Author Description

With Great Foresight, by historian Tony Phillips, is the story of Christchurch International Airport. Today this corporate entity, with 75% Christchurch City Council and 25% Government ownership, has established a position as the Gateway for the Best of the South Island and Antarctica. It is the second largest international airport in the New Zealand and provides employment for around 4,500 people, processes 5.5 million passengers, and around 100,000 tones of freight annually. However, this facility grew from humble beginnings and the book traces its development from the 1930s when the Christchurch City Council decided that the city required a dedicated municipal aerodrome. It faithfully records the World War II period when it was used by the Defence Authorities to train 6,000 RNZAF recruits and 3,550 airmen pilots. The story highlights the efforts of a number of very capable administrators, well-known local politicians, and successful businessmen and women. The development of the airport has not always proceeded without opposition and many battles have been fought throughout the years with central Government, local bodies and developers. It is a story of foresight, where over the last 70 years successive decisions have been made with the long-term development of the region and the South Island in mind. It also covers the airport's long association with airlines, aircraft maintenance, training, Antarctic aviation and the Canterbury Aero Club. Copiously illustrated with over 300 photographs, With Great Foresight will be enjoyed by everyone interested in New Zealand aviation, transport or the history of Christchurch.