Raggamuffin stayed within decibel limits

Kiwi band House of Shem playing at last week's Raggamuffin. The council received 39 noise complaints regarding the event this year. Photo/File

Noise restrictions may not have been breached at Raggamuffin this year, despite members of the public thinking it was a louder concert than in previous years.

However, the Rotorua District Council received more Raggamuffin-related noise complaints this year compared with past concerts, and are yet to compile a full noise-related report from the event.

The council received 19 noise complaints on Friday night and 20 on the Saturday.

This was well up on the 11 complaints received in 2010, nine in 2011, 12 in 2012 and just five in 2013.

Events & Venues general manager Peter McLeod said the unusually strong south westerly winds experienced on the weekend appeared to have resulted in noise levels affecting people further afield this year.

"However, there were no sound level adjustments ordered for Saturday over that of Friday.

"The impression of what appears to have been different sound levels at varying times was most probably the result of changing atmospheric conditions on the day and the prevailing winds in particular."

He said the resource consent for the concert allowed for a consistent 90db (decibel) sound reading with peaks to 95db.

"Stadium management monitored sound levels at the stadium and are currently awaiting the detailed report to see whether this was complied with. The report will provide readings taken at two-minute intervals throughout the show," Mr McLeod said.

Comments from Rotorua residents made on the Rotorua Daily Post Facebook page revealed most people were not bothered by the music with many saying they could put up with it for one weekend of the year.

Some said they enjoyed hearing the music, there were even some who said it was not loud enough.

"Nothing to complain about. I think people should appreciate that it's only once a year and incident free, just reggae buffs having a good time," said one reader.

But not everyone was happy. Another said it "was far too loud if you hear it all day long and night. [I was] In western heights and by the end had headaches. If I play my sounds that loud I have noise control on my doorstep."