Ask Phoebe: Radar dome on the hill keeps pilots and controllers talking

The dome on the Waitakere Ranges is one of six in NZ used by Air Traffic Control. Photo / Supplied

What is the structure in the photo, which I took in Scenic Drive, looking towards Waiatarua? The dome is a little north of the TV mast in the Waitakere Ranges. Paul Hafner, Titirangi.

It's one dome you shouldn't take to with your sickle. The metal dome contains a secondary surveillance radar (SSR) antenna. This SSR is one of six spread throughout New Zealand to give Air Traffic Control the position and height of any aircraft within a range of 463km.

The dome is on a peak called Ruaotewhenua, which at 440m is one of the highest points in the Waitakere Ranges. It also houses VHF radio equipment, enabling air traffic controllers to speak to pilots.

The site in the Waitakeres is part of a series of networks of radio navigation aids, radar and communication systems throughout the country owned and maintained by Airways New Zealand. These networks enable communications between air traffic controllers in control towers, the radar centre in Christchurch or the Oceanic Control Centre in Auckland and pilots. Airways controls just over 1 million aircraft movements into and around New Zealand airspace every year.

I have not seen or heard any mention of how the leaky home liability will be spread around Super City ratepayers. Proportionately Auckland city has by far the largest liability. Can you please ascertain from the transition agency what the thinking is on this matter? Lindsay Campbell, Manurewa.

Because of my tardiness in responding to this question, it is now a matter for Auckland Council rather than the transition agency.

The new council will manage all claims for properties with weathertightness issues that were formerly under the jurisdiction of the other councils.

In May, the Government set up a new scheme under which the council will pay 25 per cent of the costs relating to weathertightness problems, the Government 25 per cent, and the homeowner the balance.

We do not have a flag for the new city yet. Despite my inquiries and attempts by our flag supplier, all we have been able to get is a private design for the council. When will there be an official Auckland Council flag that ratepayers can fly? Don Thomas, Auckland.

I think it's one of those things on the list that hasn't been dealt with yet. At this stage the council flies the flag bearing its logo, which features a pohutukawa flower, and I've noticed that this rather fetching symbol is now on council vehicles. When there is a new flag, with a coat of arms or whatever is deemed appropriate, I'll let you know.

Who will be the town crier for the Auckland Super City? Waitakere had a super fellow - will he become the Town Crier for whole area? Philip McFarlane, Waitakere.

Again, it's one of those things still on the to-do list for the new council. If, indeed, we are to have a town crier.