Ready for take-off at Te Araroa

An official opening ceremony will take place at the new Te Araroa aerodrome on April 12. Pilots who have used it already have given it the thumbs up’for its quality as an airstrip. Pictures supplied

The new Te Araroa aerodrome will be officially opened next month. Pilots who have used it already say it’s impressive and ideally situated for small aircraft flights around the East Cape.

It will be opened in ceremonies planned for April 12, 11am-3pm.

The event will include a demonstration by the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter, GDC Civil Defence survival package for after an event, and the organisers expect a number of light planes will fly in for the opening.

They plan to have food stalls available for the event.

“This facility will help unlock the tourism and general economy of the wider East Cape area,” says Richard Clarke, chairman of Te Rimu Trust which has steered the aerodrome’s development.

“We see the opportunities the aerodrome development offers to the region, particularly potential tourism and local businesses.”

Mr Clarke encourages pilots using the air field to provide their feedback.

“The aerodrome development has received funding support from Eastland Group, Trust Tairāwhiti and Kano (Provincial Growth Fund).”

They aim to create an aircraft re-fuelling facility, toilets, showers and cycle hire facilities, which are in the planning stage.

Mr Clarke said a solar power faclity is being built alongside, so the aerodrome will operate with sustainable off-grid power.

The aerodrome is situated near State Highway 35 on Te Araroa Road, between Te Araroa and Hicks Bay, approximately 50 metres east of the East Cape Manuka Company entrance.

Pilot Peter Merwood visited last week and said he was very impressed with the airstrip and the trust’s plans for it.

“Last Saturday it was quite blustery when I and four other aircraft used the airstrip around lunchtime,” he said.

“It was easy to find, the windsock is well located and easy to see from the air.”

Mr Merwood said the airstrip’s location midway between the hills to the east and west was ideal as the approaches from both directions are clear and unobstructed.

“We all found the landing surface good and firm.

“To help with the growth of Te Araroa it would be useful to have a track from the airfield straight to town if that’s feasible and a simple sign that say’s it’s 1.5km and a 20 minunte walk, or whatever it is.

“Most pilots like ourselves are quite happy to stroll into the nearest café and a simple sign that gives directions to town or the nearest cafe would be useful.

“It’s a lovely flight around the East Cape in a light aircraft and the Te Araroa airstrip is ideally situated at the mid-point,” Mr Merwood said.

“Having a good all-weather strip available close to a café will attract pilots like bees to honey as it’s great to be able to fly with mates and then stop somewhere for coffee and a yarn.

“Keep up the good work,” he said.

“I think the airstrip the trust has built is a real asset to your community and I’ll be doing what I can to promote it among my flying mates.”

• The Te Araroa airstrip is now published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), with all the operational information pilots need.