90th anniversary for Motueka’s aerodrome
The Southern Cross taking off at Motueka Aerodrome. Photo: Bill Coppins Collection.
Ninety years ago this week, the Motueka Aero Club was founded.
After the first landings of aircraft to inspect Marchwood farm as suitable for an aerodrome, negotiations commenced between owner Bertha Knyvett and the Motueka Borough Council.
A meeting at the Motueka District High School on 1 March unanimously decided that the Motueka Aero Club be formed. A provisional committee deputation met with the Motueka Borough Council on 6 March to discuss ground rental, building of a hangar and the advantages of having an aerodrome.
Famed Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, who was the first person to fly between Australia and New Zealand, had been invited to visit the district. This left very little time for preparation of the landing of such a large aircraft as Sir Charles’ ‘Southern Cross’.
Aero club meetings were held on the 8 and 13 March to discuss arrangements for the visit, with official speakers and representatives from Nelson, Marlborough and Golden Bay aero clubs.
The Motueka Borough Council staff were tasked with the removal of dividing fences, gorse hedges and ground levelling.
On Monday, 19 March, local people eagerly awaited the arrival of the Southern Cross VH-USU. Schools and businesses were closed and as the famous monoplane came to a stop, it was promptly surrounded by the surging crowd. Sir Charles was accompanied by his wife and brother on his Motueka-bound flight.
After lunch, passenger flights commenced and the Southern Cross made nine local flights before leaving for Wigram at 4.30pm.
The official opening of the aerodrome was scheduled for Easter Saturday, 31 March, which left only a short time for the council and the aero club committee to prepare for the event.
That afternoon, a large crowd witnessed the official opening of the Motueka Municipal Aerodrome by the mayor, Mr R.J.L.York.
Aircraft from five aero clubs were on display. Passenger flights and aerobatic displays were carried out on a perfect day for flying.
Ninety years on, Motueka has an aerodrome that supports a number of commercial enterprises, providing employment and tourism opportunities which benefit the town.