The New Zealand Permanent Air Force had an Autogyro?

[Dave Homewood]

From the STRATFORD EVENING POST, 15 NOVEMBER 1930

Strange Aircraft

WINDMILL ’PLANE.

LATEST OE ITS KIND

SHIPPED TO NEW ZEALAND.

(Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 14

Believed to be the first auto-gyro sent to Australia or New Zealand, one of Senor Dela Cierva’s windmill ’planes was shipped by the Corinthic for Christchurch, whence it is to be taken to Wellington before a demonstration is made throughout the country by the New Zealand Air Force.

Squadron Leader Findlay had tuition in autogyro flying in England, and may fly the machine again in the Dominion. It is the latest type of this queer craft, one of which was flown at the Imperial Conference display on October 25.

[davidd]

Although the NZPAF may have had some (non-financial) interest in the autogyro, I don't think they actually gave much help in its tour of the country, which was purely commercial, hoping to create a demand for this type of aircraft. I think the firm that owned it was called "Safety Aircraft (NZ) Limited", which would also seem to be part of the marketing campaign. I believe that the tour ended when the autogyro toppled over at some point (apparently one of the hazards of the type). This machine was placed on NZ's civil register as ZK-ACL.
David D

[Dave Homewood]

Interesting, thanks David.