Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams granted helipad approval at Auckland home despite community opposition
Auckland Council has approved a resource consent application for a private helipad at the residential property of business executive Anna Mowbray and former All Black Ali Williams, despite significant opposition from the surrounding community. The decision, issued by three independent hearing commissioners, follows a public submission process and a multi-day hearing.
According to the commissioners' findings, the helicopter pad, located on Rawene Avenue, may be used for a maximum of two flights per day or ten per month. The decision stated that helicopter use is considered a permitted activity under the Auckland Unitary Plan in residential zones, provided it complies with applicable standards.
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'The use of a helicopter for property access in the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) residential zones is a permitted activity, being an activity that is inherently associated with residential land use,' the decision read. 'We find that the noise effects that would be generated by helicopter take-offs and landings would not be unreasonable and would not diminish the amenity values of this residential zone to any material degree.'
The commissioners noted that the average period during which helicopter noise would be audible to neighbors is approximately three minutes and 20 seconds per flight, or roughly 33 minutes per month assuming maximum usage. Sleep disturbances are expected to be avoided due to restrictions on hours of operation.
Majority of submissions opposed helipad at Mowbray-Williams property
The application drew 1,397 written submissions from the public, of which 1,227, approximately 87 per cent, opposed the helipad. Only 108 submissions supported the application, while 12 were neutral, according to Auckland Council records.
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During a five-day public hearing held at Auckland Town Hall in May, the appointed panel heard evidence from legal representatives of Mowbray and Williams, expert witnesses, and members of the public. The group Quiet Sky Waitematā was among those opposing the application, citing concerns about noise, privacy, and neighborhood character. Some nearby residents also presented individual objections.
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Despite this opposition, the commissioners determined the proposal met regulatory requirements and the conditions imposed would mitigate potential adverse effects.
The helipad approval sets a notable precedent for helicopter use in residential zones under the current Auckland Unitary Plan framework, balancing private access with public concerns.
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