‘Seagrove Aerodrome, secret US airfield overlooking the Manukau Harbour, Waiau Pa, Clarks Beach, Auckland, NZ 1944
1946
Ref WA-04321-F
Description
Aerial view of Seagrove Aerodrome and surrounding countryside and coast, Manukau Harbour, Auckland. Photograph taken in 1946 by Whites Aviation.
Seagrove Aerodrome was part of an RNZAF flying training station (RNZAF Station Seagrove) established during the Second world War. The station and runways were built in 1942 and operated as a training station from that year to 1944. Seagrove was also a base for the American Marine Corps from May to June 1943. After the war the site reverted to farmland.
Back in the 1950's the tarseal runways were used for motorcycle racing. You can still pick up spent .50 calibre projectiles from the shore there. they had targets set up on the mudflats there for the aircraft to use for target practice. The area now part of a stud farm. There is a stone memorial at the end of Seagrove Rd.
‘Seagrove Aerodrome, secret US airfield overlooking the Manukau Harbour, Waiau Pa, Clarks Beach, Auckland, NZ 1944
Time-Merged Imagery taken from ‘A Presence in Time’ Exhibition by Jay Pressnell & Martin Bennett.
“Seeing this unfamiliar plane showed us how close the enemy were, as just around the corner from Clarke’s Beach was Seagrove Airfield, set up for both the US and New Zealand Air force” Wilma Brady 2012
Filmed and interviewed as part of the second world war documentary ‘Eternal Vigilance’ by Jay Pressnell & Martin Bennett.
See the full documentary at youtu.be....
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below