The Arthurs Point Protection Society (APPS) is trying to raise $50,000 for its Environment Court appeal against the way the Queenstown Lakes District Council measures noise.
The council ratified plan change 27A, which updates the noise-measurement standard, last month.
The society has launched a website to raise its profile and has until June 14 to lodge its appeal in the Environment Court.
"We are seeking financial support from residents throughout the Queenstown Lakes District to assist the APPS Inc appeal against plan change 27A. This appeal process may take years to complete and we will need funds every step of the way," the website says.
The cost of acoustic and planning evidence and legal representation might exceed $50,000.
The society's chairman is Warwick Dicker, secretary and treasurer is Chris Streat and Michael Clark and Simon Beale are executive members.
Mr Streat told the Queenstown Times the society planned to appeal the plan change in the Environment Court.
The society was trying to raise the $50,000 needed to fight the plan change.
"We just want council to get across what the true effects are, and they have not," he said.
He said the plan change would increase noise standards within the district and would lower restrictions on helicopter flights.
The society's website says the plan change makes it harder and more expensive to oppose helipads.
"Under this new plan change 27A noise rules, a general helipad operating 46 flights a day would be noise compliant 80m from your home, subjecting the facade of your home to 90-100dBa, which would ruin your lifestyle, significantly affect your property value, subject you to Building Act acoustic insulation costs and finally prevent you from future building on your land under the proposed 'heli-noise boundary' process. You would need earmuffs to walk in your garden," it says.
The new rules means a "huge increase" of about 150% in noise-pressure levels, it says. It says the council did not adequately assess the costs and benefits of the plan change or assess effects on property owners.
The society has commissioned evidence to back up its claims from acoustic consultant Russell Malthus.
Commissioners Crs Leigh Overton and Mel Gazzard recommended the council ratify the plan change.
They rejected the society's submission.
In their decision, they said the plan change would not increase noise levels and any adverse effects on the Arthurs Point residents would be negligible.
The commissioners relied on evidence from consultant acoustic engineer Stephen Chiles.
In his report, he found the plan change would not alter the noise limits of helicopter landing sites.
He said the plan change would not alter any future building rights.
The plan change ensured the council was measuring noise by the New Zealand standards which reflected best practice.
Eight Queenstown bar owners, including Pub on Wharf and The World Bar, also submitted against the plan change.
Only two of the 53 submissions received supported the plan change.
