AVEX taking off

TE AWAMUTU Couple Douglas and Monica Oliver pictured taking a chopper flight with Tauranga pilot Phill Hooker in his M*A*S*H replica helicopter last year. Mr Hooker’s helicopters are expected to be one of the popular attractions at AVEX. As well as the M*A*S*H chopper he is bringing New Zealand’s first oil rig chopper which in a previous life featured in the Elvis movie ‘Blue Hawaii’.
The Olivers, who retired to Te Awamutu after farming at Arohena, have fond memories of the flight, a special gift from their granddaughter Aleisha O’Reilly, who since passed away. Aleisha, a flight instructor with Baylight International, was given flight vouchers for her 21st birthday by Mr Hooker. She gave two to her grandparents as they would have so much meaning, especially for her grandfather.
He had gained his wings in World War II but never got to fly. In 1952 while serving with the New Zealand Army’s 16th Field Regiment in Korea, 2nd Lieutenant Oliver was shot in both legs by a sniper and airlifted by a M*A*S*H helicopter—a flight he does not recall. In October last year Aleisha was killed when she and a student crashed in the Ureweras. The findings of the crash investigation have yet to be released. TC180908SP07

BY DEAN TAYLOR

After three years of planning, New Zealand’s premier aviation event is about to hit the region. The New Zealand National Aviation Expo (AVEX) is a new event planned for October 9 - 11 at Mystery Creek.

The idea came to fruition in 2005 and a development concept was produced in 2006. The event has been developed as a trade expo following market research which confirmed a need for a prestigious showcase of New Zealand aviation technology, products and services.

AVEX chairman Wayne Green says the event was initially planned for October, 2007 but was postponed because of three main factors. Firstly there was a $2million enticement from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to develop an aviation industry cluster; secondly Hamilton Airport was planning an upgrade, and; thirdly there was a rebranding exercise being undertaken by the New Zealand Aviation Industry Association. These factors have come together to make the timing of AVEX 2008 perfect.

Mr Green says this event is not an airshow, although live displays and demonstrations are planned and the event location will allow for the presentation of new aircraft currently being built in New Zealand.

Mystery Creek Events Centre will cater for a wide range of displays, but a key factor is the ability to house major industry sites under cover in the pavilion. AVEX 2008 will also concentrate on the strong regional aviation industry, such as the well established Pacific Aerospace Corporation and relative newcomers such as CTC Aviation and Alpha Aviation.

Organisers identified the billion dollar plus New Zealand aviation industry has long been undervalued and unrecognised. There has been exponential growth in the aviation sector which has seen multi million dollar fleet upgrades by New Zealand’s national carrier and regional carriers, the establishment of new light aircraft manufacturing and training facilities, airport upgrades and much more.