Croydon Aircraft Company

Just in time for Father’s Day, Guy Clapshaw’s newly released Another Day Like Yesterday takes readers back to the colourful early days of Air New Zealand in the 1960s and ’70s. Packed with larger-than-life characters, tricky situations and plenty of humour, it’s a collection of aviation yarns — some tall, most true — from an era when flying was a very different adventure.

Guy’s connection with aviation goes well beyond the pages of his books. He is also the owner of the beautiful Percival Proctor ZK-DPP, an aircraft with a fascinating history dating back to 1939. DPP was restored by the Croydon Aircraft Company here at Mandeville and is currently on display for visitors to see.

And if you’re still looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift, we’ve got Guy’s new book along with his other aviation books, plus mugs, T-shirts, jigsaws and more. Or make Dad’s day really memorable with a voucher for a flight in a Tiger Moth — a chance to experience a little bit of aviation history for himself.

Croydon Aircraft Company and Croydon Air Services are proud supporters of Gore Cat Rescue, and we're looking forward to another great Quiz Night fundraiser on Saturday 4th July.

Our mighty Croydon Brains Trust team managed to take out the title last year, and we'll be back to defend it this year!

We encourage everyone to get behind this fantastic cause by:
🐾 Entering a team
🐾 Donating raffle or auction prizes
🐾 Or simply coming along and supporting Gore Cat Rescue and the wonderful work they do for cats in need.

It promises to be a fun night for a very worthy cause.

See you there!

We would like to thank locals & visitors to the area who came & supported the 2026 annual Mandeville Fly-In and Steam Festival. 🛩

Our thanks to the local businesses & groups who supported us in hosting another successful event🎉
Gore TV & Radio
Ewan Allan Honda Gore
Southland Steam Engine Club
Great South
Knapdale School
Stuart Ewing FMX
Gore Model Aircraft Club INC
Patrina Coster

Lastly our staff, previous staff, pilots & volunteers, without whom the weekend couldn't happen.
On behalf of the Smith Family, Croydon Aircraft Company, Waimea Plains Railway, Mandeville and Rogers K92 Locomotive & Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust.

This weekend 21st-22nd Feb, head to Southland's iconic Fly In & Steam Festival held at Mandeville Airfield.🚂

A weekend of family entertainment in the heart of Mandeville's heritage precinct, celebrates the anniversary of the first cross country flight in NZ, between Invercargill & Gore on 20th Feb, 1914.✈️

☑️Complimentary entry through Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre.
☑️Fly in a vintage bi-plane (weather permitting!)
☑️Mingle with visiting aircraft.
☑️Ride in the restored Rogers K92 locomotive.
☑️Shop market stalls & Collaborate fashion NZ.
☑️Eat at Miss Cocoa Coffee
☑️Tour the grounds on a traction engine🚜

Special guest Stuart Ewing FMX freestyle bike stunts will keep you on the edge of your seats🏍

Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4pm
$5 per person, per day ***cash entry***
See you at Mandeville😎

Register now to have your stall at the iconic Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival🛩 🚂

Email [email protected] to book your space, $10 per stall, per day

Seasons Greetings from the Croydon Crew
We will be back to work on 6th January 2026

12th August marks the 90th anniversary of the de Havilland DH.90 Dragonfly’s first flight in 1935. Sleek, elegant, and ahead of its time, the Dragonfly became the gentleman’s air cruiser of the 1930s, combining luxury with classic de Havilland craftsmanship. Nine decades on, it remains a timeless icon of golden-age aviation.

Currently only 2 remain in flying condition and we're fortunate to have one here on display at Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre.

Following on from yesterdays post, we are thrilled that the Red Rockette has been recognised as 'Award Winning Vintage Airplane' at Oshkosh 2025.

No words needed really, 2 special de Havillands pictured recently in the UK.