Classic Flyers NZ:About
From Classic Flyers NZ
Passionate individuals got together to achieve this dream of creating Classic Flyers to protect the rich and precious history of New Zealand aviation.
The creation of Classic Flyers was funded entirely by passionate individuals who shared a dream. We are created by New Zealanders for New Zealanders. As a non-commercial Trust, whatever we make from the museum and our events goes back into preserving our aviation heritage.
In 2000, several local businessmen (and aviation enthusiasts) initiated a project to explore the preservation of the large 1940’s hangar on the Tauranga Airfield.
While the hangar proved to be beyond repair, the project evolved and the subsequently formed Bay of Plenty Classic Aircraft Trust decided to create a purpose-built facility on a prime site at the entrance of the Tauranga Airport, on Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui.
The emphasis was on creating a living, dynamic Museum with a high degree of operational activity - with many aircraft movements to and from the facility.
After months upon months of fundraising efforts and obtaining exhibits, Classic Flyers celebrated its grand opening on Saturday 28th May with an awe-inspiring classic flyers air display.
Classic Flyers NZ is owned by the Bay of Plenty Classic Aircraft Trust, a registered Charitable Trust.
Our Aims are:
- To Preserve Classic and Historic Aircraft and - To Support the retention of New Zealand’s aviation History.
The Trust strives to gather, protect and preserve aircraft and aviation memorabilia from bygone times – especially material with a Bay of Plenty or New Zealand connection.
Our Trustees and Executive Officers
Andrew Gormlie – CEO
Andrew is a company director and a successful businessman. He is also a commercial pilot with rating on a large number of aircraft. He is a member of the Warbirds Association and part owner of several aircraft including a Harvard, CT4B and a T28 Trojan. Andrew has lived in Mount Maunganui for the past 18 years.
Daryl Hone - Trustee
Daryl has been a pilot for 13 years, and has accrued over 1,000 hours in that time. He has ratings on numerous different aircraft, including those powered by twin engines. He is a part owner of a T28 Trojan and a CT4B Air Trainer, both of which he flies. He particularly enjoys all aspects of flying, and spent 5 years in an aerobatic formation display team. He recently flew his own aeroplane over to Australia, where he toured extensively around the country, before flying back across the Tasman to New Zealand. With Andrew Gormlie, Daryl was a co-founder of Classic Flyers. As the organisation’s maintenance controller, he has the responsibility for the servicing and performance of all the aircraft.
Don Mahoney – Trustee
Don is company director of his own thriving business in Tauranga, which Don established 17 years ago after 5 years serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy. He is a collector of vintage vehicles and machinery. Don lives in Pyes Pa, Tauranga.
Geoffrey New – Trustee
Geoffrey is an Aviation Enthusiast originally from England, now residing in Tauranga. Geoffrey’s career involved years in the Royal Air Force and Civil Aviation. He has operated such aircraft as the Avro Vulcan and De Havilland Comet followed by Boeing 727’s and 747’s for people such as the King of Saudi Arabia and Virgin Atlantic. Geoffrey has connections with the historic Shuttleworth Trust and The RAF Museum, Hendon (London).
David Eagles - Patron
David is also originally from England. His career started as a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pilot, mainly flying the MD F4 Phantom. David then became a test pilot, and participated in the test programme for the Tornado and the Eurofighter. Until recently, David was CEO of Pacific Aerospace Corporation in Hamilton, and is now an Aviation Consultant for McGregor and Co.
Executive Officers
David Love - Chairman of the Board of Management
David is a recently retired Group Captain RAF, and has had a wide variety of appointments at senior level both in Service and civilian life, such as Chief of Security for Allied Command Europe in Belgium. David’s home is in Tauranga.
Eric Happé - General Manager
Eric is a retired British Army Lieutenant Colonel who came to live in Tauranga with his family in 2005. After training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery, and enjoyed a full range of experience at Regimental duty, culminating in the command of his own Regiment. Throughout his career, he continued with his studies into all aspects of management and administration, culminating in a Master’s Degree in Management. His last appointment was at the UK’s newly established Defence Academy.
Brenda Meadows - Sales and Marketing Executive
Brenda came to Classic Flyers with considerable experience and expertise in the hospitality industry. She previously held positions as a Resort Manager, a Conference Manager and as a Restaurant Manager. She has an eye for detail, is meticulous in her preparations, and always ensures that functions are run to perfection.
Together with her husband Peter who is one of our leading pilots, they make a great team working for Classic Flyers.
Eric Webster – Technical Officer
Eric is a retired RAF Wing Commander and his posts with the RAF included Manager of the RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows. He flew as an Air Loadmaster on C130 Hercules aircraft and was an Air Traffic Control officer at many RAF stations. He brings wide-ranging skills in aircraft operation and the conduct of Air Shows. Eric is based in Kati Kati.
Ken Collings - Finance
Ken is a recently retired Chartered Accountant with skills in Finance, Corporate Governance and Strategic Planning.
