A nearly 100-year-old aero club near a proposed $77 million racecourse in Flaxmere is concerned about the potential for conflict if its low-flying planes spook racehorses.
By Lind Hall for Local Democracy Reporting
Hawke’s Bay Racing is asking the Hastings District Council to rezone about 45ha in Flaxmere for a stadium and racecourse precinct, with smaller areas changed to residential and open space, and a buffer zone between housing and winegrowers in the area removed.
It proposes to build a new state-of-the-art racetrack and thoroughbred training facility, costing more than $77.3 million, at the end of Portsmouth Rd.
In December 2025, Racing Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced $20 million in Government funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the racecourse’s development.
The Bridge Pa aerodrome has operated since 1932 and hosts about 40,000 aircraft movements annually, as well as 54 hangar buildings housing about 100 aircraft.
Hawke’s Bay & East Coast Aero Club submitted against the racecourse proposal, citing concerns about complaints and potential restrictions over aircraft noise due to future housing being under flight paths and "low-flying aircraft spooking horses".
It is worried the proposal would create reverse-sensitivity and safety problems for Hastings Aerodrome, potentially restricting the aerodrome’s existing and future operations.
A spokesperson for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated (NZTR) said from an equine and racing perspective, it did "not consider the proximity of the aerodrome to present an issue for horses".
"Other New Zealand racecourses, including Wingatui and Taupō, operate at similar distances from airports or aerodromes, with aircraft movements managed safely," they said.
In its submission in favour of the plan change, NZTR said the proposal was far more than a racecourse.
"It is a multipurpose regional asset that will provide modern sporting infrastructure, support employment and tourism, create opportunities for community events and entertainment, and enable the redevelopment of the existing Hastings Racecourse site for new homes."
Of the nearly 70 submissions, 34 were against.
However, the council has extended its deadline after accepting a late submission.
The late submission was from neighbour Stephen Kane, who raised concerns about traffic, noise and dust during construction.
He suggested developers insulate external walls of directly neighbouring houses, and provide double glazing and tinted windows, to "mitigate light and noise pollution".
"I can already hear machinery and frost protection machinery from the vineyard currently there."
He said he was also concerned about the lack of infrastructure and shops to support the area’s growing population.
Because the council accepted the late submission, it is inviting further submissions "on matters raised in the late submission".
Neighbouring Gourmet Blueberries also submitted against the plan, saying its primary concern was the "interface between the proposed Racecourse Precinct and adjoining Plains Production land".
'Encouraging gambling makes things worse'
It was worried that introducing sensitive activities into a productive rural environment would lead to spray drift, odour, noise and lighting complaints, as well as objections to rural infrastructure such as netting, packhouses and growing structures.
It said even where "no complaints" covenants were proposed, they did not prevent pressure from residents on councils and regulators to impose restrictions on lawful rural activities.
"It will generate significant adverse effects on the environment, particularly on future and existing use of productive land and rural activities."
Jade Winton-Lowe also submitted against the proposal, saying "the whole thing is stupid" and that "people are struggling and encouraging gambling makes things worse, the animals hate it and so does the community".
Hawke’s Bay Racing wrote in support of the proposal, saying it was of significant strategic importance for both Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand’s thoroughbred racing industry, while delivering substantial economic, housing, recreation and community benefits for the wider region.
They said the development would "provide the infrastructure required to sustain and grow the industry while also delivering significant wider community benefits, including new housing, enhanced recreational spaces, improved amenities and increased economic activity".
Further submissions on the late submission close on September 16, with a hearing planned from October 12 to 16.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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