Napier Port and its neighbours have negotiated a break-through in their long-running bid to address noise issues, agreeing on a fresh approach involving acoustic treatment for some homes.

Napier Port, Seascape Environment Society, residents’ representatives and members of the Port Noise Liaison Committee have agreed on a noise mitigation package, which will be offered to those homes proven to be most adversely affected.

“This agreement recognises that Napier Port takes its wider responsibilities to the community, and its nearest neighbours in particular, very seriously,” said Napier Port Chief Executive Garth Cowie.

Using sophisticated computer modelling and noise monitoring, acoustic engineers have drawn contour lines across the neighbouring hill, carefully mapping sounds generated from within the port. The current Napier District Plan requires houses experiencing 65 decibels (dBA) or over to be offered mitigation. No homes have experienced 65dBA or over but the port is voluntarily offering noise mitigation assistance to those within the 60 – 65dBA contour.

Homes most affected within the contour lines will be assessed first by acoustic experts, who will evaluate the affected properties and recommend solutions. Mitigation measures might include insulation, double glazing or air conditioning so that doors and windows can shut out any noise, even on a warm night so that residents can sleep without disruption.

Napier Port will contribute 50 percent of the cost of noise mitigation measures, up to a maximum of $50,000 for each property.

“This signals a new approach to how we work together with our neighbours and is a fresh initiative that goes hand-in-hand with the port’s endeavours to reduce noise wherever possible,” said Mr Cowie.

Napier Port has invested heavily in noise reducing initiatives including: container stacks on the port boundary to buffer noise, relocating buildings and container transfer operations away from the residential properties, installing heavier duty mufflers on tugs and investing in engine modifications for container handling equipment, installing new software on cranes to slow the lowering of containers close to the ground to reduce landing noise, restricting vehicle speeds, laying smooth paving to make vehicle movements quieter and having ship horns blasted only for safety reasons or emergencies.

Seascape President, Bruce Wilton, said the agreement is important so that Napier can move forward.

“The city has grown up around the port, which is vital to the local economy, but it is essential to negotiate a fair relationship in which residents and the port can both live and work together, recognising that the residential area was established prior to the port becoming a 24/7 operation and that night noise became an issue,” he said.

For media enquiries: 

Please contact Napier Port Communications Advisor, Erin Harford-Wright, on 06 833 4685.

Or Seascape President Bruce Wilton, please email: breakwaterbeach@hotmail.com