Masterton District Council today (23 April) agreed a targeted consultation on Hood Aerodrome aeronautical charges will start tomorrow (24 April) with users who pay landing fees.

A review of the current aeronautical charges (landing fees) was undertaken this year by the Council, the first in over 14 years. The review identified changes needed to generate more revenue from users to support the cost of operating Hood.

The Council aims to provide equity on future charges after the review also highlighted the need for more equitable pricing across all users.

The review only applied to charges relating to aeronautical activities – property, buildings, and commercial activities are not included.

The Council’s Revenue and Financing Policy relating to the Hood Aerodrome states a target of 60 percent funded by users and the remainder from rates. The current structure makes up 8 percent from user pays.

It aims to provide transparency on future charges. At present, annual fixed charges result in some users in the same aircraft weight group paying as little as 33 cents per landing while others pay up to $10 per landing.

Hood users who have paid landing fees recently will be emailed or mailed a copy of the consultation document, which was adopted in today’s extraordinary Council meeting.

The consultation closes on Thursday 22 May 2025.

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