Issuu

2026

ISSUE 29

SPRING AIR CHATHAMS INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Celebrating how design shapes life in New Zealand

16–25 October 2026 Whanganui & Palmerston North festivalofdesign.co.nz

Kia ora tātou Welcome aboard and welcome

to another edition of Air Chats. Spring is a time for new growth, and we’ve got plenty of it to share with you! At our home airport on the Chatham Islands, the big news in August was the opening of the new terminal at the Inia William Tuuta Airport. The official opening also marked the completion of the “longer and stronger” project, which regular fliers will have seen involved the lengthening of the runway and upgrade to the sealed apron area. We’re super grateful to our partners in local and central government for backing this essential investment in regional connectivity. Still on the connectivity front, while on the islands for the opening ceremony, it was great to show Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar and his team around our beautiful back yard (and treat them to some of our trademark kai moana). We also announced together that the interline agreement we’ve been trialling on the Auckland – Whakatāne route is now available across our network. That means people can book an end-to-end journey including Air New Zealand domestic and Air Chathams sectors with one booking on the Air New Zealand website. While it seems like a simple enough thing, it’s taken a lot of work behind the scenes by teams from both airlines, so it’s fantastic to see this come to life. Our finance and bookings teams have also been busy rolling out something else that’s already proving to be very successful: Afterpay. Afterpay is now a payment option on all our flights, and it’s a good option if you need to travel unexpectedly and would prefer to spread out the cost with interest-free payments. I promised in the last issue that we’d share the first recipients of our new Community Connection Fund. This fund gives community groups and individuals from our destinations access to free and subsidised flights in support of their kaupapa. Taking our lead from the way some Kiwi families decide which

charities to donate to, we met as a group from across the airline to discuss the applicants and agree on who we could support. Thanks to everyone who applied. See airchathams.co.nz/sponsorships if you’d like to apply for the next round. You might have seen the sad news that after eight years, we’ve had to end our Kāpiti service. If you were one of our regular customers, thank you so much for your support – we just wish there had been more of you! Rising costs and lack of council support meant that ending the service was the only responsible call we could make. We never launch a route with the intention of shutting it down, but at the end of the day, we can only connect the communities we serve if our operations are sustainable. To end on a high note, we have been able to welcome more flying into the mix after having to reduce schedule across our destinations from the effects of the Middle East conflict. So we were very happy to mark 10 years of flying to Whanganui by adding extra flights each week to and from Auckland. Our Whanganui service is a true partnership between the community, the council and our airline team and a great model for how regional airline connectivity can work. Plus it’s a great destination – I never come home from Whanganui without a smile on my face! That’s it from me. Thanks from all the team for choosing Air Chathams to help you fly somewhere different.

Ka kite anō and safe travels! Duane Emeny, Chief Executive Officer A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

Each year Air Chathams carries more than 110,000 passengers around New Zealand, and in each edition of our inflight magazine Air Chats we celebrate the very best of the regions we cover: from art and culture, to business, history and lifestyle, Air Chats tells the stories of the people who make those places great. If you’d like to be a part of Air Chats, get in touch - the team would love to hear from you.

marketing@airchathams.co.nz airchathams.co.nz fb.com/airchathams @airchathams linkedin.com/company/ air-chathams-limited

Contents AIR CHATS

SPRING/SEPTEMBER/2026

Publisher Plenty Limited - airchats@plenty.co.nz Editor/Kaiwhakatika Tuhinga Andy Taylor - info@plenty.co.nz Design & Production/Kaiwhakatauira Sarah Lane - design@plenty.co.nz Advertising Enquiries airchats@plenty.co.nz +64 (0)27 932 5515 Cover image Waikanae Beach, Kāpiti Coast. Supplied by Kāpiti Coast District Council.

Air Chats is published by Plenty Limited on behalf of Air Chathams Limited. Copyright 2026 by Plenty Limited. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior consent of the publisher. Advertising statements and editorial opinions expressed in Air Chats do not necessarily reflect the views of Plenty Limited or Air Chathams Limited. ISSN 2624-4179 (print), ISSN 2624-4861 (digital).

ON OUR RADAR

A curated mix of stories, happenings and interesting things that caught our attention this issue.

08 GAME CHANGER

A new airport opens - and unlocks - a new chapter for the Chatham Islands.

14 LOVED EVERY MINUTE

Looking back at connecting and serving the fabulous Kāpiti community.

BREWING UP

Kaputī Studios is convincing Kiwis to switch from cappuccinos to, well, tea.

THE BACKROOM BOYS 28 AND GIRLS

Meet some of our unsung heroes keeping you safe, on time and flying high.

THE REAL DEAL

Yiayia’s Little Kitchen is bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to the Eastern Bay.

38 BACK STAGE PASS

Get a glimpse behind the scenes at an Auckland icon with The Civic Tours.

46 OUR FLEET

38 Photo by Ollie Crawford

From single engine light aircraft to our turbo-prop planes, we’ve something for every occasion.

DESTINATIONS

Air Chathams is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of New Zealand’s best regional destinations.

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

On Our Radar We’re spotlighting a few things from around the motu we think are worth a closer look.

CHATHAM ISLANDS

Image courtesy of CI Tourism

New Ship Sparks Optimism For decades Chatham Islands farmers have struggled with the challenges of getting their produce to the mainland via a shipping service that could be somewhat erratic. Time and tide, they say, wait for no man, but the same can be said of national and global markets, and the existing dedicated ship serving the Chathams could not always meet the markets’ demands. So the recent announcement of a purpose built ship to replace the noble but aging 40-year-old Southern Tiare, which has been the mainstay for farmers getting product to New Zealand, has raised considerable optimism on the Chathams. The ship is scheduled to enter service in 2027, giving farmers on the Islands the supply chain confidence they have been lacking for some time. Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the new ship will enter service ahead of Southern Tiare’s retirement.

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“The vessel is an economic and community lifeline for the Chatham Islands. The new ship meets locals’ needs and ensures a reliable, long-term service which can be scaled up to grow alongside the Chathams over the next 20 years,” Mr Meager said. “The ship has been designed to cover all freight requirements. This includes the ability to carry livestock, fuel, vehicles, general and bulk freight. This increase in capacity and service reliability will strengthen sectors such as fishing, farming and tourism. Importantly, it provides certainty to businesses and the community.” It is estimated that the new ship will be able to transport up to 70,000 stock units per year, based on the minimum number of contracted voyages.

WHANGANUI

We Call Paul

WHANGANUI CHAMPION

For nearly nine years, Paul Chaplow has called Whanganui home - and for pretty much all of that time he has been one of the district’s most passionate cheerleaders. When we want the skinny on Whanganui, we call Paul. In addition to being a huge fan of the district, Paul also has extensive - really extensive! - first-hand knowledge of the tourism industry. He ran one of the biggest expedition sea kayaking businesses in North America, taking in orca and the extensive wildlife of Canada’s Pacific Northwest, before managing an eco-tourism lodge specialising in grizzly bear viewing. He even did a season as a polar bear guide. That was followed by a career in outdoor education back in Aotearoa, a stint with Qualmark, tourism’s official quality assurance organisation, a role as Industry Advocate for Tourism Industry Aotearoa, and managing the highly regarded Forgotten World Adventures in Taumarunui.

After 890 km on the bike, Paul is welcomed across the finish line by his children at the Renegades Muster 2025.

That last gig meant visits to friends and family in Wellington took the Chaplows through Whanganui. “We’d have coffee and walk by the river, and the more we looked, the more we thought, ‘Hey, this is a really nice place we could raise our family here.’” “Whanganui doesn’t so much sell itself, but kind of reveals itself to people - and they fall in love. Constant feedback we get is, ‘I wish I’d realised - I would have stayed longer.’ There’s a huge amount of history and stories here, fantastic heritage buildings showcasing our past, and really innovative businesses and creative people taking us into the future.” “Whanganui was a boom town back in the day, which has left us with those wonderful buildings, but it also saw leaner times, which has made us resilient, innovative, and with a real sense of being in it together. All that has made it a great place to live - and it’s a really great place to visit. It’s a cliché, but there really is something - something great - for everyone in Whanganui.” A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

WHAKATĀNE

Whakatāne Art Gallery returns refreshed The much-loved Whakatāne Art Gallery has had an interior refresh, with the Gallery’s Arts and Heritage team reimagining the space, creating dynamic new areas designed to draw visitors of all ages back into a place where art, identity, and community converge. To mark the occasion, a suite of artists who whakapapa to local iwi Ngāti Awa are exhibiting, including conversations with taonga/ treasures, a community of weavers from Te Teko, intimate portraits of kuia that haven’t been seen in Whakatāne for thirty years, and a dedicated space celebrating tamariki and mokopuna.

says Aimee Ratana, Manager Arts and Heritage. “With the refresh done we wanted to bring in contemporary art and taonga to sit in conversation with each other, highlighting the connections between them.”

E Awa te Ara and Kuia Moko remain on display until October, offering visitors plenty of opportunity to experience the refreshed Gallery and the stories it now holds. The Gallery’s smaller exhibition spaces will feature new exhibitions by Llyr “These exhibitions aren’t just Williams and Jess Nicholson, filling a reopened building; they and local artist Meg Gaddum, are activating it. They are the giving visitors fresh reasons to right stories for this moment.” return throughout the season.

“It was important that Ngāti Awa were the first to hold space in our newly refreshed gallery,”

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BY THE NUMBERS Behind our regular regional services connecting Kiwis are tens of thousands of passengers, thousands of hours in the air, and hundreds of tonnes of freight. Here’s a snapshot of 2025.

6,564 hours flown

900 tonnes of fresh seafood to market

Claire House Photography

47,668

Whanganui passengers

16,078

Whakatāne passengers

11,626

Chatham Islands passengers

aircraft

Operating across the Air Chathams network.

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CHATHAM ISLANDS

Game Changer As an island community more than 800 kilometres from Christchurch, the Chatham Islands rely more

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

than most parts of New Zealand on aviation. So, a recently completed major upgrade to the Islands’ Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport is set to be a game changer for the more than 700 people who call the islands home and rely on air links for their connection to the mainland.

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

Wellington Christchurch

Chatham Islands

HE CHATHAMS MAY HAVE First been made accessible by sea travel – and still rely heavily on the sea for their economy – but for most people on the islands, air travel is essentially their State Highway 1 to the world. Aircraft bring tourists to support the local economy, deliver seafood fresh and fast to market, and provide vital links for medical emergencies and critical supplies. No surprise, then, that the airport is a hugely important piece of local infrastructure. The first airport – or, more accurately, airbase – was established following the sinking of the local trading ship Holmwood by German raiders during World War II. The Royal New Zealand Air Force established a flying boat base at Waikato Bay on Te Whanga Lagoon in 1941 to track any further raiders. The service continued after the war until 1959, when an RNZAF Sunderland struck an uncharted submerged reef while taking off from Te Whanga, severely damaging the aircraft. Fortunately, all crew and passengers evacuated safely, and parts of the aircraft remain there to this day – either on display in a private collection or repurposed as farm sheds. In 1957, a new compacted grass airfield was opened at Te Hāpūpū. The National Airways Corporation – the forerunner to Air New Zealand – deemed it unsuitable after only a few flights, but Safe Air established a successful regular service with Bristol Freighters. These slow but incredibly rugged aircraft were the perfect match for the new airfield, although

The upgrade is about people as much as planes. The old terminal has been retained and refurbished, while a new building links to it and is dedicated entirely to security processing for departing passengers.

facilities were fairly basic, with passengers sharing a corrugated iron shed with cargo and enduring a rough ride across a semi-submerged road to reach the main settlement of Waitangi. By the late 1970s, however, the Te Hāpūpū strip, which could not accommodate turboprop aircraft, was no longer keeping pace with the islands’ economic needs. Fortunately, local resident Inia William Tuuta made land available closer to Waitangi, and in 1982 the airport that bears his name was opened. While it was a definite step up from its predecessor and served the islands well for decades, by the 21st century aviation technology and the Chathams’ growing economy had moved on.

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

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Bigger, better and faster aircraft were needed, but larger aircraft require longer, stronger runways, wider taxiways, and terminal facilities that meet modern jet aircraft standards. And so, with central government funding secured through the COVID “Shovel Ready Projects” response, an upgrade to Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport got underway. The Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust (who assumed ownership of the airport after the Crown exited in the 80s) and the Chatham Islands Airport Company Limited (who operate the airport) became the prime movers of the $42 million “Longer and Stronger” project which has seen the runway extended by 490 metres, from 1,360 metres to 1,850 metres allowing modern jet aircraft to operate from the airport. The runway was also strengthened, a larger aircraft apron constructed, and the airport’s drainage and lighting systems upgraded. But the upgrade is about people as much as planes. The old terminal has been retained and refurbished, while a new building links to it and is dedicated entirely to security processing for departing passengers. This blending of old and new is reflected in the interior design, which acknowledges the people of the islands, the Tuuta family who originally gifted the land, and the history of aviation and its vital role in the development of the Chathams.

Timeless solid sterling silver and gold pieces inspired by life on the mythic Chatham Islands.

“Just as state highways connect regional New Zealand, so the airport connects the Chathams.”

In addition, cultural input from Hokotehi Moriori Trust and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust helped ensure the completed gateway reflects the people, landscape and history of the Chatham Islands. “What the airport upgrade means,” says Air Chathams Chief Executive Duane Emeny, “is that it is ready to look forward to the future. Just as state highways connect regional New Zealand, so the airport connects the Chathams, and now that it can handle larger aircraft like Boeing 737s, it has the potential to open up a whole new chapter with faster air links, more cost-effective cargo operations, and more comfortable flights for visitors. The Airport Company, which now owns the airport on behalf of the Trust, and the Enterprise Trust have done a fantastic job delivering this project, and all credit to them. “It’s a game changer for the Chathams and fantastic to see the investment being made in critical infrastructure like this.”

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A W O O L LY YA R N F R O M T H E A I R C H AT H A M S B A A R C H I V E S .

When the sole shipping service from the Chatham Islands to mainland New Zealand was out of action a couple of years back, it didn’t just affect tourists and seafood exports. It left the islands’ farmers with no way to get their premium lambs to market. That’s when Air Chathams stepped up. In two shakes of a lamb’s tail, we designed and built world-first aerial transport pens. Then we fitted them into our trusty Convair passenger / freight aircraft and airlifted the season’s lambs to Napier and their eager buyers. It might not have been business class, but the baa service was excellent. Sure, it took a week or two for the lanolin scent to disperse, and the new owners of our Convair aircraft swear that on quiet nights in the hangar you can still hear the odd ghostly bleat. But we got the job done for the people who matter most: the communities we serve. Cattle class for sheep? We went there. It’s the Air Chathams way.

F LY S O M E W H E R E D I fF E R e N t

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KĀPITI COAST

Loved Every Minute

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

Raumati Beach, Credit Capture Studios

Air Chathams officially welcomed to Kāpiti August 2018

HE RECENT DECISION to suspend our service to the Kāpiti Coast wasn’t taken lightly. Connecting the regions is what the Air Chathams family has done for generations, and we know just how tough things are for many communities in the current economic climate, with events playing out across the globe having real impacts here at home. The new and familiar faces on our Kāpiti service have become favourites of our flight and cabin crew over the past eight years, and looking back, it’s been a real honour to play a part in this dynamic corner of our country. We’ve made great friendships, formed lasting relationships, and shared some incredible experiences since we were officially welcomed to Kāpiti on 20 August 2018. There are simply too many to list, but we’d like to take a trip down memory lane and look back at just some of the things we’ve been privileged to be part of on the Kāpiti Coast.

Sports teams have always featured prominently on our passenger manifests, from having the Crusaders on board to flying the Central Pulse during an epic eight-game winning streak. But we were particularly stoked to fly Kāpiti’s Rebel Cheerleaders to Auckland for a competition. They’re an awesome group of incredibly talented young women who have been punching well above their weight – forgive the mixed sporting metaphor - for quite some time, and it was a ball having them on board.

Ready for take-off – the Central Pulse team boarding an Air Chathams flight

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Kāpiti Coast Art Trail, Credit Capture Studios

If there’s one thing the Kāpiti Coast isn’t short on, it’s things to do.

Sport also brought us into last year’s PGA Tour event, where we partnered with some other great organisations for a giveaway to help put Kāpiti on the map as a golf destination. With four fantastic courses – and plenty to keep the non-golfers in the family entertained – it was an easy cause to get behind. If there’s one thing the Kāpiti Coast isn’t short on, it’s things to do. With beautiful west coast beaches, amazing biking and hiking trails, and vibrant communities, helping spread the word about everything that makes the coast special has been a pleasure. From helping influencer Little Kiwi Travels share the love (and the Tim Tam goodness) with her followers to supporting the Kāpiti Arts Trail through sponsored flights and promotion across our channels, we’ve loved showcasing the region.

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The Arts Trail is a fitting example of what Kāpiti is capable of. Running for more than 20 years, it showcases the region’s remarkable creativity through open studios and art spaces that offer visitors a rare glimpse into artists’ worlds. This year it runs over two weekends – 24–26 October and 31 October–1 November – and is a must-see for art lovers across the motu.

Heylo Silversmith and Jewellery

Alayna Flighty - Holtom’s Art Studio

They’re exactly the kind of community and family--focused initiatives Air Chathams loves to support.

Another must-see for film lovers is the Māoriland Film Festival, which we’ve been proud to support over the years. Whether flying keen cinema-goers to enjoy the films or sponsoring filmmakers, we’ve been delighted to play a part in one of the world’s leading celebrations of Indigenous film. Held over five fabulous days of films, workshops, kōrero and festivities in Ōtaki, the 2026 festival was another huge success. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

Some other highlights our cabin crew fondly remember include flying Aroa Atkinson to the Miss Earth New Zealand contest, supporting Grandparents Week by sponsoring a wonderful intergenerational family gathering, and being part of the fantastic Kāpiti Beach photography competition. They may not be internationally recognised events, but they’re exactly the kind of community and family-focused initiatives Air Chathams loves to support. Making someone’s day – well, it makes ours too. Last but certainly not least, our flight crew loved taking our venerable grand dame of the skies – the much-loved and much-missed DC-3 – on scenic flights over the Kāpiti

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Coast. It’s a beautiful part of New Zealand when you’re on the ground meeting the locals, but it’s simply breathtaking from the air aboard a true piece of New Zealand aviation history. The feedback from passengers was outstanding. Younger generations had the chance to experience a style of flying that has become part of aviation history, while the – slightly – older generations were able to share stories of travelling aboard the DC-3 themselves. Good on ya, Kāpiti. We’ve shared these stories – and countless others besides – and we’ve loved every bloody minute of it.

Paraparaumū Beach, credit Jenny Siaosi

Set the out of office for the back nine Here, spring's already in full swing.

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WHANGANUI

Aotearoa New Zealand is a nation of coffee lovers – some would say coffee snobs! – with the average Kiwi downing around 800 cups of flat white, long black or soy mochaccino each year. It’s a morning ritual for about 75% of us, and for a quarter of us it’s a ritual repeated three times a day. That’s a lot of coffee.

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Image credit Alannah Brown

T’S FAIR TO SAY, however, that tea was the foundation of the nation. It was a colonial-era staple, with New Zealanders consuming more tea per capita in the 1800s than any other country in the world. By the 20th century, tea breaks had become a hard-won legal right for workers in manual trades and agriculture. Like coffee today, tea was an essential part of daily life, embraced at home, at work and on the marae, where it remains an important part of protocol. It soothed nerves in difficult times, provided an excuse for a chinwag in the good times, and it was over a cuppa that plans were hatched and adventures began.

Tea was an essential part of daily life, embraced at home, at work and on the marae.

Tea also had far-reaching social impacts. The arrival of tea gardens in the mid-1800s, and later tearooms, gave women a place to socialise outside the home at a time when the pub was firmly a male domain. While men were tolerated in tearooms, they were rarely granted “speaking rights”! A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

Tearooms, gave women a place to socialise outside the home at a time when the pub was firmly a male domain.

By the end of the 20th century, however, tea’s grip on the nation had loosened. Annual per capita consumption had fallen from around 3kg in the 1800s to less than 1kg. Kiwis had discovered coffee, and tearooms had been replaced by cafés. The story isn’t over, though – not by a long shot. A new generation of Kiwi tea lovers and aficionados is brewing a comeback, and Whitney Nicholls-Potts of Kaputī Studio in Whanganui is among them.

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Superb Rates, First Class Service. “People’s tastes are changing – they’re looking for more quality and authenticity.” “I think coffee did completely overtake everything,” Whitney says, “but people are definitely coming back to tea now. Tea is universal and simple, and you can build so much personal ceremony and tradition around it. It’s such a simple thing that you can do in your day, but it covers all the bases. It’s a moment of connection, a moment to restore your health, a chance to pause. It’s about beautiful, nutritional plants, it’s water, it’s warmth. It’s a non-language way to connect.”

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Whitney’s Whanganui-based Kaputī Studio produces a range of locally blended teas and herbal infusions inspired not just by the drink itself, but by the culture that surrounds it: hui, discussion, art, ceremony, wānanga, connection with people and nature, manaakitanga, and all the good things a brew shared with friends – or strangers – can embody.

“I don’t come from a business background, so I had no idea I was starting a business. It was all accidental, driven by my interest in and passion for the history of tea and tea traditions.”

06 347 7007

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“Every packet of our tea comes from a small handmade batch and is made with high-quality loose-leaf tea, herbs and spices, with instructions to help you make your ideal cup,” Whitney says. “We use German and Sri Lankan base stock, with everything blended and packed right here in Whanganui, with a real emphasis on sustainability and supporting local.”

“Everything blended and packed right here in Whanganui, with a real emphasis on sustainability The Kaputī range runs from the excellently named Good Gumboot – a take on the Kiwi favourite made with single-estate Ceylon Broken Orange Pekoe leaves – to local creations such as Kūmarahou Calm, an infusion that recalls the aroma of native bush after rain, and Ngahere Sencha, which brews to a vivid jade green. Yet for someone so passionate about crafting the perfect cuppa, it’s surprising to learn Whitney’s background is actually in journalism and storytelling.

and supporting local.”

“I’ve always loved hospitality and manaakitanga, but yes, my background is actually as a writer,” she says. “When I was on maternity leave, I was looking for ways to extend my time at home with my babies. So I started a market stall on Sundays and built on what I’d learned while working in a tea shop at university, basically blending my own concoctions.

“I don’t come from a business background, so I had no idea I was starting a business. It was all accidental, driven by my interest in and passion for the history of tea and tea traditions – particularly the tearooms of the past that helped create social change – as well as my memories of tea on the marae.”

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Customers soon began asking to buy bags of Whitney’s tea to enjoy at home, and before long she had an online store, kaputistudio.co.nz, and customers across the country. “I’m coming into my 10th year now, and sometimes I think, ‘Oh, what have I started? What have I done?!’” she laughs. “But the response has been great. I think people’s tastes are changing – they’re looking for more quality and authenticity. They want to know what’s in their products and where they come from, and that they’re being produced in a way that doesn’t harm the climate or the people making them. I think that’s our point of difference.” Which leaves just one final question – the big one: milk first or milk second? “First,” Whitney says. “But hey, you be you!”

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AIR CHATHAMS

The Backroom Boys FREQUENT FLYERS will be familiar with the faces of our ticketing, flight and cabin crew, but behind those frontline staff is another dedicated group of office staff, technicians, engineers and ground crew working tirelessly to keep us in the air, on time and, above all, safe. We caught up with some of them to ask the big questions, like what it’s like to work in the aviation industry, the challenges a small family-owned airline faces, and who really is in charge of dishing out the Tim Tams.

- and Girls

Adrian Ali is our Head

of Commercial and Ground Operations, tasked with keeping us compliant with ground operations regulations while overseeing commercial functions in areas of revenue management, reservations/ customer experience, scheduling and pricing and global distribution. It’s a challenging job, but Adrian has been in the industry for nearly three decades, having started out at Air Fiji before working with Air Chathams in Tonga (under subsidiary brand Chathams Pacific as Executive Manager Commercial) and then Fiji Airways. Now based in Auckland, he manages one of the largest teams, with approximately 50 people. “What I enjoy most about my role is having the opportunity to see the organisation as a whole. Rather than focusing on just one area, I get to have oversight across most of the business, seeing how every team contributes and how all the moving parts come together to keep the airline running smoothly. What I love most about Air Chathams is

Adrian Ali Head of Commercial & Ground Operations

its culture and the unwavering support from the airline’s owners. It was the culture I experienced at Chathams Pacific in Tonga that inspired me to move to New Zealand, and that same spirit is alive here at Air Chathams. Everyone shares a genuine passion for the business and a commitment to deliver the best possible experience for our customers.”

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“Next year marks my 3 decades in aviation, and I can honestly say there’s never a dull moment in this industry. Throughout my career, I’ve always lived by one simple motto: “Altitude with the right attitude.” To me, Air Chathams embodies exactly that—combining professionalism, teamwork, and a positive culture that makes it a great place to work.”

Ash Kumar Aircraft Maintenance Manager

“Our industry is built on trust, and our team takes pride in maintaining both the fleet and that trust.”

Ashwin Kumar – known

throughout the company as Ash – joined Air Chathams in 2015 and is our Aircraft Maintenance Manager, leading the team responsible for planning, execution, and continuous improvement of maintenance operations across a diverse regional fleet. Ash loves how varied his role is. His focus is simple: safe aircraft, smart turn times, clean paperwork and a culture where everyone solves problems before they become events. He also takes pride in leading his team. “I have around 19 people on the team, and we really do work as a team to achieve the end goal. It’s a challenge, but also

an opportunity to learn, share knowledge, refine processes and use data to find the one fix that prevents the next ten delays. Not having to outsource maintenance is a huge benefit, and it also means we know our aircraft inside and out. It’s not just a job; it’s our pride to keep our fleet in great shape.” Like pretty much everyone you talk to at Air Chathams, Ash is quick to highlight the unique workplace environment. “It’s always busy, and things can change pretty quickly, so you have to be flexible. But Air Chats is like a big family, and they appreciate our families too. I tell my engineers here in

the hangar that the job is the job, and we must get it right, but family comes first. They always try to support us, and I also like that we try to support our communities – whether that’s sponsoring groups around the regions or going the extra mile for a last-minute charter. I’m passionate about turning complex maintenance challenges into predictable, safe outcomes. Our industry is built on trust, and our team takes pride in maintaining both the fleet and that trust. For me, the win is a well-executed check, a clean logbook, and an aircraft that leaves the gate on schedule because the team behind it worked with discipline and care.”

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Semita Fakakovikaetau Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Semita Fakakovikaetau

is a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer based in our Auckland hangar. Responsible for inspecting, maintaining, repairing and signing off on the airworthiness of the fleet, Semita has a vital role – and one he takes very seriously. “I’m basically looking after the line aircraft,” he says, which, for those of us who aren’t aviation engineers, means the frontline aircraft busy ferrying passengers around the country every day. “Maintenance is important in the aviation

industry, not just for safety but to make sure everything works as it should so operations run smoothly. What I like about it is that every day is different. We have a really diverse fleet, so you learn a lot and do a little bit of everything in the hangar.”

“You really feel like you’re part of a big team – we’re all in it together. It’s a family-run business, so the staff are treated as part of the family, not just workers, and management is really supportive, both professionally and personally. The other Semita joined Air Chathams in his great thing is that while some native Tonga in 2012 before moving weeks I’ll be in the Auckland to Auckland in 2014 to raise his hangar, other times I’ll be off family and become a fully fledged doing repairs somewhere else member of the Air Chats family. – it’s kind of an adventure!”

“We have a really diverse fleet, so you learn a lot and do a little bit of everything in the hangar.”

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Christa Jansen van Vuuren Technical Administrator - Engineering

“Being part of a team that works a little magic makes it all worthwhile.”

Christa Jansen van Vuuren is another team member who has been with the company for more than 10 years. She currently works as Technical Administrator for Engineering, although she’s better known as the ‘mother’ of the hangar. “I provide essential administrative support to the engineering and maintenance teams, ensuring aircraft maintenance records, documentation and technical data are accurate, complete and compliant with aviation regulations. This business can be very fast-paced, so having that extra set of eyes is essential. “And I love working with engineers – they’re the only people who can turn ‘just a quick look’ into a full investigation with flashlights, mirrors and

three colleagues! I absolutely love being part of the engineering family.” “The industry has been through a lot in recent years. It really has been quite a wild ride, with everyone constantly adapting to new challenges. I originally came from an accounting background, and I used to find it quite tough that my husband, who worked in aviation, often had to change plans at the last minute. Now that I’m in the industry, I understand. Things happen, and it’s all hands on deck to make sure we get our passengers where they need to be. But being part of a team that works a little magic makes it all worthwhile. Everyone is incredibly passionate about what they do, and I think that’s what makes Air Chathams special.”

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WHAKATĀNE

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The Real Deal We all have childhood dreams: astronaut, All Black, pirate. As an eight--year--old, Caterina Murphy’s dream was a little less lofty, but arguably more noble: to own a café, cook and bring people together over food. Like so many of us, life got in the way – in her case, a career in education – but now, in the beautiful rolling hills of Awakaponga, Caterina has fulfilled that dream in the form of Yiayia’s Little Kitchen, bringing Greek Cypriot cuisine and hospitality to the Eastern Bay. Greek Cypriot cuisine is a vibrant blend of ancient Greek, Middle Eastern and Turkish influences. Fresh herbs, olive oil, citrus and pulses feature heavily, making it a natural fit for the laid-back Eastern Bay lifestyle, and Caterina is on a mission to make it part of the Eastern Bay’s food landscape. From her home in Awakaponga, about 20 minutes from Whakatāne, she welcomes groups of up to eight guests for fully catered long lunches, cooking demonstrations and classes overlooking the ocean and Moutohorā/Whale Island. It’s about hospitality, broadening people’s palates and keeping alive the traditions of Cyprus.

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“I cooked a lot with my mother,” Caterina says. “I was the youngest of four siblings by far, so I got to spend so much time with her in the kitchen, and I’m absolutely passionate about it. I’ve also spent plenty of time in Cyprus and northern Greece. Cyprus’ cooking is a little bit different. Because it’s so close to the Middle East, it has a lot of Middle Eastern flavours. There’s a much greater use of lemons and mint in Cyprus, whereas you might see more red wine vinegar and dill used in mainland Greece, and there is more use of ingredients such as coriander. You’ll see hummus on menus in Cyprus, but you won’t usually see hummus on menus in Greece - fava features more there.”

“Food is a huge part of Greek Cypriot culture – hospitality and sharing food. To eat together, to share an experience, to share laughter, is good for us.”

Despite her passion for the food of her family’s culture, Caterina has only recently made it her focus. “From the age of about eight, I always wanted my own café. But I never did it. I’ve given my whole career to education, from early childhood to secondary and tertiary

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education. I even completed my PhD on the cooking traditions of people in my local area – Māori, New Zealand Europeans and NZ immigrants – and I looked at how cooking traditions, rituals and important learnings are passed on across generations through food.”

“That kind of got my mojo going. I started thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m still in education. I’m doing a huge doctorate, a massive thesis of 100,000 words, and I’m still not really following my true passion, which is feeding other people the flavours of Cyprus’. That provided a bit of momentum. Then, at the beginning of 2024, I thought, ‘I’ve waited far too long. I need to do something before it’s too late!’ so I started catering and it was very well received, especially the Big Fat Feast which I take to people’s homes for dinner parties, and the Picnic Box for two. When Flavours of Plenty (the annual celebration of food in the Bay of Plenty) came around in 2025, that momentum really built, and then the cooking classes started.”

“I looked at how cooking traditions, rituals and important learnings are passed on across generations through food.”

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That momentum became Yiayia’s Little Kitchen – Yiayia means Grandmother – where Caterina now welcomes guests into her family home to experience Greek Cypriot hospitality in a classic Kiwi setting of sea views and sunshine. “Food is a huge part of Greek Cypriot culture – hospitality and sharing food. To eat together, to share an experience, to share laughter, is good for us. The younger generations are working a lot more than they traditionally did and often don’t have time to cook or spend time with friends and family in the kitchen, where memories are made. I’m really trying to keep those cooking traditions alive.” Whether you want to learn or simply enjoy the food, there’s an option for you. And if you’re really pressed for time, you can also choose one of the picnic boxes. “With those, I try to capture Cyprus in a box! Expect dishes such as walnut and mushroom pâté, tzatziki, stuffed vine leaves, an orange blossom and pistachio cheese log, and marinated olives with pistachios. I keep it true to myself and the flavours are true to Cyprus.” And from November, you can also enjoy High Tea on the Hill - with a few Cypriot twists! “My mother has brought me here, and the biggest delight for me is not just feeding people – but also meeting the amazing people who take up my services. In a way, I’ve finally got my own café, just in a different way, and it took quite a bit longer.” It was worth the wait.

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Discover our spring

Tauwhare pā

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AUCKLAND

Back Stage Pass

OR NEARLY A HUNDRED YEARS The Civic has been an Auckland icon, and now you can get up close and personal - and even go backstage - on guided tours that shine a light on the remarkable history of this beloved venue.

1929 was not an auspicious year across the globe. Stock markets tumbled and businesses failed as Wall Street crashed, but in Auckland things were looking very different. Prominent entrepreneur Thomas O’Brien had invested the eye-watering sum of £200,000 (around $25-30 million in today’s money) to build what aimed to be New Zealand’s greatest movie palace.

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Photo credit LK Creative

O’Brien had big plans for his grand design: it would be the most opulent atmospheric cinema in the country.

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Crowds gather outside Auckland’s Civic Theatre during the welcome home parade for the crew of HMS Achilles, February 1940. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-56014-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22322198

Movies were the next big thing and O’Brien had big plans for his grand design: it would be the most opulent atmospheric cinema in the country, with a lighting and interior design creating the illusion of an open sky complete with twinkling stars to give the audience the impression of being seated in an open-air courtyard. It would seat a whopping 2,378 people - and it opened to great fanfare in December of 1929. “It was a really grand place,” says Daniel Clarke, Director of Auckland Live who manages The Civic, “a purpose-built talkie cinema, so one of the first with proper sound at that time. And a design that was remarkable for the time and is still stunning today. It very quickly became a landmark for Auckland.”

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Its design spoke to the aspirations of a growing city rushing into the brave new world.

The Auckland Civic Theatre stands in the foreground as construction progresses on the Bledisloe State Building, 1955. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-40472-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. / records/30114390

It wasn’t just movies; the Wintergarden, an underground ballroom in the complex, became a major centre of entertainment.

The grand interior of Auckland’s Civic Theatre, photographed in 1957 by Mr Burns. Archives New Zealand, AAQT 6401 W3537 Box 27 / A51151

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T 42

HE CIVIC WAS THE PERFECT setting for big screen marvels, and its design spoke to the aspirations of a growing city rushing into the brave new world. But it wasn’t just movies; the Wintergarden, an underground ballroom in the complex, became a major centre of entertainment for American soldiers stationed in Auckland during World War II, Bob Hope performed there, Eleanor Roosevelt spoke there, and the erotic performances of New Zealand’s very own Freda Stark raised eyebrows and blood pressures there.

“It is such an incredible venue and Aucklanders were - and still are - very passionate about it,” Daniel says. “Fortunately, it was restored after a strong public campaign to save it, and it was reopened by Auckland Council on what would then have been its 70th birthday in December of 1999. So we’re really lucky in Auckland - and New Zealand to still have it with us. We have visiting artists coming here, and when they step inside for the first time, they just can’t believe it. It’s quite amazing to see their faces.”

Within 30 years of its opening however, the cinema landscape was changing. “Particularly in the 60s and 70s, television started making cinemas of that volume completely unviable to run,” says Daniel. The Civic struggled even more, when multiplex cinemas became the norm, and by the late 80s its demolition was being seriously discussed.

And we’re talking some pretty famous faces. Since embarking on the second act of its career The Civic has played host to the likes of Bob Dylan, B.B. King and Nick Cave, sell- out shows like Mamma Mia and Mary Poppins, and events like the New Zealand Film Festival.

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Photo by Sacha Stejko

Your chance to experience the glory of The Civic is just a few mouse clicks away. The Civic Tours sees knowledgeable guides take visitors on a journey that spans nearly a century, from its inception in the late 1920s, through the 1930s and 40s, bustling with showgirls and celebrities, on to the 1990s when its future lay in the balance, and then to its glorious restoration. “On the tours you get to explore areas that the public don’t normally see,” says Daniel.

“I remember, years ago, someone told me that a couple of people died during the construction of the theatre, and that the ghosts of those workers have been seen.”

“It’s quite a labyrinth in there - there’s a lot of passages and rooms and subterranean spaces that the public just aren’t aware of when they go to a show. For many people it’s their first experience of such a design, but even for those that have been to the theatre before it’s often the first time they take it in as a building, rather than the place they’ve come to see a show at. And people love going onto the stage - and really love the opera box! - because it does send a shiver down your spine.” A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

“On the tours you get to explore areas that the public don’t normally see.”

And like any grand old theatre, there are other sources of shivers. Adam Dauphin, from Auckland Live, currently works on many of the musicals in The Civic but started out as an usher there. “I remember, years ago, someone told me that a couple of people died during the construction of the theatre, and that the ghosts of those workers have been seen. There’s also talk of a female ghost, possibly a performer, a dancer from back in the day. I haven’t seen anything personally, but I tell you, having worked in The Civic, being there by yourself at night you hear a lot of creaks and groans. It used to give me pause, shall we say?!” Visions of the ‘other side’ are not guaranteed on The Civic Tours, but a glimpse into a golden age and a look behind the curtain of Auckland’s grand dame certainly are. To book your spot, check out aucklandlive.co.nz/show/the-civic-tours

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Photo by Ollie Crawford

IMPORTANT NOTICE – DOCKING & WEANING REQUIREMENTS

Get your essential

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pre-ruminant lambs require Vitamin B12 (not cobalt) through supplementation. The specific role of Vitamin B12 is for energy and protein metabolism to essentially provide the cells within the body the ability to convert feed into energy, therefore enhancing good weight gains. Beef & Lamb (2007) Fact sheet emphasises that treating ewes with Cobalt pre-lambing only gives 3-4 weeks supply of B12 to their lambs. It recommends providing Vitamin B12 at docking and weaning time as lambs need B12 as early as possible. Research suggests that supplementation of Vitamin B12 will support significant live weight advantages in stock that are deficient.

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www.palamountains.co.nz / 0800 484 276

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AIRCRAFT AIR CHATHAMS

Our fleet Air Chathams has a fleet of 9 aircraft, ranging from single-engine light planes to turbo-prop passenger aircraft capable of speeds of over 500km/h. With this diverse fleet we can offer everything from scenic flights to charters, passenger services and freight.

ATR 72 Our newest regional airliner Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants No. of Seats Inflight Catering Toilet

500 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 2 68 Available Yes

Saab 340 Our Swedish princess Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants No. of Seats Inflight Catering Toilet

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470 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 1 34 Available Yes

Cessna 206 The Chatham Islands workhorse Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants No. of Seats Inflight Catering Toilet

230 kilometres per hour 10,000 feet No 1 0 5 No No

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DESTINATIONS AIR CHATHAMS

The airline that brings New Zealand together

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Air Chathams is family owned and operated and is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of the country’s best regional destinations. For more than 40 years we’ve been bringing New Zealand together.

Whakatāne Ōhope

Whanganui

Wellington

Chatham Islands

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Christchurch

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Know where you stand. Before you decide where to go this spring

Bayleys helps homeowners make confident property decisions through local insight, strategic planning and trusted expertise. A confidential, no-obligation conversation about your property’s value, today’s market, your options, and what your next move could look like. Thinking about your next move this spring? Start by understanding where you stand today. Talk to Bayleys today! BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BARTLEY REAL ESTATE MANAWATU LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED REAA 2008

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Getting you there for 10 years F LY S O M E W H E R E D I fF E R e N t