Editorial: Helicopter pads should be limited in built-up areas

The views from a helicopter are much easier on the eye than travelling by motorway. Photo / Richard Robinson, File

EDITORIAL

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger spoke out this week on the growing inequality in New Zealand where "some are getting obscenely rich and others are going to food kitchens".

If any more evidence was needed, one only need look to the skies at the steady stream of helicopters hoving into view.

Auckland Council is currently considering consent applications from consultants employed by the owners of a Korora Rd property near Oneroa and a more remote site on Cowes Bay Rd. These follow similar requests from the owners of a Gordons Rd property near Kennedy Point and the Obsidian vineyard.

Westmere residents Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray also want a helicopter landing and takeoff pad at their home.

With running costs of about $440 per hour for a two-seater helicopter or $730 per hour for a larger craft, these are not travel options for all New Zealanders and those who do choose to fly about like this may well feel opposition is at least partly motivated by envy.

But the nuisance of noise, rotor wash, fumes and loss of privacy cannot so readily be dismissed, not to mention the impact on climate.

As things stand, precedence has been set in permitting private helipads and new applicants may be justified in expecting the same. Authorities are now faced with angry opposition groups and the threat of litigious applicants seeking consistency on consents.

A way forward is to limit the number in each area and to consider the distance to available heliports. Common sense must prevail in preserving the lifestyles and sanity of the not so rich or famous.