Residents ready to complain over Parachute concert

Waipa district councillors could find themselves copping an earful if the Parachute Christian music festival -- set for Mystery Creek over Auckland Anniversary weekend -- is as noisy as previous years.

The festival, which attracted 23,000 fans to Mystery Creek last year, runs between January 28 and 31.

Neighbouring residents were deafened by the noise last year and don't fancy the prospects of another high decibel weekend.

John Whitehead, principal of Whitehead Electrical -- situated opposite Mystery Creek Events Centre gates -- has warned a pamphlet would be distributed to residents containing Waipa councillors' phone numbers. Residents would be encouraged to complain directly to the politicians.

Whitehead Electrical employee Sharon Gunn said the noise was unbearable.

"It's just thumping bass for three days," she said. "After an hour I had a wicked headache. I can't imagine what it was like for people living through it at night."

Waipa deputy mayor and Cambridge ward councillor Peter Lee said he was always willing to listen to ratepayer problems.

"But we are councillors for Waipa and most of the complaints will come from across the river (Waikato District Council)," he said.

"They could always ring their own councillors, but the proper process is to go is through council officers. We just pass complaints on to staff anyway.

"The festival is controlled by resource consent and has to go through control officers."

Last year, a residents' petition called for Parachute's five-year consent to be withdrawn. A council review of the consent cancelled helicopter rides and limited carnival ride times.

Festival noise levels are required to be kept below 55 decibels beyond a defined zone.

Festival director Mark Mortlock said he could understand residents' concerns.

Their concerns were valid "that as residents they want their surroundings to be as stress-free as possible", he said. "But from our point of view, if there is a noise issue, it is the responsibility of the council to make sure they address it.

"If we weren't complying with their requirements, then it would be an issue."

- NZPA