High Court Hearing – Update and Statement
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 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.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
At just 8 years old, Nina-Mae already has Wellington Council listening! 👏
She’s speaking up for safer roads for her and her classmates—fuelled by a desire for independence and maybe even a budding interest in politics.
So here’s the big question: how do we create space for every voice in our community to be heard?
It’s great that the Council is paying attention 👂 but what small actions can we all take to keep our whole community involved and engaged?
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