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The North Shore Aero Club in Dairy Flat turns 60 this year, and part of the celebration is the release of a book about the club’s first 50 years, 1963-2013.
The book, called From the Paddocks to the Skies, was written by Ivan Prince. Ivan is in a position to remember most of those years, as he joined the club as a young man in 1968.
He joined for flying lessons, but first, he says, he had to save up to buy a car as the airfield was “in the middle of nowhere”.
As well as learning to fly, Ivan (now retired) went on to work in the aviation industry.
Over the years, he saved all the club’s newsletters which became a source of information for the book – along with the memories of members, and Minutes from committee meetings. The club’s collection of photos was also a valuable resource.
Ivan’s task was made easier with the assistance of life member Sue Campbell, who contributed material and project managed the book through to completion.
Ivan and Sue say that writing and assembling the 400 plus pages of the book, which has taken the best part of 10 years to complete, was a mission, but worth it as they have created a historical record.
“I was close to the end of my tether,” Ivan says, “but it was all worthwhile once it was in print.”
The book, which will be officially launched at the club on February 11, follows the growth of the club from the days when it was just marshy paddocks with a small grass landing strip. Eight members were there at the start – there are now more than 600, making it the largest aero club in NZ.
As well as the club’s flight training and other activities, the airfield is used by fixed-wing charter companies, helicopter training and charters and rescue helicopter services. Scheduled passenger and freight flights operate to Great Barrier Island and other destinations daily.
The next 50 years
North Shore Aero Club chief executive and general manager, John Punshon, says he doesn’t want to risk any predictions about the club’s next 50 years. The future is somewhat up in the air following the government’s decision last year not to grant the club Airport Authority status.
The club sought that status to facilitate its expansion but faced considerable community opposition.
“Yes, we have had a setback, but that won’t deter us from doing the best for the club in the future,” John says “How that looks is really hard to say.”
He says the club has definitely not ruled out applying again for Airport Authority status.
“We face the same risks associated with the Future Urban zoning of this area, so we need to keep as many options open as we can.”
The club’s 60th year will include various events, including a public Open Day, next month.
WIN this book – Hibiscus Matters has one signed copy of From the Paddocks to the Skies, RRP $79.95, to give away. To go in the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with ‘From Paddocks to Skies Giveaway’ in the message. Or, write your name, address, daytime phone number and the name of the book on the back of an envelope and post or drop into Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Avenue, Ōrewa 0931. Entries close on Friday, February 24. • The book is available from the North Shore Aero Club, 300 Postman Rd, Dairy Flat, on the day of the launch, February 11, 4pm, and after that from the club, or via its website, www.nsac.co.nz/
