Work on Whanganui Aviation Museum and Education Centre takes flight

Published on 10 April 2025

Whanganui Airport’s historic control tower is set to undergo a significant interior transformation with work beginning to establish a dedicated aviation museum.

A partnership between Whanganui District Council and the Wanganui Airport Control Tower Restoration Group, the project’s construction has begun following a grant from NZ Lottery Environment and Heritage.

Contractors M & D Construction have begun internal fire protection and refurbishment. The control tower’s exterior has already been upgraded.

Council project manager for capital works, Natalia Lessa, says it is pleasing to see physical work start on the interior and to see the importance of the Class A heritage building recognised. The building will be internally fitted out from the basement up to the second floor.

Restoration group spokesman John Henderson says having an aviation museum and education centre has been a goal for more than 20 years.

“Planning for the displays will now begin. The museum will be able to showcase Whanganui’s rich aviation history and celebrate the region’s milestones, stories and innovations that have contributed to aviation in New Zealand,” John Henderson says.

Displays will include items previously used when the building was used as the airport control tower as well as visual presentations.

“We hope the museum will open at next year’s Whanganui Heritage Weekend but this will depend on resources and funding. We’d like to hear from anyone interested in volunteering, making a donation or offering possible items for display,” John Henderson says.

The group is also seeking help from those with specialist knowledge for the restoration of some items.

John Henderson can be contacted via email at wjohn.henderson@xtra.co.nz  or by calling 027 315 1032.