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The airport has given notice to the Nelson City Council of its decision on the notice of requirement to enable a future extension to its main runway.
In December 2024, independent commissioners recommended the airport’s NoR be confirmed, subject to conditions. The airport’s decision is to accept the recommendations from the independent commissioners in full.
The Council is now required to give formal notice of the airport’s decision within 15 working days to submitters, and landowners and occupiers affected by the decision.
The airport’s NoR will:
- designate land required for a future northern runway extension
- update the airport’s noise control boundaries (known as noise contours) to reflect the future pattern of noise associated with forecast growth in aviation activity over time and an extended runway
- ensure appropriate height restrictions on obstacles near the airport in order to protect aircraft approaching and leaving the airport
The airport anticipates an extension will be needed in 10 – 15 years. While the actual development is still years away, the planning needs to happen now to provide the airport and the community certainty for the future.
Nelson Airport Board chairman Quinton Hall says the airport had accepted all the recommendations of the independent commissioners and the Council.
“The airport is now well-placed to continue providing essential transport infrastructure and services for this region well into the future, with the ability to extend the runway when required to meet future aviation needs including those of zero-emissions aircraft.”
As well as the ability to cater for next-generation aircraft, an extended runway will improve efficiency for current aircraft, allowing airlines to carry full loads to and from Nelson.
Currently, Nelson’s short runway means airlines must offload passengers or cargo in certain, fairly frequent weather conditions.
Airport chief executive Brendan Cook says there are a suite of conditions included on the NoR to ensure the effects of the airport’s operations on neighbouring communities are well-managed, including the introduction of a fully funded noise mitigation package for eligible homeowners within the airport’s noise boundaries.
“This is a significant uplift in the airport’s obligations to manage noise into the community, with mitigation assistance available for the first time,” Brendan says. “The package is best-practice and is an important commitment from us towards ensuring healthy living environments for our closest neighbours.”
He says the airport acknowledged the concerns some members of the Tāhunanui community had expressed about future airport development.
“We’re committed to working with stakeholders to ensure clear and open lines of communication, and we’ll continue to provide comprehensive and accurate information through our website and other channels.
“We welcome questions, and anyone can submit an enquiry through the portal on our website,” Brendan says.
