Wellington International Airport should have consulted with the community about the DMAPs flight path change. It did not. Find out more - visit tinyurl.com/PlaneSenseFAQ1. This time it’s our community. Next time it could be yours. More in the comments.
The affected residents have always had a legitimate expectation that Wellington International Airport, having public law responsibilities, would carry out such consultation prior to any proposal to divert aircraft over their suburbs. The consultation now offered was required by law prior to development of the DMAPS concept.
Looking through Airways New Zealand OIA documents Plane Sense received, we found references to community consultation as long ago as November 2021, but alongside that was mention that the local community could be a "roadblock", suggestions that "impact frequently comes down to perception, influenced by publicity", and "Airways would like this implemented in December this year. We (Wellington Airport) therefore need this work reasonably quickly!" Even the Airnoise Committee meeting minutes don't reference the DMAPs flight path change until March 2023, after implementation. The first communication went up on the Wellington Airport website on 20 December 2022, a day after the first known complaint was made.
Understandably, residents are angry about the lack of courtesy, consistency, professionalism and regard for our community and affected individuals. We believe the organisations have been cavalier with residents' health and well-being.
Plane Sense is holding Wellington International Airport, Airways New Zealand, Civil Aviation Authority of NZ and Wellington City Council (as a shareholder) to account for a change that happened over the northern suburbs on 1 December 2022. As well as significant legal issues, there are public health and safety concerns for residents and our local environment. Plane Sense is fundraising to commence a judicial review. Have questions? Find out more and support us today - planesensewellington.com/faqs
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.8% A week before Christmas
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33% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83% Yes
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14.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below