Plane Sense
Community Organisation
Community Organisation
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The High Court hearing on the Plane Sense judicial review has now taken place. The case focuses on whether the process used to introduce the 1 December 2022 DMAPs departure path was lawful. The hearing examined the decision-making steps taken, the expert evidence presented, and whether community … View moreThe High Court hearing on the Plane Sense judicial review has now taken place. The case focuses on whether the process used to introduce the 1 December 2022 DMAPs departure path was lawful. The hearing examined the decision-making steps taken, the expert evidence presented, and whether community interests were adequately taken into account — as is required under the State-Owned Enterprises Act.
As part of the proceedings, Plane Sense outlined that reverting to the previous flight path would return operations to the last decision formally made through a recognised process. Plane Sense also presented evidence suggesting that maximising the harbour airspace for departures is the most reasonable option, enabling aircraft to cross land later and at a significantly higher altitude, thereby reducing noise for residents. It was further submitted that reserving the harbour airspace solely for the occasional missed approach is unreasonable in light of the daily impacts experienced by communities from every departing jet aircraft — impacts that have increased as DMAPs has concentrated fully-laden, high-power climbs over residential areas as aircraft depart toward Wellington's peak terrain, Mount Kaukau.
Plane Sense emphasised to the Court that the core issue is not communities competing over impacts, but the need for large organisations — whether public or private — to follow fair, lawful, and transparent processes when making decisions that affect people’s health, wellbeing, and environment, noting that without robust accountability, similar situations could arise in any New Zealand community.
Since Wellington Airport’s belated consultation in 2024 — where more than 50% of respondents voted for change — Plane Sense has consistently reiterated that this is not a “them versus us” matter. The issue is lawful decision-making by corporations with the power either to create harm or to prevent it.
The eventual outcome of the case could be advantageous for all communities. Whilst the immediate result may be a return to the previous flight path, one potential long-term solution, put before the Court, is the fuller utilisation of the largely empty airspace over Wellington Harbour as a noise-abatement solution — a measure that could provide benefits for residents across the region.
The Court’s decision is now awaited, with an indication that a judgment will be available in the New Year.
💙 Every blue pin on our map marks a street where residents have reached out for help.
It shows the scale of the issue caused by the DMAPS flight path change — and why it’s important to reach our neighbours who may still be suffering alone. 🏘️
If you're impacted and are … View more💙 Every blue pin on our map marks a street where residents have reached out for help.
It shows the scale of the issue caused by the DMAPS flight path change — and why it’s important to reach our neighbours who may still be suffering alone. 🏘️
If you're impacted and are concerned by noise, safety and lack of fair process, reach out today.
This is about fairness, accountability, and protecting our communities.
👉 If you or someone you know is impacted, please add your details here: www.planesensewellington.com...
💛 Thank you to everyone who packed the hall for our Community Meeting!
Together, we heard and outline of the evidence filed for the upcoming Judicial Review — exposing serious safety, health, and economic risks from DMAPS.
📢 We’ve distributed our latest Media Release here:
👉 … View more💛 Thank you to everyone who packed the hall for our Community Meeting!
Together, we heard and outline of the evidence filed for the upcoming Judicial Review — exposing serious safety, health, and economic risks from DMAPS.
📢 We’ve distributed our latest Media Release here:
👉 drive.google.com...
▶️ And we’ve shared a video update highlighting key points here:
👉 youtu.be...
🥊This isn’t only our fight. This case sets a precedent for how communities should be treated.
From the outside, our community may be underestimated. On the inside, it’s powerful 💪 — worth protecting, worth fighting for. ❤️
Our 14 September community meeting will update those affected by the DMAPS flight path change on:
✔️ Expert evidence filed in our High Court Judicial Review.
💬 Potential Class Action — seeking monetary compensation for impacted homeowners.
Evidence highlights serious concerns in the … View moreOur 14 September community meeting will update those affected by the DMAPS flight path change on:
✔️ Expert evidence filed in our High Court Judicial Review.
💬 Potential Class Action — seeking monetary compensation for impacted homeowners.
Evidence highlights serious concerns in the CAA’s own documents — including reduced aircraft separation and regulatory breaches. Some documents, uncovered only through the OIA process, were not disclosed to the Court by the respondents. We’ve now ensured they are.
🚨 The CAA’s internal safety concerns about DMAPS were never shared with the public during the Airport’s 2024 public consultation.
📍 Community Meeting
🗓 Sunday 14 September, 2–4pm
📌 Johnsonville Community Centre
🔗 Register to attend: www.planesensewellington.com...
✈️We’re Plane Sense, a community group raising concerns about aircraft noise and safety in Wellington’s northern suburbs after the 1 Dec 2022 DMAPS flight path change.
⚠️Serious safety issues have emerged, including documents only discovered through the OIA process and not disclosed … View more✈️We’re Plane Sense, a community group raising concerns about aircraft noise and safety in Wellington’s northern suburbs after the 1 Dec 2022 DMAPS flight path change.
⚠️Serious safety issues have emerged, including documents only discovered through the OIA process and not disclosed to the Court by the respondents.
📅We’re taking our case to the High Court, 17–19 Nov 2025, and there may be a class action compensation claim following.
❓Learn more: planesensewellington.com/insights
📅Community Meeting for those affected: Sun 14 Sept, 2–4pm
✅Registration mandatory: www.planesensewellington.com...
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