Tryphena Helipad Proposal Stirs Controversy

The property located at 135 Rosalie Bay Road, encompassing 9181m², was acquired by its current owner in June 2022. This site, now the subject of a proposed helipad, boasts views over Mulberry Grove, stretching towards the mainland and the Coromandel. Photo / Will Trafford

Our serene skies seem again under the spotlight due to a controversial helipad proposal for Mulberry Grove. The community's tranquility is (according to some) at risk with an application for a proposed helipad to be located at 135 Rosalie Bay Rd, sparking a heated debate as evidenced by a flurry of comments on a recent Facebook post.

Ann Sprague, initiated the discussion, voicing concerns about the potential noise pollution and its impact on the island's peaceful character. 

"The flight path as tentatively approved comes in over water then over bush and that must remain 180 to 240 m from the nearest dwelling.  Gee, that sounds like it could be darn unpleasant for current residents or those purchasing and building on sections already purchased and then discovering that they are forced to live nearly under the flight path of a helicopter" Sprague wrote.

Sprague's post triggered a range of reactions from the community, reflecting the varied opinions on the development.

Opposition to Sprague's fears came from individuals like Jono Boyd, who pointed out inaccuracies in her initial post and suggested that the actual helicopter traffic might be less than anticipated. He emphasized that the owner of the proposed helipad is not from a tourism business and that the figure of 75 flights was more a standard number for consent processes rather than a prediction of actual traffic.

Residents like Pauline Bellerby and Toni Kendall expressed their concerns, fearing the loss of the island's peaceful ambiance and advocating for "QUIET SKIES." Similarly, Dale Pennington and Denise Staples echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to preserve the island's natural allure, which attracts tourists and is vital for the local community.

"If someone wants to create a petition against this situation, I'm sure the majority of locals would sign it." wrote Paula Meijer.

Jonathan Trapski and Steve Young raised practical concerns about the necessity of a private helipad when the island already has an airport at Claris, just 13 kilometers away.

Kyle Penton and Barney Scott seemed to downplay the issue, focusing on the short duration of helicopter noise and the appeal of personal helicopter use. Paul Medland and Michelle Shellbell Hartley-Scott presented practical arguments in favor of the helipad, citing the convenience of landing closer to home and reducing congestion at the airport.

Paul Downie and John Tate provided additional perspectives on the frequency of flights and the existence of the airport. Kelly O'Toole humorously noted that if they had a helicopter, they would use it 'daily'.

The situation on the motu reflects a broader trend seen across Aotea and Waiheke islands, where more helipads have been approved despite community opposition.

On Waiheke Island, the number of approved helipad sites has risen to 51, with six more applications in progress, causing frustration among locals. Aotea has seen a similar increase, going from zero to four approved helipads, with three additional applications under consideration by council planners. These planners, however, are mostly restricted to assessing the noise impacts of such developments.

Local board chairpersons Cath Handley of Waiheke and Izzy Fordham of Aotea have voiced their concerns. Handley described the situation as "deeply disturbing," particularly regarding helipads approved near sensitive areas like the Te Matuku Marine Reserve. Fordham expressed her frustration, pointing out the oddity of multiple helipads in a single street and the feeling of losing a war of attrition against such developments.

"I mean, if you've got a short road with six properties in it, and five of them are wanting helipad, why couldn't they just go for one and share? It's kind of a little absurd." she told RNZ.

Despite caps on flight numbers per helipad, the cumulative effect of these developments on the islands' environment and lifestyle is a growing concern, most argue.

The local boards, along with Waitematā representatives, plan to continue their lobbying efforts as part of a larger push to get council planners to update guidelines applied to helipad applications, aiming for more consistency and consideration of broader impacts.