NZCW - Shortened

The runway on the Sugarloaf is in the process of being shortened. Smallburn Farm Ltd, who owns the land, is installing a Pivot Irrigation system that extends onto the northern end of the runway.

This has been an ongoing project, with most of the dry areas being brought into production. Peter, the farm manager, has been keen to retain the 1550m strip, and offered to re-align it, parallel to the trees. However, with only light aircraft now using the strip, an upgraded 800m runway was a more practical solution.

Runway markers were removed last year, and the southern end extended by 100m. Work has been ongoing with the runway surface upgrade, and the fences and northern windsock are in the process of being removed.

An updated AIP Aerodrome Chart should be issued soon. However, while the northern end will remain open until a new chart is issued, no maintenance or repairs are being done. The southern end is of course available for general use


Hangar BBQ


Thanks to Pauline and Dave King for a great BBQ on Saturday evening. It was a good opportunity to meet new members and to talk flying with some familiar faces.


I would encourage as many as possible to make the effort to attend some of the clubs social events. They are a good way to get to know other members and to do some informal planning.


And of course, we wish Pauline and Dave every success with their Project. What we can see already looks fantastic.

Existing 1550m runway (left) and new 800m runway (right)