Advice on the natural quiet within the Civil Aviation Bill

To: Hon Poto Williams, Minster of Conservation 
Date: 11 November 2022

At the Authority’s meeting, held on 21 October in Invercargill, the issue of natural quiet was discussed, particularly as it relates to National Parks. The General Policy for National Parks seeks to preserve national park values, including natural quiet, offering places where we are able to harmonise with nature, rather than impact it.

The Civil Aviation Bill, currently due for its second reading, was discussed in this context, and the Authority agreed with the Green Party position regarding overflights. Furthermore, they feel that this Bill is a missed opportunity to protect natural quiet over public protected lands.

To ensure the Bill addresses this longstanding issue, the Authority request that you table a Supplementary Order Paper in the House, to explicitly protect the natural quiet of public conservation lands under sections 52 and 58 of the Bill and ensure that the Minister of Conservation be appropriately consulted on rules for noise abatement purposes, now and in the future.

The Authority will be pleased to offer any advice to yourself and the Department of Conservation in the development of a Supplementary Order Paper, and in your engagement with the Minister of Transport.