In a letter exclusively seen by the Barrier Times, Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop has delivered a decision that may be seen as a dual blow for Great Barrier Island, Waiheke, and mainland Auckland residents.
The Minister has officially rejected a proposed ban on private helipads in residential areas while approving new rules that make it harder for remote property owners to secure landing rights. Writing to Councillor Mike Lee on 24 April 2026, Bishop confirmed he has approved Auckland Council’s plan modification application only in part.
The Minister explicitly blocked the council’s attempt to make residential helipads a prohibited activity across the region. Bishop stated that the part of the plan modification that introduces a prohibited activity rule is not approved to continue. He argued that a total ban is “overly restrictive and removes any consenting pathway for applicants who may wish to develop a helipad on their property”.
This decision ensures the door remains open for new helipad applications in settlement areas on Aotea and Waiheke, as well as mainland zones like Westmere. Bishop noted that he refused to remove the current restricted discretionary activity rule because it would leave a “gap within the consenting framework”. The ruling protects the ability of high-profile applicants to seek permits despite the council’s July 2025 vote for a blanket prohibition.
The original proposed ban was spurred on by a July 2025 decision granting former All Black Ali Williams and toy billionaire Anna Mowbray a helipad at their Westmere compound, after commissioners ruled helicopters are inherently associated with residential land use.
While residential developers keep their pathway, the Minister approved measures targeting remote and coastal areas. He signed off on provisions that help “improve clarity and provide a more coherent framework for managing helipad activities in sensitive environments in the Hauraki Gulf”. This allows for a closer alignment between the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan and the Auckland Unitary Plan.
For residents relying on helicopters as vital infrastructure for remote properties, this framework introduces stricter management tools. The approved changes add vibration as a formal matter of discretion and require applications to be assessed against the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. This creates a higher bar for those outside residential zones to prove their landing pads will not disturb the natural character of the coastline.
The Minister also approved protections for specific Māori heritage sites. Any new application in these areas must now account for the spiritual and cultural impact on these designated locations.
The decision follows months of tension and threats of legal action from Councillor Mike Lee, who previously warned that the delay was creating a huge confusing muddle. Lee has criticized the government for prioritizing the property rights of a privileged few and well-to-do newcomers over the rights of long-standing residents to the peaceful enjoyment of their homes.
In the letter, Bishop acknowledged the “concern around the increase in consented helipads in residential areas on Aotea/Great Barrier Island as well as on Waiheke Island”. However, his ruling ensures the residential consenting pathway stays open while the rules for the rest of the islands become significantly more complex.
Great Barrier Local Board Chair Izzy Fordham told the Barrier Times the decision was “a very disappointing outcome,” adding that the board “will catch up with” Councillor Lee to “discuss any further steps.”
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Absolute [removed by moderator]. Did we expect anything more from these [removed by moderator]?
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