Helicoper pilot plans flights over new park

Press, 3 December 1987, Page 40

Helicoper pilot plans flights over new park

By JANE DUNBAR Scenic helicopter flights over Paparoa National Park, to be opened at Punakaiki this week-end, may start before the end of the year. Mr Chris Cowan, a Barrytown helicopter pilot, proposes to fly over the park every day (weather permitting) from the end of this month to the end of March.

As long as he maintains a minimum altitude Mr Cowan is entitled to fly wherever he likes over the park. He has consulted Conservation Department officials in the area and they have agreed on two specific flight paths. Mr Cowan will need permission to use a landing site near Punakaiki, because such a use is not

catered for in the Buller County’s District Scheme. His application was publicly notified in October, and public submissions called for. Eleven objections were received, mainly concerning the flight paths and the possible impact on other park users. Mr Bruce StuartMenteath, a wilderness guide, is worried about the “noise pollution” of a helicopter, which he expected may fly over the park every 10 to 15 minutes.

He said that the park was easily accessible to those of all ages. By taking people through on walks he would be encouraging people to get to know the park, and spend longer in the region. The helicopter flights would not do anything for

the West Coast because people on bus tours would take a quick look, and then leave.

He was also concerned about the Conservation Department’s support of the helicopter scheme before the public had been consulted and a management policy for the park formed. Mr Cowan said that the increased exposure of the park through helicopter flights would be a great benefit.

The flights would show people there was more at Punakaiki than just blow holes.

His business might upset some people, but they were only a small percentage. The park was for everyone, and those who wanted to fly over it should be able to, he said.