‘Reverse Nimbyism’ rules as Mark moves on Whenuapai

Defence Minister Ron Mark has used his powers to overrule a noise complaint ruling against the country’s biggest military airbase on the grounds of “national security”.

The Environment Court last month released a ruling in favour of developer Neil Construction Ltd, declaring Auckland’s Whenuapai airbase had to comply with noise restrictions when it performs late-night testing of aircraft engines.

But yesterday Mark announced he would be using special powers under the Resource Management Act to exempt Whenuapai from the noise rules.

“Make no mistake this is a last resort,” he said.

“Undertaking engine testing and pre-flight tests is an integral part of the maintenance and operation of aircraft at Whenuapai and therefore is necessary for reasons of national security.”

Mark said he made no apologies.

“I advise anyone who is thinking of purchasing a home near Whenuapai, that you are moving into an area where a military airbase has operated since World War II,” he said. “There will continue to be noise generated by military aircraft and you need to accept that.” Mark earlier described the situation as “reverse Nimbyism”.

Neil Group chief Phil Ainsworth earlier said the company – which plans to build 300 homes next to the base on land bought in 2013 – never wanted to see operations restricted.

“The parties to the Environment Court hearing are well aware that noise from engine-testing can be mitigated, including by moving engine testing away from the airbase’s periphery and closer to the centre of the base,” he said.

But Mark said the Defence Force had considered moving the testing, but found the restrictions would be breached wherever it was moved.

Outraged Whenuapai residents earlier also joined the fight, launching a petition with more than 17,000 signatures calling for the ruling to be overturned.

Bruce Williams, who started the petition, said: “Our community is proud to be home to the base and don’t want to see the area ruined.”