WIAL and the 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.
But this unique location in the centre of a residential area inevitably poses challenges. The most significant environmental issue at Wellington International Airport is aircraft noise.
WIAL 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 contains procedures for the monitoring of noise and complaints and the resolution of disputes, among other things.
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.
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.