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Technical Report 6

TRC- Assessment of Effects on Recreation

5th floor Aviation House

12 Johnston Street

P O Box 2515

Wellington 6140

New Zealand

P: 64 4 472 3114

F: 64 4 473 0020

E: [email protected]

www.trctourism.com

1

Wellington International Airport

Proposed Extension – Assessment

of Effects on Recreation

Prepared for: Wellington International Airport

Limited

25 April 2016

15 June 2015

Date: 25 April 2016 Prepared for: Wellington International Airport Limited i | Page

Disclaimer

Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied in this document is

made in good faith with the information available to TRC Tourism Limited at the time of

writing. On that basis TRC Tourism Limited is not liable to any person for any damage or

loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not

taking action in respect of the any representation, statement or advice referred to in this

document.

Date: 25 April 2016 Prepared for: Wellington International Airport Limited ii | Page

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Proposal to extend runway 1

1.2 Method 1

1.3 Lyall Bay overview 2

2 Recreational activities in Lyall Bay 4

2.1 Lyall Bay Participation Survey 4

2.2 Recreation activities 10

2.3 Business activity associated with recreation 15

3 Effects assessment 16

3.1 Wave action and beach amenity 16

3.2 Noise 17

3.3 Construction phase activities 18

3.4 Mitigation 21

3.5 Conclusion 21

Appendix 1: Documents reviewed 23

Appendix 2: People consulted 24

Appendix 3 – Observation Locations 25

Date: 25 April 2016 Prepared for: Wellington International Airport Limited 1 | Page

1 Introduction

This report describes recreation activity occurring in and around Lyall Bay, Wellington and

the potential effects on those activities from a proposed extension to Wellington Airport’s

runway. The report is in two main parts. The first describes recreation activities based on

survey information, stakeholder interviews and field observations. The second part

presents the assessment of effects based on stakeholder interviews and the results from

other technical investigations into noise, construction method, traffic, landscape, ecological

processes, cultural impacts and surf and beach amenity.

1.1 Proposal to extend runway

Wellington International Airport Ltd proposes to extend its current runway by

approximately 393 metres south towards Cook Strait.1 This will enable larger aircraft flying

medium and long haul routes to connect Wellington to Asia and the United States. This

follows the 90 metre runway end safety extension built in 2006.

1.2 Method

The assessment of recreation effects was undertaken using the following steps:

1. Review of relevant background documents, plans and other reports

2. Interviews with recreation user groups

3. An online survey of 2,700 residents drawn from Wellington City Council’s resident

panel

4. Personal observations at and near Lyall Bay between 13 March and 1 April 2015

5. Review of technical reports and interviews with report authors on noise,

construction method, traffic, ecology and surf amenity

1. Review of background documents

A review of background documents was carried out, although there is very little relevant

information available (refer Appendix 1 for a working list of documents).

2. Interviews with recreation user groups

Over March and April 2015, interviews were held with the key recreation user groups of

Lyall Bay, such as surfers, kite surfers, wind surfers and surf life saving clubs. Interviews

were also held with surf shop retailers in Wellington. Interview questions were designed to

find out about how recreation groups make use of Lyall Bay and other nearby bays on the

South Coast. Refer Appendix 2 for a list of those consulted.

3. Online survey

An online survey of just over 2,700 Wellington residents was carried out between mid

March and early April 2015. This explored residents’ use of Lyall Bay and other nearby

areas. The survey sample was drawn from Wellington City Council’s resident panel. This is a

representative sample of the Wellington City population. A total of 865 residents

responded to the survey. Of these, 109 (13%) were residents of Lyall Bay or nearby suburbs

(Hataitai, Kilbirnie, Melrose, Houghton Bay, Southgate or Rongotai) and 756 (87%) were

1 From runway end to runway end, AECOM 2015


residents of further afield (Karori, Newtown, Brooklyn, Miramar, Tawa, Johnsonville,

Newlands, Island Bay and Khandallah). Male and female residents participated equally.

Respondents who indicated they had visited Lyall Bay in the last 12 months were presented

with a list of activities and asked if they had participated in each of these activities daily,

weekly, monthly, every few months, once or twice in the last year, or never in the last year.

4. Personal observations

Personal observations were also undertaken in and around Lyall Bay on 16 days between

13 March and 1 April 2015. These enabled counts to be made of people participating in

recreation and other leisure activities. Observations covered weekdays and weekend days.

These are summarised in Appendix 3.

1.3 Lyall Bay overview

Lyall Bay is popular for walking dogs, surfing, kite surfing and wind surfing, surf life saving,

swimming, fishing from land, scenic drives, picnics, visiting cafes, outings with families and

watching planes (Figure 1). The recreation areas depicted in Figure 1 are indicative only and

tend to merge and overlap with each other. For instance, surfing is concentrated most in

The Corner but in the right conditions, spreads out over most of the Bay. Expert surfers also

use the Airports Right break that lies off the end of the existing runway.

Surf life saving occurs to the west and middle of the Bay but can spread further out and

across the Bay with the right conditions and for events. Swimming tends to occur in the

middle and west of the Bay, but also occurs in The Corner. Walking occurs all around the

Bay both on the beach and on the footpaths.


Figure 1: Lyall Bay and Wellington Airport showing approximate areas used for recreation in the CMA


2 Recreational activities in Lyall Bay

A diversity of recreational activities takes place at Lyall Bay:

Surfing – is concentrated in the middle of the bay and the ‘Corner’

Boogie boarding and kayaking - these activities tend to occur in the middle of the

bay, plus on the western side of the surf life saving clubs

Swimming – occurs along the entire beach front

Other beach use – the beach is very popular on calm and sunny days for sitting,

sunbathing and picnics. This occurs on the western half of the beach, and west of

the surf life saving club rooms

Wind surfing and kite surfing – these activities occur between the western side of

the bay and ‘the corner’ surf break. Both groups gear-up in the western corner of

the bay and often turn close to shore in the vicinity of the surf life saving club

rooms

Sightseeing – occurs around the Bay

Running and jogging – occurs all the way around the Bay

Cycling – Lyall Bay is part of a popular ride around the South Coast

Plane spotting – participants use a car park on Wexford Road and on Moa Point

Road to watch planes

Fishing – land based fishing is restricted to surf casting from the beach and from

the airport walls and breakwater

Diving and spear fishing – this occurs in small numbers in the cove near Moa Point

and around the breakwater to the west of the runway

Beach walkers – beach walking is a very frequent activity along Lyall Bay. Dog

walking and exercising is very popular, especially in the designated dog exercise

area

Surf Life Saving – There are two surf life saving clubs in Lyall Bay: Maranui and Lyall

Bay. Each have their clubrooms located in the western corner of the beach.

2.1 Lyall Bay Participation Survey

The online survey revealed that 79% of respondents used Lyall Bay in the last 12 months for

recreation or leisure. Walking, biking and running on or beside the beach, sightseeing and

associated visits to cafes are the most popular activities. Water sports such as surfing,

swimming and windsurfing, although visually prominent, represented a much smaller

proportion of total recreational use in and around Lyall Bay.

Respondents who indicated that they had visited Lyall Bay in the previous 12 months were

presented with a list of activities and asked if they had participated in each of these

activities daily, weekly, monthly, every few months, once or twice in the last year, or never

in the last year. Figure 2 presents the percentage of respondents who reported

participation in each activity at least once in the last year.


8%

53%

39%

Main Activity when visiting Lyall Bay: Resident of nearby Lyall Bay

Watersport(swimming/surfingetc.)

Physical activity(walking/cycling etc.)

Social(cafes/play/sightseeingetc.)

Figure 2: Participation in recreation activities in Lyall Bay in the last 12 months

Activities are colour-coded with red representing exercise related activities on land, blue

representing activities on or in the water, and green representing social activities.

Figure 2 illustrates that social activities such as visiting cafes, sightseeing, and picnicking are

popular, along with walking or running. Water-related activities are less common, with

swimming the most popular watersport. The main reason for visiting Lyall Bay differs

significantly between residents who live locally and those who live further afield (Figures 3

and 4). The majority who live nearby spend their time at Lyall Bay engaging in physical

activity such as walking, running, and cycling, whereas the majority coming from further

away are there more for social reasons such as café visits, sightseeing, picnicking or playing

at the beach or playground. Participation in water sports is the main reason for only a small

minority of each group, but is twice as common for residents who live locally (Figure 5).

Figure 3: Main activity for Lyall Bay residents

27 23

78

36

211

4 4 5 6 2 4

55

86

53

91

34

0102030405060708090

100

% R

esp

on

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nts

(n

=68

6)

Participation in Lyall Bay Activities: Once or more in the past year


Figure 4: Main activity for residents further afield from Lyall Bay

Figure 5: Comparison between Lyall Bay residents and others by activity grouping

Figure 6 illustrates that the majority of respondents enjoyed the company of their partner, friends, children or other family members when spending their time at Lyall Bay. Only 22% reported that they participated in their main activity at Lyall Bay by themselves.

4%

35%

61%

Main Activity when visiting Lyall Bay: Resident of further afield

Watersport(swimming/surfing etc.)

Physical activity(walking/cycling etc.)

Social(cafes/play/sightseeingetc.)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Watersport Physicalactivity

Social

No

. Re

spo

nse

s

Main Activity when visiting Lyall Bay

Resident of: Further afield

Resident of: Nearby LyallBay


Figure 6: Participation in recreation activities with other people

Respondents were asked the number of other places in the Wellington region (including Wairarapa) where they do their main activity (Figure 7). Only 5% indicated there was nowhere else, and 68% indicated at least three other places where they did the same activity.

Figure 7: Other locations used for main activity in the Wellington region

Figure 8 shows the breakdown of these data by the type of activity. The most common response for those whose main activity is ‘social’ indicated they also did this activity in over five other places. The most common response for those whose main activity was ‘physical’ indicated they also did this activity in 3-5 other places. Of those who indicated there was ‘nowhere else’ the majority of those with a ‘social’ activity were plane watchers, with two swimmers and two surfers making up the ‘watersports’ category.


Figure 8: Participation by activity groupings in other locations

Respondents were asked to indicate how important Lyall Bay was for them in doing their main activity, compared to other areas (Figure 9). The most common response was ‘about the same level of importance’, at 40%. Of the remaining, 32% indicated Lyall Bay was less important to them than other areas, and 29% indicated Lyall Bay was more important.

Figure 9: Importance of Lyall Bay compared with other locations for main activity

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Nowhere else 1-2 other places 3-5 other places 5+ other places

No

. Re

spo

nse

sWhere else in Wellington do you

participate in main activity?

Watersports

Physical

Social


When separating these data according to activity type, it is apparent that the majority of respondents who participate in a ‘social’ activity viewed Lyall Bay at the same or of lesser importance than other areas (Figure 10). Although small in numbers, respondents participating in ‘watersports’ most commonly put Lyall Bay in the ‘much more important’ category, and ‘physical’ activity is also strongly represented.

Figure 10: Importance of other locations by activity grouping

Respondents were given the opportunity to elaborate on why they viewed Lyall Bay as more important than other areas for their main activity. All of those who chose slightly/much more important (185 respondents) took this opportunity (Figure 11). Their qualitative responses were analysed thematically and are presented below. Being close to home, scenic, better for dogs, safer for swimming and family activities and the perception of better cafes are the main reasons that stand out.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Much lessimpt

Slightly lessimpt

About thesame

Slightly moreimpt

Much moreimpt

No

. Re

spo

nse

s

Importance of Lyall Bay over other areas for main activity

Watersports

Physical

Social


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

No

. Re

spo

nse

sWhy Lyall Bay more important than other

areas for main activity

Figure 11: Reasons why Lyall Bay is more important than other locations in the Wellington region

2.2 Recreation activities

Surfing

Lyall Bay is a popular location for surfing although there are no documented statistics

available on the number of surfers who use Lyall Bay. The Wellington Boardriders Club has

about 150 members, and it is likely that most people who surf at Lyall Bay would not be

members of this club. Lyall Bay surf break is considered to be important by surfers living

mostly in Wellington, Hutt and Porirua cities. It has very limited appeal nationally because

of the inconsistency of surf, general lack of long, peeling rides and is well known amongst

surfers for being very crowded in good or very good conditions. The New Zealand Surfing

Guide describes surfing at Lyall Bay as:

The bay features a variety of peaks with constantly changing banks. The wall next to the

airport offers the best quality. Expect a super sucky take off and quick tube. A workable wall

will peel through to the inside and close-out. Spot gets insanely crowded.2

The Surfing Guide ‘stoke meter’, a 10-point scale of surf quality ranks Lyall Bay at 6 out of

10 (with 1 being poor quality and 10 high quality surf on a good day).

On a good day, the Wellington Boardriders Club estimate there would be approximately 60

surfers closest to the rocks in the corner break (nearest the airport), 30 to 40 to the right of

2 New Zealand Surfing Guide, 2004


this and up 100 surfers scattering all over the bay. This number could turn over twice to

three times on a very good day.

Ideal conditions vary between surfers depending on their ability and tolerance for crowds.

The sort of condition preferred by most surfers occurs about 20 to 30 times a year - clean,

calm or light offshore winds from the north with a 1m to 3m swell and a 11 to 15 second

period. Under these conditions, the corner break at Lyall Bay can be extremely crowded.

On a few days a year with large swells there is also a small group of expert surfers that use

the same location as where the runway extension is to be built.

Those who use Lyall Bay as a surf spot, value it for three main reasons. First, it is close to

town enabling surfing before, during and after work or school hours. Second, it is a

relatively safe bay to surf in with limited rips and currents, plenty of room to spread out

and a wide range of conditions to suit all levels of surfing. It is understood to be used on at

least 70 days per year for learn to surf instruction. Third, it is well known to produce a

powerful barrelling wave in the corner, well sought-after by experienced surfers.

Some surfers are very keen to put up lights along the bay, so they would be able to surf at

night and early morning, potentially doubling the number of hours spent surfing.

Kite surfing

Lyall Bay is used for kite surfing. It is understood that active kite surfers go out about once

or twice a week. Lyall Bay is suitable mainly for experienced kite surfers, with at least one

year of kite surfing experience.

The activity occurs mostly in the west side of the bay and up until the Briscoes building, but

there is a preference to be able to kite surf up until the Cornish Accountants building closer

to the corner surf break. Experienced kite surfers tend to use the whole bay starting and

finishing in the western corner along from the surf life saving clubs.

Some kite surfers say that perfect conditions for kite surfing would be 15 to 20 knots, a

southerly or south - west wind and 2m to 3m swell. Kite surfers report that these conditions

occur about a dozen times a year. However, according to the kite surfers anything up from

12 knots would be suitable for kite surfing.

Wind surfing

Lyall Bay is also used for wind surfing. It is understood that the Wellington Windsurfing

Association has about 200 members, but only a small group uses Lyall Bay. Other areas

being used are Plimmerton, Evans Bay, Houghton Bay, Seatoun and Eastbourne. Lyall Bay is

the only spot in Wellington that offers good windsurfing on southerly and south - west

winds. It is ideally suited to more experienced wind surfers due to cold, deep water and

strong winds. Plimmerton and Pauatahanui Inlet are better locations for beginners and less

experienced wind surfers.

The ideal conditions for most experienced windsurfers would be 25knots or more and a

south - west wind.

Windsurfers use Lyall Bay between 80 and 180 days a year. On about 3 days a year Lyall Bay

has massive swells ideally suited to expert windsurfers.


The main appeal of Lyall Bay lies in its close proximity to the Wellington CBD, its ‘world

class’ conditions being strong consistent wind, waves that can be surfed on and the relative

safety of the bay (no rocks or other obstacles).

Participation in windsurfing has shown limited growth over the last decade. This could be

explained by it being an expensive sport and the rise of other alternative activities such as

stand up paddle boarding.3

In 2009, the Wellington Windsurfing Association carried out a voluntary online survey for

Wellington windsurfers. This survey showed that Wellington windsurfers are mainly

interested in wave sailing, followed by slalom/racing/speed, freeride and freestyle. The

majority of the windsurfers are advanced windsurfers that do carve gibing, jumping and

freestyle moves.

Swimming and diving

Swimming is a popular summer activity in Lyall Bay. It is generally a safe beach for

swimming and patrolled by lifeguards in summer. The Participation Survey shows that 19%

of respondents used Lyall Bay for swimming once or twice in the last year, 9% every few

months, 3% monthly and 3% weekly.

Lyall Bay is not often used for diving. Most Wellington divers use other places for this, such

as the Taputeranga Marine Reserve (from Houghton Bay to Owhiro Bay). However, diving

between Moa Point and Hue-te-taha Peninsula and around to Tarakana Bay is valued by

divers because it is one of the few accessible areas to the city where seafood can be

gathered.

Fishing and collection of seafood

Fishing from land, spear fishing and collecting seafood (paua and crayfish) are known to

occur on a fairly regular basis along the road parallel to the runway, off the concrete

breakwater and in the waters between Moa Point and Hue-te-taha Peninsula. The number

of those participating in these activities is thought to be low. Spear fishing between Moa

Point and Hue-te-taha Peninsula is considered important to divers as it is not permitted in

Taputeranga Marine Reserve.

Walking dogs

Wellington City Council conducted research in 2008 into dog walking/exercise areas in

Wellington.4 Lyall Bay was the most frequently used exercise area. The majority of survey

respondents indicated that they drove to Lyall Bay, showing that it draws residents from a

wider area.

The dog walking exercise areas are most frequently used in the afternoons, both on

weekdays and weekends. Over half of the survey respondents mentioned they exercise

their dogs more often in summer. Most respondents visit their ‘usual’ exercise area at least

once a week.

The aspects respondents liked about Lyall Bay are the ‘big open area’, followed by ‘water to

play in’, ‘has car parking’ and ‘close to home’. Safety for dog owners as well as for their

dogs was also mentioned, as was the ability for dogs to socialise with each other.

3 http://www.wwa.org.nz/page-770211 4 Absolutely Positively Wellington, Gavin Armstrong, Dog Exercise Area Survey, 2008

http://www.wwa.org.nz/page-770211


Our personal observations show that at times there are many dogs at Lyall Bay, especially

on weekends. For example, on Saturday 15 March there were 32 dogs being walked

between 1.30-2.30pm and 41 dogs between 5.15-6.15pm, and on Sunday 21 March there

were 18 dogs between 12.45-1.45pm and 26 dogs between 1.45-2.45pm.

Sightseeing, picnics, kids play and general leisure

The Participation Survey shows Lyall Bay is used most for sight seeing, scenic drives and

visiting cafes. Close to 50% of respondents use Lyall Bay for these activities either monthly

or every few months.

The children’s playground near the surf life saving clubrooms is often used in weekends and

school holidays. This use is associated with visiting cafes, walking along the beach or

sidewalk by families.

Lyall Bay is also popular for walking and running. Ten percent use the bay for walking and

running on a weekly basis, 15% on a monthly basis and 27% every few months.

Personal observations recorded 395 people participating in these general leisure activities

on Sunday 15 March (warm sunny conditions) and 321 people on Saturday 21 March,

spread out over the whole day.

Surf life saving

Maranui Surf Life Saving Club

Maranui Surf Life Saving Club has about 850 members. Of these about 500 are active. They

have a waiting list of people wanting to become a member. Members are from all over

Wellington with approximately 70% aged under 14 years.

The club uses the western end of the bay because it is the safest part of the beach and

location of its clubrooms. Between October and April the club patrols the beach and

undertakes training (4 days a week plus every Sunday). Between May and September there

is no patrolling, but there is life guard training (Sunday, Tuesday and sometimes

Wednesdays). In February, the Maranui SLSC hosts competitions in Lyall Bay.

Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club

Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club has about 250-300 active members drawn from all over

Wellington. About half of these members are aged under 14. The members aged under 14

are being trained on beach safety, the members aged over 14 are trained to patrol the

beach.

In summer, beach patrolling at Lyall Bay is an important aspect for the Lyall Bay Surf Life

Saving Club: in summer they patrol 4 days a week, from November onwards they patrol

every day and from the end of December and January they are paid by the Wellington City

Council to be the regional life guards. They do about 7-12 rescues every season, 2 or 3

searches and spend about 1200-1300 hrs lifeguarding.

The club uses the whole beach and whole bay for their activities. Because of the warmer

conditions in Evans Bay, they sometimes use Evans Bay as well.

There are no ‘ideal conditions’ for both surf life saving clubs. Members need to practice in

different conditions so they can assist others who may get into difficulty. Most train

regardless of the weather conditions.


Our personal observations showed that the surf life savings clubs and their young member

base also attract a substantial group of parents and spectators.

Cycling

Cycling along the bays of the Wellington South Coast is a very popular activity, especially in

the weekends. Many cyclists and some pedestrians are known to ride or walk sections of

the proposed Great Harbour Way, a 67km route from Pencarrow Head to Red Rocks. Part

of this includes the roads and footpaths around the airport. Nine percent of respondents in

the Participation Survey use Lyall Bay for cycling every few months, 7% once or twice in the

last year, 6% monthly, 5% weekly and 1% daily. Traffic Design Group made observations in

February 2015 along Moa Point Road with the following results shown in Table 1:

Table 1: Lyall Bay and Wellington Airport showing approximate areas used for recreation

Period Cyclists per hour Pedestrians per hour

Weekday AM peak 44 3

Weekday inter-peak 11 3

Weekday PM peak 19 4

Saturday AM peak 107 11

Saturday inter-peak 29 17

Source: TDG, April 2016

There is considerably more cycling activity than walking along Moa Point Road. Weekends

are most popular for both cycling and walking.

Sailing/boating

Sailing and boating activity in Lyall Bay is very limited. There was no useful data available.

Kayaking/paddle boarding

According to the retail store Wild Winds, paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport

in Wellington. Lyall Bay is being used increasingly for paddle boarding. Ideal conditions for

most paddle boarders include a clean calm sea (or light breeze from any direction) with a

1m to 2m swell.

Kayaking is not as popular as paddle boarding or surfing. White water kayakers tend to use

the middle of the bay for practice and wave riding. The surf life saving clubs also make use

of surf kayaks and paddle - boards for their activities.

Plane spotting

Plane spotting a relatively popular activity. The most frequently used areas are the retail

and food court inside the airport terminal and the car park at Wexford Road.

The Participation Survey shows that 17% of respondents use Lyall Bay to watch planes

every few months, 10% watch planes monthly followed by 16% once or twice in the last

year. Eight percent watch planes weekly and 2% daily.


2.3 Business activity associated with recreation

Retail

Wild Winds

Wild Winds is a windsurf, kite board, paddleboard, ski and snowboard retail shop in

Wellington CBD. Wild Winds also offers windsurfing, kite surfing and paddle boarding

lessons. Lyall Bay is considered too dangerous to teach windsurfing or kite surfing and

Plimmerton or Pauatahanui Inlet are preferred. According to the owner, about 30-40% of

his business is linked to Lyall Bay.

The owner feels that although kite surfing has grown enormously internationally, it is still

relatively small in Wellington. Windsurfing activity has flattened out and paddle boarding is

showing the most growth in terms of sales.

Real Surf

Long established in Lyall Bay, Real Surf has seen cycles of growth and decline in surfing.

Currently, the owner observes a surge in surfing “like it was in the 1960s.” He estimates

there would be more than 200 surfers spread across the bay in ideal conditions. There has

been an increase in visiting surfers (from overseas and elsewhere in New Zealand) over the

last 10 to 15 years. Real Surf provides learn to surf lessons on most days in summer (as do

two other companies). Group sizes vary between 1 and 15 with an average of 6 to 8

participants. According to the owner, a large percentage of Real Surf’s business is linked to

Lyall Bay.

Cafes and restaurants

The Participation Survey shows 91% of respondents visiting a café in Lyall Bay once or more

in the last 12 months. This is often associated with some other activity such as sightseeing

or walking. Some of the comments that the respondents made were ‘The quality of the

cafes are high in Lyall Bay so we like to make a special trip to visit them’ and ‘There are a

good range of food premises and shops in the area so we can combine a picnic with these’


3 Effects assessment

3.1 Wave action and beach amenity

This assessment draws on the technical assessment undertaken by the Danish Hydrological

Institute (DHI) into the effects of the airport extension on surf break amenity.5 The DHI

assessment modelled three wave scenarios that are indicative of conditions suitable for

surfing in Lyall Bay.

Minimum surf criteria for good conditions were stated as:

Min. wave height 0.8 metres

Interval period of 11 seconds

Wind from the north

The conditions must last at least 2hrs and occur during daylight hours

Minimum criteria for very good conditions were stated as:

Min. wave height 1.5 metres

Interval period of 11 seconds

Wind from the north

The conditions must last at least 2hrs and occur during daylight hours

Good conditions were estimated to occur 24% of the time in a year or approximately 2.4

days per week. Very good conditions were estimated to occur 10% of the time or 3.2 days

per month.

The relevant findings of DHI are that:

1. The Airports Right surf break that occurs off the end of the current runway will be

lost with the extension

2. Surf rides at The Corner could reduce by 4% to 8% as a result of a slight reduction in

wave peakiness

3. Surf rides at Middle Beach could reduce by 14% to 29%

4. Surf rides at West Beach could reduce by 18% to 27%

Airport Rights is a surf break that is utilised a few times a year during certain conditions by

experienced surfers. The loss of this surfing amenity will therefore only affect a very small

group of expert surfers. The possible reduction of wave rides in The Corner would only be

noticeable by the most seasoned and experienced surfers who have surfed The Corner for

many years. The author acknowledges that some surfers predict that the reduction in surf

rides would lead to more congestion in The Corner. However, this spot is often crowded

anyway and has been for many years as a result of the gradual increase in popularity of

surfing and limited choices close to Wellington city. Any additional congestion may be very

difficult to detect. Based on the information to hand, the slight reduction in wave rides

suggests less than minor effects on the surfing amenity at The Corner.

Surfers who use Middle and West Beach regularly may notice a reduction in wave rides,

although that is not known at this stage. Based on discussions between DHI, Wellington

Airport and Wellington Boardriders, a submerged wave focusing structure is being

considered as an enhancement to surfing at Lyall Bay. The submerged structure, akin to a

reef, would have the effect of shaping waves to be more rideable. Specifically, this would

5 DHI Ltd, August 2015, Wellington Airport Runway Extension – Surf Break Impact Assessment


mean producing more of a peak that breaks left and right thereby potentially increasing the

number of wave rides under good or very good conditions.

Effects on other activities such as swimming, surf life saving, body boarding, kite surfing and

windsurfing are less than minor. There are no known anticipated adverse effects to the

beach profile and walking, running along the beach and walking dogs would not be

affected.

3.2 Noise

The effects of noise on recreation have been assessed for both the construction and

operational phase of the airport extension. The findings here draw from the AECOM

(formally URS New Zealand Limited) assessment of construction noise and from Marshall

Day Acoustics assessment of operational aircraft noise.

Construction phase

The AECOM assessment has considered the potential noise effects arising from

construction activities on recreational users. The assessment observes that recreational

users will generally only be present during daytime hours, and are transient. Ambient noise

levels during daytime hours in the existing environment are already quite high due to the

presence of aircraft and the sea and this will act to mask noise from the construction

activity and haul route traffic. Furthermore, the assessment indicates that during such

daylight hours the standards specified in the construction noise standards (NZS 6803:1999)

will mostly be complied with.

Those exposed most to construction and haul traffic noise are likely to be visitors in parked

cars along Moa Point Road who are watching aircraft and or surfers / wind surfers / kite

surfers and walkers and cyclists passing through Moa Point and along Moa Point Road. In

these cases it is the noise from haul traffic that will be most noticeable during the day

between 9.30am and 2.30pm or less likely at night between 10pm and 6am (weekdays

only). There are no haul movements planned for weekends.

Kite surfers and windsurfers spoken to note that at times airport noise can be an issue

when trying to communicate with each other on the water, although they were used to it.

These activities take place more than 400 metres from construction works and thus it is

likely that the effects on speech audibility during construction would be less than minor.

Kite surfing will be permitted by the Airport during and after construction even though it

occurs within a potential exclusion zone for such activities under Civil Aviation regulations.

The effects of noise underwater on spear fishing and diving off Moa Point are not easily

quantifiable at this stage. However AECOM estimate that noise levels would be below 200

dB (for water) at 1 metre from the source. Most noise underwater will be generated by the

reclamation process and insertion of stone columns in the seabed.

Those people fishing off the breakwater adjacent to Moa Point Road would notice

increased noise levels from haul traffic and construction activities. The noise however

would be fairly constant during daylight hours at levels below that of aircraft landing and

taking off.

The effects of construction noise on all other activities (such as walking, running/jogging,

swimming, surf life saving and walking dogs along the beach) are not considered to be

significant.


Operational noise

Marshall Day Acoustics looked at two different noise exposures during the operational

phase:

average noise exposure

single event noise exposure (a plane landing or leaving)

The change in average noise exposure will be minimal (0 - 2 dB) and would not be

noticeable by people living or recreating in the area.

The single event noise exposure will have a bigger impact (up to 4 dB) and will be

noticeable by residents and people recreating in Lyall Bay. However, the predicted

frequency of these events averages out at once a day (based on projected long-haul aircraft

movements to 2035). Visitors to Lyall Bay will certainly hear this and there is potential that,

kite surfers, surfers and windsurfers on occasion could have difficulty hearing each other

during departure/arrival of these bigger aircraft. However this effect needs to be

considered in context of the existing environment, which includes frequent aircraft

movements and as such the noise generated from these larger aircraft is unlikely to be

viewed as adverse in this context.

3.3 Construction phase activities

Haul traffic

The Traffic Design Group (TDG) has indicated a recommended haulage route.6 This shows a

weekday inbound haulage route (9.30am – 2.30pm) along State Highway 1 (SH1) and

Stewart Duff Drive to a site compound at the south eastern end of the existing runway and

a weekday outbound haulage route from there along Moa Point Road - Lyall Bay Parade as

far as the junction with Onepu Road where it will head north towards Evans Bay Parade and

back onto SH1 (Figure 12). A night - time haulage route has been identified for weekdays

only, operating between 10pm and 6am (Figure 13). This shows that the inbound and

outbound haulage route will be essentially the same as the daytime inbound route.

6 TDG, April 2016


Figure 12: Proposed day time inbound and outbound haulage routes

Figure 13: Proposed night time inbound and outbound haulage routes


The main interface between construction traffic and recreation will be between Moa Point

and the intersection of Lyall Bay Parade with Onepu Road. Recreational effects will be

limited primarily to cyclists sharing Moa Point Road with haul traffic. This assumes that

most haul traffic is by road rather than by sea. Haul traffic using either Nauranga Gorge or

Horokiwi quarries are not expected to cause adverse effects on recreation values between

those sites and the airport as most cyclists would not be on the same haul routes. Between

Evans Bay and the airport, cyclists and pedestrians are able to use a shared pathway

approximately 5 metres away from the haul route on SH1.

Most cyclists would be on Moa Point Road between Moa Point and the junction of Lyall Bay

Parade and Onepu Road for about 10 to 15 minutes heading in the same direction as the

haul trucks as they exit the construction site. It is understood that trucks would not be

moving through the tunnel under the runway nor using this route on weekends. Extra dust

and noise can therefore be expected for cyclists for brief periods along Moa Point Road

during weekdays.

Apart from the potential effects on cyclists during weekdays, there also appears to be

potential for increased traffic congestion in spring and summer around The Corner

(opposite the Spruce Goose Café) where haul trucks would be moving. In order to avoid

peak traffic periods, the assessment prepared by TDG recommends limiting construction

traffic to weekdays between 9.30am and 2.30pm and between 10pm and 6am. Thus on

weekends this will not be an issue for recreational traffic because haul traffic is not

proposed.

However it is noted that some weekdays in spring and summer can be busy with cars

moving in and out of The Corner car park.7 Although the TDG assessment determines that

there is capacity along this route to accommodate the haulage traffic, traffic management

measures will need to be in place to manage any potential safety effects on recreational

users (for example, people crossing the road between The Corner car park and the Spruce

Goose Café). To manage these potential effects, it is noted that a Construction Traffic

Management Plan, as set out in the TDG Report, will be implemented to minimise any

potential safety issues.

Pedestrians are not expected to be adversely affected by haul traffic along Moa Point Road

nor at Moa Point itself. This assessment is based on what is currently known about the

construction method and traffic management.

All other recreation activities would not be affected by haul traffic.

Sedimentation and turbidity

The plume modelling undertaken by NIWA to date shows little effect of turbidity from

construction activities on diving, fishing and spear fishing between Moa Point and Hue-te-

taha Peninsula. NIWA also note that sedimentation would be even less of an issue – due

not only to the low turbidity changes but the high exposure to waves. This negates any

significant settling of fine material. Obviously during rougher weather (when divers are not

active), the background turbidity increases ubiquitously along the south Wellington

coastline.

7 Personal observation and experience


Loss of opportunities

The extension will lead to a small area being lost for kai moana / gathering seafood

immediately south and to the east of the end of the existing runway. The remaining area

used for gathering seafood between Moa Point and Hue-te-taha Peninsula is expected to

remain open and accessible during construction. NIWA considers that if this nearby area is

impacted during construction, then it would be able to recover fully once construction is

completed. Mitigation measures suggested by NIWA would have a positive effect on lobster

populations and other marine biodiversity in the sub-tidal zone.

The only other loss of opportunity at this stage is the Airport Rights surf break that would

not exist after construction.

There is no indication of a loss of access for other recreation activities during or after

construction, at this stage.

3.4 Mitigation

Mitigation measures have been raised in other technical reports and are reinforced here to

minimise effects on recreation. These include:

1. Implementation of a Construction Traffic Management Plan that will factor in the

interface between haul traffic, cyclists, pedestrians and those visitors on scenic

drives during weekdays and those parking or moving along Moa Point Road, at The

Corner and along Lyall Bay Parade between The Corner and Onepu Road

2. Use of rock pools, crevices, shaded overhangs, prism-shaped indents and holes in

the accropods as well as a variety of smooth and pitted surfaces in the construction

of the runway extension sea wall to improve the habitat for lobster and other

marine biodiversity

3. Potential installation of a submerged structure to mitigate and provide better

shape to waves in Middle and West Beach

4. Recreational opportunities along the western edge of the airport by providing a

defined public walking route, access to the water’s edge by way of platforms set

into a new armoured sea wall, and opportunities for sitting/lookout areas

5. Creating a new edge along the eastern edge of the runway extension, which would

integrate the armoured edge of the runway with the existing ‘natural’ edge of the

embayment.

3.5 Conclusion

This report has described recreation activities occurring in and around Lyall Bay and

assessed the effects on these activities from the proposed extension to the Wellington

Airport runway.

The report concludes that the potential or actual adverse effects on recreational activities

would be minor or less. The loss of the Airport Rights surf break and area used for kai

moana off the end of the existing runway are localised losses, affecting a small group of

recreationists. Mitigation measures suggested for marine biodiversity would have a positive

effect for fishing and diving. There are also other alternatives for both these activities

nearby.

The survey of Wellington residents indicates that Lyall Bay is considered to have the same

or less level of importance for socially oriented beach activities than other alternatives in


the region (sight seeing, visiting cafes, strolling along the Parade and using the kids’ play

area). Lyall Bay is considered to hold about the same or higher levels of importance for

physical and water-based activities such as surfing, running/jogging and surf life saving. This

is primarily because it is the only relatively safe and large beach area on the city’s doorstep.

The proposed runway extension does not appear to threaten the value or use of Lyall Bay

for recreation. Those activities that may be most impacted are surfing and to a lesser extent

cycling during the construction phase. The effects on surfing are likely to be minor with the

potential for a slight reduction of wave rides in The Corner and a higher reduction of wave

rides at Middle Beach and West Beach. A submerged structure is currently being

considered to address the quality of waves at Middle Beach and West Beach. This has the

potential to improve surfing at Lyall Bay.


Appendix 1: Documents reviewed

Absolutely Positively Wellington, Gavin Armstrong, Dog Exercise Area Survey, 2008

Absolutely Positively Wellington, Wellington City Council 2013/14 Annual Report, 2014

Boffa Miskell, April 2015, Assessment of Landscape and Visual Effects

Boffa Miskell, April 2015, Assessment of Urban Planning and Urban Design Effects

DHI, May 2015, Wellington Airport Runway Extension – Surf break assessment

NIWA, February 2015, Assessment of ecological effects of the reclamation and

extension of Wellington Airport

Lyall Bay Surf Reef Trust, Lyall Bay Surf Reef – Social and Economic Assessment, 2003

Marshall Day Acoustics, Noise modelling for post-construction period

Raukura Consultants, November 2014, Cultural values report

Traffic Design Group, April 2015 and April 2016, Transportation assessment reports

URS, April 2015, Construction noise report


Appendix 2: People consulted

Names Organisation

Arie Moore Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club

Marc Pulepule Maranui Surf Life Saving Club

Various club members and officials Wellington Boardriders

Blaise St-Laurent plus other kite surfers Wellington Kite Surfers

Esteban Funes, Lawrence Young Wellington Windsurfing Association

Dave McPhee Wild Winds (retail and instruction)

Roger Real Surf (retail and surf instruction)

Laurel Smith Marshall Day Acoustics

Mark Georgeson Traffic Design Group

Rob Bell NIWA

Mark James Aquatic Sciences

Ben Tuckey DHI, Auckland

Tony Scuba Diving / Mana Dive Spot

Tim Island Bay Divers

Darran Humpheson, John Bull URS, Christchurch

Michael Oates, David Stuart, Tom Petit Wellington City Council

Marc Bailey, Boyden Evans, Fiona Whyte Boffa Miskell


Appendix 3 – Observation Locations


Table 1: Summary of raw data observations drawn from 6 observation sites