Managing Noise at Christchurch Airport
We operate a large and diverse business and in doing so generate
activity and widescale employment which can impact others. In prior
decades, we were physically separated from
Christchurch city and the broader Canterbury region, but city
expansion and earthquake-driven relocations have resulted in us
having more immediate neighbours. Our responsibility and intention
is to engage and collaborate, where appropriate, with all
stakeholders, especially residents and businesses close to the
airport grounds. Promoting this understanding helps our goal of
growth without significant or unreasonable impact.
Noise is globally recognised as the primary issue that could
hinder airport growth. The
extent to which the community is affected by noise is determined
by a wide range of factors including:
- timing of operations
- aircraft type
- air space management
- proximity of noise sensitive activities
- prevailing weather conditions.
Noise occurs as a result of airline operations, ground support
activities (engine maintenance, re-fuelling, baggage
loading/unloading and re-provisioning of aircraft), airfield
maintenance and site development activities.
Mitigating the impact of noise relies on the development of
noise management plans, working closely with the community.
Christchurch is an un-curfewed airport and we
are required to retain our 24 hour operating ability to support
the economy of the region and New Zealand.
Noise Reporting
View daily
engine test noise monitoring reports here.
Noise Monitoring
Aircraft noise at Christchurch Airport is controlled by a Noise
Boundary (at a noise level of 65 dBA Ldn). Noise from
actual aircraft operations for the three busiest months of any year
must not exceed 65 dBA Ldn outside the Noise
Boundary.
Each year this requirement is checked and the results reported.
This is because the District Plan's rules governing the airport
specify that compliance with the Noise Boundary must be assessed
annually, by calculating noise compliance contours and undertaking
noise measurements. Please refer to the annual noise monitoring
reports below.
The rules also require a Noise Management Plan. This has
been developed to set out procedures for assessing and reporting
compliance with the Noise Boundary and to formalise the engine
testing bylaw. You
can view the 2014 Noise Management Plan here.
Reporting Noise Complaints
As a result of consultation with local residents,
Christchurch Airport has a process in place for reporting,
recording and responding to noise complaints. You can
use the noise complaint
feedback form here, or contact us 24 hours a day on 03 353
7700.
Airport Noise Liaison Committee
In accordance with the Christchurch Replacement District Plan
made operative in March 2017, Christchurch Airport has established
an Airport Noise Liaison Committee
(ANLC). The Committee is made up of the following:
- A Chairperson
- Two representatives from Christchurch Airport;
- Two representatives from the Board of Airline
Representatives;
- An Environmental Health Officer from Christchurch City
Council;
- At least two representatives from the Christchurch City Council
Community Boards;
- A representative from the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife
Trust; and
It is intended that the ANLC meet quarterly. Key
responsibilities include advising on the Airport Noise Management
Plan and the Acoustic Treatment Programme and providing a channel
for community concerns regarding noise from aircraft operations and
engine testing. ANLC meetings are closed to the general public
unless an audience is formally requested to raise an issue relevant
to the Committee's core functions.
To request an audience with the Committee, please send an email
to enquiries@cial.co.nz
with Attention Airport Noise in the subject line. Please be sure
to clearly outline the matter you wish to raise and include any
relevant attachments and information. If you do not want to present
your case in person, you may state this in your email and include
contact details for a response to be sent to. You can view
a summary of previous meetings here.
Christchurch Airport is required to provide an annual
report to Christchurch City Council, including the ANLC composition
and a summary of the matters considered by the Committee.
This annual report will also be published on CIAL's website when it
has been prepared.
Our Priorities
GUARDING AIRPORT OPERATIONS
- Proactive communication
- Accurate aircraft noise information
- Noise abatement for large developments
PROTECTING COMMUNITY HEALTH
- Engage with closest neighbours about possible mitigation
measures
- Inform residents and prospective residents about possible
future noise annoyance as the airport gets busier
