Hood Aerodrome
Tūnga Rererangi
Masterton’s aerodrome was opened in 1931 and was dedicated to a young aviation pioneer, Captain George Hood. The aerodrome is predominantly home to recreational and vintage aircraft activity, but also has flight training, skydiving, aerial topdressing services, aircraft maintenance, parachute and hot air balloon repairs, vintage aircraft airshows and the biennial Wings over Wairarapa Airshow.
Hood Aerodrome is managed by Council, this involves maintaining the runways, runway lighting, windsocks, roading and lease sites for hangars.
The “Airside” areas of the aerodrome are off limits unless by agreement with an operator at the aerodrome. Aircraft operate regularly and engines can be started at any time – It can be dangerous to be in these areas.
Hood Aerodrome Project
The Hood Aerodrome Project will upgrade and develop infrastructure at Hood Aerodrome to support its use and future growth. You can find out about infrastructure updates on the Hood Aerodrome Project page.
Flight Training
Flight training is available all year round with the Wairarapa Aero Club. Helicopter training is available with Wairarapa Helicopters, they cater to both private and commercial training alongside recreational flying for the keen outdoors person. Amalgamated Helicopters also operate in the Wairarapa region and gliding is available through the Wairarapa Soaring Club.
Standard Operating Procedures
Who are the Strategic Advisory Group?
At the November 2018 meeting, Council agreed to establish a Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) for Hood Aerodrome and approved its Terms of Reference (ToR).
The Masterton District Council Chief Executive has appointed Garry Goodman as the Chair of the SAG. Garry was previously the Chief Executive of Palmerston North Airport and is currently a national councillor for the Automobile Association and on the board of the Chatham Islands Airport. Garry provides consultancy services through his company called GRG Consultancy. Garry is actively involved in the Airports Association (NZ Airports) that represents airports and aerodromes in New Zealand.
Members:
Ian Collier
Ian is a Board Director and business advisor, previously working at Air New Zealand as Regional Affairs Manager, responsible for managing all of the airline’s stakeholder relationships, including airports, throughout New Zealand. Ian has had a long association with the Wairarapa, and he has some exciting ideas for the future direction of aviation at the Hood Aerodrome.
Robin Dunlop
Robin has extensive transport and aviation knowledge. He was involved in previous initiatives to attract an airline to Masterton and understands local issues. He is a member of several boards and is currently the Chair of Destination Wairarapa. Robin was previously the Director of a central government agency.
Craig Bowyer
Craig is a pilot, owns a hangar at Hood Aerodrome and operates a consultancy business that monitors pasture growth for farmers. He is the vice chairperson for the local Automobile Association. Craig will provide constructive and valuable input from the perspective of a user on the aerodrome.
Anna Nielson
A recent appointment as the General Manager, Destination Wairarapa Anna was previously co‐founder and a director of Wellington On A Plate and was involved in Toast Martinborough.
What's happening at Hood?
The aerodrome is home to the largest air show in the North Island, Wings over Wairarapa, it is internationally renowned and takes place biennially.
The National Aerobatics Championships are held at the aerodrome every year in February/March dependent on weather. More information can be found on the Aerobatic Club Facebook.
There is also a wide variety of activities including flight training, Tiger Moth flights, Gliding and Skydiving. We offer a unique environment with a large open airfield with well-maintained grass and sealed runways.
Contact the organisations listed below for more information:
Air Training Corps (No. 21 Squadron) | Wairarapa Model Aero Club |
Skydive NZ | Wellington Gliding Club |
Wairarapa Flying Tigers | Wairarapa Aero Club |
Our Parks and Venues are Smoke and Vape Free
All parks and reserves and Council owned venues across the Wairarapa region have been designated as smoke and vape free public places. Any events run in Council facilities must be smoke and vape free. You can read more on our policies page.
