The Story of Nelson Aviation

[Peter Lewis]

The Story of Nelson Aviation

by Richard Waugh & Graeme McConnell

Aviation’s influence on Nelson has been profound. With challenging road access, no rail link and the barrier of Cook Strait, Nelson had a reputation as a ‘sleepy hollow’. It was isolated and in some ways still is, yet has never been the same since the first aircraft visit in 1921.

After aero club beginnings, a pioneering scheduled airline was established at Stoke in 1935. The opening of Nelson’s new airport at Tahunanui in 1938, close to the city centre, was a key milestone for the region’s social, economic and tourism future. The airport led to a wartime air force station and a growing post-war airline scene. It became the main commercial aviation centre for the upper South Island, including helicopter work.

Illustrated by many rare photographs, this book tells the story of Nelson aviation - its aircraft, personalities, innovations and events - and how it helped develop the whole sunny province. Nelson Airport serves more than 750,000 passengers annually, is the hub for the country’s largest regional airline and is the fourth busiest airport for scheduled flights in New Zealand.

At 336 pages and with over 500 photographs and illustrations (the majority in colour), extensive appendices include a history of all the airlines that have served Nelson over the years. With a bibliography and full index this book covers the entire region including Waimea, Motueka, Golden Bay and Murchison. The Story of Nelson Aviation covers all aspects of aviation; early pioneers, airport development, RNZAF Base Nelson during WWII, agricultural flying, helicopters etc.

See here for pricing and how to order:
www.nzairlineresearch.co.nz/order.htm

Listen to the National Radio interview with Graeme McConnell at:
www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2577821/nelson-aviation

Open day at Nelson Airport on Saturday 30th November 2013

[nuuumannn]

It's a lovely big and detailed book; I got the chance to look over a copy recently. Being the skinflint I am, I'll be going for the soft cover issue.

[kiwithrottlejockey]

Nov 27, 2013 21:24:06 GMT 12 Peter Lewis said:

Aviation’s influence on Nelson has been profound. With challenging road access, no rail link and the barrier of Cook Strait, Nelson had a reputation as a ‘sleepy hollow’. It was isolated and in some ways still is, yet has never been the same since the first aircraft visit in 1921.

Aviation’s influence on Nelson Gisborne has been profound. With challenging road access, no rail link (prior to 1942) and the barrier of Cook Strait the surrounding rugged hill country, Nelson Gisborne had a reputation as a ‘sleepy hollow’. It was isolated and in some ways still is, yet has never been the same since the first aircraft visit in 1921 1920.


Sorry....just couldn't resist that....

It's amazing how many similarities there are between the two regions in terms of isolation. And both regions had scheduled airline services (operated by classic de Havilland airliners) before the main trunk routes too, because of that isolation.

However, back to the topic....I'll definitely be purchasing a hard-cover copy of the new book from Capital Books next time I get enough time during turn-arounds in Wellington to nip down Featherston Street from the railway station.

[nuuumannn]

Gisborne had a reputation as a ‘sleepy hollow’.

Had?

[suthg]

They don't even have the rail link any more...

[ams888]

I bought the book from Capitol books a couple of days ago. Being from Nelson, and being very interested in NZ aviation I am looking forward to getting to know the history of my area. I am about 30 pages in already, and find it very fascinating. Its hard to believe that the first flight to land in Nelson wasn't until the 1920's... As usual Richard Waugh has done a remarkable job. I have several of the books that he has co authored and this one does not disappoint so far.

[exkiwiforces]

Has there any problems with the book spine unlike the book about NAC as my copy has fallen apart? The Story of Nelson Aviation is on to buy list.