Air Force gets earful

The New Zealand Air Force received four noise complaints about a late-night training exercise in the Auckland CBD.

Air Force spokesman Glen Davis said the exercise, which involved a helicopter and lasted two hours until 11.30pm on Tuesday, was publicly notified and necessary training.

"There were three squadrons working in conjunction with the New Zealand Army, training in counter-terrorist operations in an urban environment.

"It's not a regular occurrence, and we do our best to advise public when it's happening.

"It was a night exercise. If there is an emergency event at night, then we need to be able to respond."