Auckland councillors will soon consider a move to ban private helipads in residential areas across Auckland. 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. 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.
Lee’s proposal follows the approval of a private helipad at the $24 million Westmere property of Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray, which opponents say exposes regulatory gaps.
The hearings panel decision found that helicopter flights from residential properties were permitted as long as they met noise rules, a ruling Lee described as effectively deregulating helipads. Lee has long opposed the spread of helipads, including on the Gulf islands.
During the application for a helipad at Rosalie Bay in 2024, AoteaGBI.news sought community feedback. The majority of respondents supported the helipad. Local board chair Izzy Fordham told RNZ she is uncomfortable with the increasing number of helipads being approved on the island but acknowledged that for some landowners helipads are vital.
There are 60 helipads on Waiheke, and 11 on Great Barrier Island (Aotea) and four in the city’s western bays.
Lee’s latest push follows an earlier attempt last year, when councillors narrowly voted 10–8 against his bid to prohibit helipads in residential zones across the city, Waiheke and Great Barrier Island (Aotea).
