Karamea Aerodrome

The Karamea Aerodrome serves the town of Karamea, in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a non certificated aerodrome located around 1.4 kilometres (0.87 mi) northwest of the town.

Karamea Aerodrome
Summary
OperatorKaramea Aerodrome Inc
LocationKaramea, New Zealand
Hub forGolden Bay Air
Built1940
Elevation AMSL28 ft / 9 m
Coordinates41°14′17″S 172°06′22″E
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
01/19 945 3,100 Bitumen/Grass
17/35 655 2,149 Grass

History

Air services after 1929 earthquake

The Murchison earthquake of 17 June 1929 caused severe damage in the Karamea area, with all roads in the district closed and nearly all bridges damaged.[1] The road from Westport to Karamea was severely damaged by large landslides which cut the community's road link for about two years.[2] [3] The earthquake disrupted efforts underway at the time to control an outbreak of diptheria in the settlement and on 19 June, serum was delivered by air, with the aircraft landing on the beach.[4] On 1 July 1929, a flight from Westport to Karamea brought a shortwave radio transmitter and radio operator to the town to help restore communications.[5] Aircraft were also used to deliver mail to the town, following the earthquake.[6]

Establishment of aerodrome

An aerodrome at Karamea was initially investigated in 1935 as part of a major government programme of airfield development in the South Island, made possible by the engagement of unemployed men.[7] On 12 November 1940, a notice was published proposing the taking of land under the Public Works Act 1929 for the construction of an aerodrome.[8]

In 1943, the Karamea aerodrome was included in a West Coast air service on an "as-required" basis, but subject to the ground conditions at the aerodrome being suitable. At that time, the field could not be used in all weathers, and required further drainage.[9] In October 1965, the aerodrome received a government grant for the costs of extending the runway from 2,500 feet (760 m) to 3,100 feet (940 m), to help improve air services and reduce the isolation of the Karamea region.[10]

In 2016, the aerodrome applied to the Buller District Council for funding an upgrade of the runway. The Chair of the Karamea Aerodrome noted that the airport was run by volunteers, and that an air service was vital for the community because it was regularly cut-off by slips on the only access road into Karamea.[11]

Operations

In 1978, there was a disturbance at the airport when around 100 residents prevented the departure of a light plane carrying the Medical Office of Health at Nelson, in protest against the lack of commitments to improving health facilities in the town.[12]

The aerodrome is currently managed and operated by Karamea Aerodrome Inc, established in October 1989.[13][14]

In 2016, the aerodrome reported 1,957 aircraft movements over a period of 14 months. Many of these aircraft movements were for transporting trampers to or from the Heaphy Track. The Chair reported that only around one-third of pilots were paying the landing fees.[11]

Airlines and destinations
AirlinesDestinations
Golden Bay Air Nelson, Tākaka, Wellington

A helicopter charter business also operates from the aerodrome.[15]

See also

References
  1. "Corbyvale and Karamea - Public Works Engineer's Journey". Nelson Evening Mail. 3 July 1929. Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via Papers Past.
  2. "Karamea zone – Enormous damage – Coastal route blocked". Evening Post. 22 June 1929. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022 – via Papers Past.
  3. "Karamea's plight – Township isolated". Evening Post. 21 June 1929. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022 – via Papers Past.
  4. "Diptheria at Karamea". Evening Star. 24 June 1929. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022 – via Papers Past.
  5. "The Earthquakes - Position at Westport". Pahiatua Herald. 2 July 1929. Retrieved 22 January 2023 – via Papers Past.
  6. "Hokitika items". Star (Christchurch). 3 March 1930. Retrieved 22 January 2023 – via Papers Past.
  7. "Air Transport Facilities". The Press. 4 July 1935. Retrieved 22 January 2023 – via Papers Past.
  8. "Untitled". Nelson Evening Mail. 12 November 1940. Retrieved 22 January 2023 – via Papers Past.
  9. "West Coast Air Service - inclusion of Karamea". Nelson Evening Mail. 2 September 1943. Retrieved 22 January 2023 – via Papers Past.
  10. "Extension planned". The Press. 14 October 1965. Retrieved 21 January 2023 – via Papers Past.
  11. Carroll, Joanne (15 March 2016). "Karamea Airport 'totally inadequate' for isolated community". Stuff. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  12. Furness, Sue (20 October 2022). "Our History - Justice of the Peace - Mediator". Auckland Justices Of The Peace Association. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  13. "Karamea Aerodrome Incorporated". New Zealand Business Number. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  14. "Karamea Aerodrome Inc". Karamea Community. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  15. "Karamea helicopter crash: Inquiry launched into crash at West Coast holiday resort". NZ Herald. 2 January 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
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