Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 1, 2008 20:49:32 GMT 12
Airbase trail takes shape
By STEPHEN FORBES - Western Leader | Thursday, 28 August 2008
History enthusiasts are working on plans for a heritage trail at the Hobsonville airbase and Limeburners Bay.
The air force has all but vacated the base since the property was deemed surplus to Defence Ministry needs in 2000.
It has only a couple of workshops on site and a few houses to accommodate personnel.
But that presence will fade away as the land is redeveloped for housing, schools, parks, reserves and light industry.
The soon-to-be-formed Hobsonville Heritage Trust is keen to preserve the property’s history.
Its trail will include historic buildings such as Mills House, the Sunderland Lounge, the Catalina Barracks and a number of defence homes.
Spokesman Bryan Heron says the concept might be extended to feature nearby Limeburners Bay where a number of archaeological ruins, including the remains of several brickworks, can be found over a 1km stretch of coastline.
He says discussions have been held with Hobsonville Land Company - the firm overseeing development of the airbase.
Land Company chief executive Sean Bignell is a starter.
"We want to keep some of the mementoes so that people can learn about the site’s history," he says.
The property's modern history dates back to 1925 when 167 acres was bought for use as an airfield. Construction started two years later and the site was ready to receive Fairey III F and Moth seaplanes by 1930.
Hobsonville planes ferried medical supplies and staff to the scene of the Napier earthquake a year later.
A further 55 acres was added and the base was used for a variety of functions, including seaboat training and the assemblage of American fighter aircraft during World War Two.
It became responsible for all RNZAF trade training after the war and was home to the No 5 Sunderland flying boats squadron.
The site was also used as a base by the SAS before its shift to Papakura several years ago.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4670842a6497.html
By STEPHEN FORBES - Western Leader | Thursday, 28 August 2008
History enthusiasts are working on plans for a heritage trail at the Hobsonville airbase and Limeburners Bay.
The air force has all but vacated the base since the property was deemed surplus to Defence Ministry needs in 2000.
It has only a couple of workshops on site and a few houses to accommodate personnel.
But that presence will fade away as the land is redeveloped for housing, schools, parks, reserves and light industry.
The soon-to-be-formed Hobsonville Heritage Trust is keen to preserve the property’s history.
Its trail will include historic buildings such as Mills House, the Sunderland Lounge, the Catalina Barracks and a number of defence homes.
Spokesman Bryan Heron says the concept might be extended to feature nearby Limeburners Bay where a number of archaeological ruins, including the remains of several brickworks, can be found over a 1km stretch of coastline.
He says discussions have been held with Hobsonville Land Company - the firm overseeing development of the airbase.
Land Company chief executive Sean Bignell is a starter.
"We want to keep some of the mementoes so that people can learn about the site’s history," he says.
The property's modern history dates back to 1925 when 167 acres was bought for use as an airfield. Construction started two years later and the site was ready to receive Fairey III F and Moth seaplanes by 1930.
Hobsonville planes ferried medical supplies and staff to the scene of the Napier earthquake a year later.
A further 55 acres was added and the base was used for a variety of functions, including seaboat training and the assemblage of American fighter aircraft during World War Two.
It became responsible for all RNZAF trade training after the war and was home to the No 5 Sunderland flying boats squadron.
The site was also used as a base by the SAS before its shift to Papakura several years ago.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4670842a6497.html
