Wanganui aviation company pioneer started in Waiouru

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 234, 8 March 1988, Page 10 (Supplement)

Wanganui aviation company pioneer started in Waiouru

Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operated by Wanganui Aero Work Ltd are not an uncommon sight and sound jn Waiouru skies.

In the early 1950's, the pioneer of the company, Mr Wally Harding led a farming revolution which began in the hills of Waiouru. For years farming leaders and agricultural scientists had been aware that the hills of New Zealand badly lacked phosphate, but a suitable method of application was a major obstacle to overcome. Wally Harding pioneered the aerial topdressing methods which were to see a worldwide reputation earned by New Zealand. He formed Wanganui Aero Work Limited which developed into a household name on North Island farms.

Responsible for the conversion of thousands of acres of previously unusable hill country to highly productive land, the company has an important place in the history of farming in New Zealand. Based in Wanganui, the company expanded rapidly, with five new aircraft added in the first four years, and had the distinction of owning the first Fletcher aircraft to come off the production line. By 1976 its fixed wing fleet had expanded to ten 400HP Fletchers, and in the same year purchased two Hiller helicopters. Over the next few years a fleet of

ten helicopters was built up, with eight flying fulltime. The company built its own hangar to service their aircraft, and developed from their own resources equipment to complement their operations. Wanganui Aero Work's helicopter operation developed over the years into many diverse areas, which were complementary to the growing pastoral industry while a 1 s o anticipat ing the changes taking place on the farm scene. This type of diversification and development, combined with the high standard of operations and maintenance staff, ensured that Wanganui Aero Work survived the agricultural downturn which saw the demise of most other agricul-

tural aviation operations. Economic measures taken by central government in 1984, combined with increased fuel and fertiliser costs, were major factors in this downturn, which saw many operators cutting prices in an endeavour to avoid defeat, but eventually failing. "Quality Without Compromise" - this philosophy has helped to ensure the survival of Wanganui Aero Work Limited. It is the only company in the Southern Hemisphere operating both fixed wing and helicopter fleets. The company's base is in Wanganui, with helicopters based in Raetihi, Taihape, Hastings, Ruatoria and Wanganui. Its fixed wing fleet are based in

Wanganui, Stratford, Taumarunui, Taupo, Raetihi, Taihape and Pahiatua. Their maintenance base is fully licensed and approved for the overhaul and maintenance of the company's fleet. They also have Ministry of Transport approvals for the component overhaul of most Jet Ranger helicopter components, and the

component overhaul of most fixed wing aircraft. Involvement with the expanding tourism industry is increasing, and to a New Zealand wide Air Transport license is held by the company, enabling them to offer a 24 hour charter service. In addition to the traditional areas of farm

development the company's helicopter fleet have expanded into fields as diverse a s : frost control, filming for television news and film companies, hunting and tramping transfers, heli-skiing, provisioning of National park huts, marathon and jet boat race surveillance and rescue and air ambulance work.