"Part of that process is giving people the opportunity to find out who we and the other airport tenants are, what we do out here and why.
"It is a chance to connect with our local community - past, present and future - as well as creating awareness and raising funds for our charitable partners, the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter and Blue Light," Mr Rhodes said.
Events on the day will include demonstrations of emergency services teams in action, the chance to win flights, or book a flight on a historic DC3, interactive aviation displays, tours through the international departure lounge, plus many food stalls and other activities.
He said another important aspect of the open day was thanking all those who had been involved in the establishment and running of the airport during the past 50 years.
This will include the dedication and blessing of new artwork, including five murals painted by local primary schools, the unveiling of a plaque to acknowledge Te Arawa hapu Ngati Uenukukopako, as well as acknowledgement of key people involved with the airport in the last 50 years.
"As part of the open day, we are also asking members of the public to share their photographs and memorabilia of the airport and surrounding site from over the past 50 years with us, all of which will be included in the day's historic celebrations," Mr Rhodes said. The open day will be from 11am to 3pm. Those attending are encouraged to donate a gold coin to the BayTrust and Blue Light charities.
More information will be available on the airport website in coming weeks.
