The Vela helicopter flies again

One of the big stories in the Waikato is the resource consent hearing into the proposed expansion of Neil and Linda Porritt’s sand quarry at Tamahere. There are objections to increased heavy traffic across the region, dust affecting horses’ hooves – a serious concern, apparently – and increased noise. Buried in this news report was a familiar name from the saga of Winston Peters and his election finances. And, indeed, a familiar helicopter:

Phillip and Peter Vela’s Pencarrow Stud is among those supporting concerns about noise effects on horses.

But Mr Porritt said the major source of noise in the area came from the Velas’ helicopter.