In a time of change and fleet recapitalisation, Barry Ambrose visits RNZAF Base Auckland to discover how New Zealand is working to modernise its capabilities, replacing old workhorses with newer, more capable platforms
It would not be unreasonable for some to presume that, due to the relatively small size of New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) have little to do other than protect their country from intruders, but that would be far from the truth!
Sadly, AFM’s trip to RNZAF Base Auckland – which is located in Whenuapai and serves as the RNZAF’s largest and northernmost air base – was on an overcast day so there was little flying action. While it was possible to look at the Lockheed C-130H Hercules tactical transports and P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, a last-minute restriction on the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite multi-role maritime utility helicopters meant none were seen.
