Nelson Airport Accepts Runway Recommendations

Thursday, 27 February 2025, 10:07 pm
Article: Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson Airport's new chief executive says he wants to have "a strong social connection with community" as they push ahead with contentious plans to extend the runway.

The airport decided on its a notice of requirement on Monday, accepting in full the December recommendations made by the independent commissioners who oversaw the hearing for the plan.

The notice of requirement which designates the land required for an extension of the runway, updates the airport’s noise contours, and imposes height restrictions on obstacles near the airport.

Chief executive Brendan Cook said the airport’s decision protected the long-term future of the airport and that the extension is still slated for 10-15 years’ time.

The airport’s current runway is 1347 metres long and is within the shortest 2 per cent of runways internationally catering for ATR aircraft.

Extending the runway to 1510 metres is expected to better cater for next-generation aircraft while improving efficiency for current aircraft by allowing airlines to carry full loads.

“We are really short. That has limitations and ability to grow naturally and to grow for future aircraft,” he said.

“The process from here really is about understanding those time frames, starting to work towards detailed design on a runway – and that won’t come for a few years.”

Cook added that the airport is working with the neighbouring Nelson Golf Club on its future re-configuration that will result in the club vacating land needed for the extension.

The runway extension has proven contentious for the Tāhunanui community because of its impacts on the suburb, including new uncertainties for the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park, extra rules for development in some areas, and a small increase in noise.

As a result, many Tāhunanui residents feel that the airport has not meaningfully engaged with the community on its plan.

Cook said the airport has heard the message from the community about wanting communication.

“We want to play our part as having a strong social connection with community.”

He believed the airport was already engaging well with the community through its sponsorship programme and other initiatives, “but there's always room for improvement in everything we do”.

“I see the future of the airport working closely with some of the more affected parties in the Tāhunanui community … to build those relationships even stronger and work together,” he said.

Cook added that he was open to discussion on the inclusion of a “good neighbour” policy in a future statement of expectation for Infrastructure Holdings Limited – the council-owned holding company for the airport and Port Nelson – as requested by some residents and councillors.

The notice of requirement includes several conditions to ensure the effects of the airport’s operations on neighbouring communities are well-managed, including an “extensive” noise mitigation package for eligible homeowners within the noise contours.

“It’s all part of the process, and it's a very considered approach to ensure those houses are for the purpose in the future,” Cook said.

Nelson City Council was given notice of the airport’s decision on Monday and now has 15 working days to give formal notice of the decision to submitters, and affected landowners and occupiers.

The notice of requirement can still be appealed to the Environment Court.

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