PHOTO: Anna Mowbray. TRADE WINDOW
Helipad Proposal Near Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour to Be Publicly Notified After Neighbour Outcry
A multimillionaire couple’s application for a private helipad near Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour is set to be “publicly notified” following strong opposition from their neighbours. The move means that residents and other concerned parties will now have the chance to voice their objections at a formal public hearing.
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In April, Anna Mowbray, co-founder of the toy company Zuru, and former All Black Ali Williams, submitted a revised application to construct a helipad at their property on Rawene Ave in Westmere. Their proposal requested the consent be approved without a public hearing, supported by their own environmental impact assessments.
The newly built house on Rawene Avenue. Photo: RNZ/Maia Ingoe
Neighbours’ Concerns Spark Public Notification
The proposal met immediate resistance from neighbours, many of whom are part of the group Quiet Sky Waitematā. They raised concerns about the impact on the local environment and community safety. Key issues included the potential disruption to Cox’s Bay users, and the effect on native birds that roost near the headland of the couple’s property.
Mowbray and Williams’ revised application stated that flights would only occur between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and would be scheduled around low tide to minimize disturbances to the birds. However, the neighbours were not satisfied with these provisions.
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Environmental Impact and Public Hearing
In a decision issued by Duty Commissioner Mark Farnsworth last week, it was determined that the helipad would have “more than minor” adverse effects on both the environment and neighbouring properties. As a result, the application will be publicly notified, allowing the public to express their opinions at a hearing.
Farnsworth noted the potential risk of accidental flights during bird roosting periods and questioned the practicality of the applicants’ proposed flight schedule. He also highlighted concerns about the noise and lighting from helicopter operations, which could cause continuous disturbances for both wildlife and the local community.
Additionally, Farnsworth pointed out the uncertain impact on the health of the pohutukawa trees that border the bay, as the effect of helicopter activity on the trees had not been fully assessed.
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A Victory for the Community
Elena Keith, a spokesperson for Quiet Sky Waitematā, expressed her satisfaction with the decision, stating that it gives community members the opportunity to have their concerns heard. Over 100 letters have been sent to the council since the application was first made in 2021, underscoring the depth of opposition.
Keith emphasized that the helipad’s location could jeopardize the safety of recreational users in Cox’s Bay, including kayakers, paddleboarders, and walkers during low tide. She also stressed that the issue is not limited to wildlife but affects the broader community.
Next Steps for the Helipad Application
With the public hearing now set, Mowbray and Williams must decide whether to continue with their application, knowing the cost of the hearing will come from their own pockets.
RNZ has reached out to the couple’s representative for comment.
SOURCE: RNZ