Sharper services for noise control in city

From City Scene, published on 23 August, 2009.

Residents can expect improved services in relation to noise control, including better response times, more night-time officers, and improved targeting of repeat offenders.

Auckland City Council has a new contract provider for its noise control services. The new partnership promises an improved service to deal with an issue that many ratepayers and residents will have to deal with at some point.

Service improvements include:

improved response times; more consistent assessment of noise nuisance, including improved supervision and support
ensuring quicker and more consistent attention to repeat offenders
providing timely feedback to people on the outcome of their complaint
additional resources, including night-time officers.

Our noise control team is busy - Auckland City Council deals with at least twice as many complaints as any other local authority. The number of complaints is increasing too, reflecting our growing population, changing lifestyles and the increasing numbers of people living in close proximity to each other.

"We know this is an issue that matters to people - noise nuisance directly impacts people's quality of life," says Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairperson of the City Development Committee. "It's one of the key things we have to get right, particularly as we head into summer, a period where complaints traditionally peak."

He adds, "We need to consistently follow best practice and deal quickly and fairly with real issues of noise nuisance, particularly repeat offenders, while not punishing people for activities such as hosting parties responsibly. This new contract will definitely help to achieve these goals."

If you want to make a complaint about excessive noise, phone Auckland City Council - you must call when the noise is occurring so action can be taken. A noise control officer will be sent out to investigate - we will keep your details confidential.