Ensuring history takes flight for years to come
Ohakea Hall; a derelict building down a discreet road, once held celebrations, community dances and meetings. For years it sat quietly waiting for a new purpose. The location of the hall and the revived life that is now contained within it, couldn’t be more fitting.
Two years ago, Greg Bradley walked into Manawatū District Council with big dreams of opening a war memorial aviation centre. He didn’t think he would walk into Council and days later he would be walking out with keys to the Ohakea Hall.
The hall itself needed lots of love, but that certainly didn’t deter Greg’s ambitions and with a few extra hands of Mike Summer and Warrick Jones the hall has had a physical transformation. The hall is now opened most days from 10.30am – 2.30pm and offers 45 minute tours of the displays, primarily made up from Mike’s personal collection. The tour takes you on a journey through the decades of war and aviation’s role within the war, even containing some rare pieces not found in other national exhibitions.
Greg’s passion steams from 20 years employment at RNZAF Base Ohakea and when the Skyhawks were sold, Greg felt it was time to retire. Knowing how important the Air Force’s history was to the Manawatū, Greg wanted to ensure that the next generation had the opportunity to see and learn in a public place. It was only by coincidence that the location of the Hall neighbours RNZAF Base Ohakea.
Thanks to three passionate volunteers with a passion for sharing the past with future generations, the history of war, and the history of a community hall will continue to be shared for years to come.
Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre can be found at the corner of Tangimoana Road and Speedy Road (355 Speedy Road) from 10.30am-2.30pm daily. Entry fee is by koha.
L to R: Warwick Jones, Greg Bradley, Mike Summers, and James Adamson, MCD Community Assets Liaison inside the Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre.