How to make an airport noise complaint
You can report airport noise in two ways:
Phone: Call the airport's 24/7 noise complaints line on 021 922 787. Give the operator details of the incident.
Download a complaint form from the airport website and follow the instructions outlined on their website.
What to include in your complaint
Give as much information as you can to help the airport look into your complaint.
Include:
your full name and address
the date and time of the noise
where you were when you heard it
a description of the noise or aircraft involved
any aircraft identification details, if known
any other information that may help explain what happened.
Report the noise as soon as you can, while the details are fresh in your mind.
What happens after you make a complaint
The airport investigates complaints about noise from its operations.
The Airport Manager will:
Record your complaint in the airport's complaints register.
Investigate the incident, including checking whether airport noise rules or operating restrictions have been breached.
Record the findings and any action taken.
Send you a written response explaining the outcome of the investigation and any action taken.
If the investigation identifies a breach of airport noise rules, the airport may work with the aircraft operator to prevent further breaches. Repeated breaches may result in restrictions on the aircraft's use of the airport.
The Airport Manager refers unresolved or ongoing complaints to the Community Liaison Group for discussion.
The group includes representatives from the airport, local communities, airport users, iwi and the Council. It reviews noise complaints and helps improve how airport noise is managed.
Complaints about low-flying aircraft or flights outside the airport area
Not all aircraft flying over the Kāpiti Coast District are operating from Kāpiti Coast Airport.
The airport manages noise from its operations but is not responsible for aircraft simply passing over the district or concerns about how high or where aircraft are flying.
This can include aircraft flying over areas such as Ōtaki, Te Horo and Waikanae that are not connected to airport operations.
If you're concerned about an aircraft flying too low, its flight path or another aviation safety issue, you can report an aviation-related concern to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Include the date, time, location and any aircraft identification details you have.
Airport noise rules
Our District Plan sets rules for noise from Kāpiti Coast Airport. These include noise limits and restrictions on some aircraft operations.
The Kāpiti Coast Airport Noise Management Plan explains how airport noise is managed, including:
noise limits and operating restrictions
aircraft operating hours and curfews
noise monitoring and reporting
how complaints are investigated
actions that may be taken when airport noise rules are breached.
Some flights, including certain emergency operations, may be exempt from normal operating restrictions.
You can read more in:
We monitor compliance with the airport noise rules in the District Plan and are responsible for enforcing those rules. The airport carries out noise monitoring as required by its Noise Management Plan.