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Wings and ‘whirlybirds’ over Mangaia

Saturday 24 April 2021 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend

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Wings and ‘whirlybirds’ over Mangaia
The Walrus amphibian aircraft of H.M.S. Achilles which capsized and sank at Aitutaki, (Press, 18 July 1939). 21042328

In 1945 the ariki of Mangaia offered New Zealand land for an airstrip. In the same year, the ending of the Second World war released thousands of ex-pilots and surplus aircraft to service remote air-routes around the world. While other countries took advantage, another 30 years would pass before commercial aircraft landed on Mangaia. By Rod Dixon

In 1945 the ariki of Mangaia offered New Zealand land for an airstrip. In the same year, the ending of the Second World war released thousands of ex-pilots and surplus aircraft to service remote air-routes around the world. While other countries took advantage, another 30 years would pass before commercial aircraft landed on Mangaia. By Rod Dixon


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