Sumner residents are being encouraged to raise concerns over a skydiving venture above the seaside suburb.

Christchurch City Council has approved a 12-month trial with up to four landings a day.

Some residents have contacted Port Hills MP Ruth Dyson.

She told Chris Lynch on Newstalk ZB there has been little to no public consultation.

She says if residents are concerned, they should make sure their views are heard and should speak to their local city councillor.

Heathcote Councillor Sara Templeton says she attended a community meeting held by the Skydiving Kiwis company last week with many residents in attendance.

She says there have been mixed views on the proposal.

Ms Templeton says the Sumner Community Residents Association is in regular contact with the company and is not against the trial taking place, but is helping make sure that it works with the community.

Several callers to Newstalk ZB Christchurch thought the operation would have positive benefits for the Sumner area.

Sara Templeton says the helicopters will be flying at 10 000ft “so the chances of anyone hearing them are slim to none.”

She says they will be about 8000ft by Hagley Park.

Ms Templeton says New Brighton was considered, as were other areas, but flight paths for the airport ruled them out.

She says the landing area is 20m x 20m and will only be in place for a short period of time around actual landings.

Sites will change depending on the wind and beach use – if the beach is full there will be no space to land.

FULL COUNCIL RESPONSE:

Council staff have agreed to issue a permit for a 12-month trial for Sky Diving Kiwis to allow landings on Sumner Beach as a result of operating a commercial skydiving operation in Christchurch on the following basis: 

·         The permit holder shall conduct the activity during the hours of operation only and only on no more than four occasions during a day.

For each skydiving jump the following protocols shall apply:

·         At each three minute call a landing square of no more than 20m x 20m shall be demarcated by four flags set in the ground in each corner of the square at any place within the activity area.

·         Once the skydivers leave the aircraft any members of the public present within the demarcated landing square within the activity area shall be asked by the permit holder to move and remain outside of the landing square until the skydivers have landed.

·         As soon as reasonably possibly after the skydivers have landed on each occasion all the permit holder’s items, equipment and flags shall be packed up and removed from the activity area along with all items of rubbish left by the permit holder or their customers.

·         Take all reasonably steps to protect the safety of all persons present on the activity area as a result of the activity.

·         Take all reasonable steps to eliminate any dangers to the public.

Where does it want to land?

A potential landing zone, which depends on conditions and beach occupation, has been identified in the wider area of the beach. A 20 x 20 metre preferred landing area will be placed with flags within this zone.

What permission does it need to land on the beach? ie resource consent?

A permit.