Auckland councillors will soon consider a move to ban private helipads in residential areas across Auckland, including Aotea / Great Barrier Island and Waiheke. Waitematā and Gulf councillor Mike Lee, whose ward covers the entire Hauraki Gulf, is bringing two notices of motion to the Policy and Planning Committee meeting on July 24.
Lee told NZME that treating helipads as no different from garages or bike sheds under the Unitary Plan is “a damaging, socially destabilising outcome for the community” and risks the council’s reputation. His motion seeks to reclassify helipads as a prohibited activity in residential zones under both the Auckland Unitary Plan and the Hauraki Gulf Islands section of the District Plan.
This political push comes in tandem with the separate but aligned Plan Modification 16 (PM16) process, which seeks to impose tighter restrictions on helipads across the Gulf islands through new planning rules. Critics argue the two moves represent a coordinated campaign to shut down helicopter access under the guise of environmental and noise concerns—despite significant differences between islands like Aotea and Waiheke.
Lee’s new bid follows a decision last month allowing a helipad at the $24 million Westmere property of Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray. The independent hearings panel ruled that helicopter flights from residential properties were permitted as long as they met noise limits—a finding Lee described as effectively deregulating helipads.
During the application for a helipad at Rosalie Bay on Aotea in 2024, AoteaGBI.news sought informal community feedback. The majority of respondents supported the helipad. Local board chair Izzy Fordham later told RNZ she was uncomfortable with the growing number of helipads but acknowledged they are “vital” for some remote landowners.
There are approximately 60 helipads on Waiheke, 11 on Aotea / Great Barrier Island, and just four in the city’s western bays.
Lee’s latest push follows his previous failed attempt in March 2024, when councillors voted 10–8 against a similar motion to prohibit helipads across the city, Waiheke, and Aotea.
