Trial landing approach leaves some Auckland residents angry at noise and worried about property values.
Residents of Epsom and Royal Oak are objecting to a trial change in the landing approach to Auckland International Airport after experiencing an increase in noise from lower-flying jet aircraft.
Royal Oak resident Lorraine Clark said the so-called "Smart Approaches" trial promoted by Airways NZ could lead to her part of the city becoming the airport's main approach.
"This will seriously reduce the value of my property and the quality of my environment," said Mrs Clark.
Airways NZ said the aim of the year-long trial was to reduce distances flown, fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise for people living close to the airport.
The flight paths being tested since November were designed to take aircraft more over industrial areas and the Manukau Harbour, reducing the distance flown over urban Auckland.
You are the landlord, you own the land, but you don't own the air space. Sad.