residents.

If you would like to speak to a resident representative or anyone else on the Committee, please contact Mike Brown at WIAL in the first instance, and he can direct you to a resident representative.

Email: Mike.Brown@wellingtonairport.co.nz

Phone: (04) 385 5153