New Orleans has Louis Armstrong International Airport. Liverpool has John Lennon Airport and Tauranga has ... Hilda Hewlett Airport?
This prominent figure in the pioneering days of Tauranga aviation was briefly considered as the new name for our city's airport.
But in the end, Tauranga Airport's users group comprising commercial, private and club aviation interests have decided to stick with the tried and true.
It means the airport will now officially be called Tauranga City Airport.
Spokesman for the group Grayson Ottaway said they wanted to find a good marketable name for the airport.
Many suggestions were considered ranging from notable aviators to associations with local landmarks, and even Tauranga's enviable flying climate.
But what finally won the day was the airport's unique geographical position.
It is the closest airport in New Zealand to major downtowns - only 4.7km from Grey St and 4.2km from central Mount Maunganui. Rather than rock the boat on a name that might not stand the test of time, they have opted to simply add the word "city" to the old name.
Bay of Plenty Times
This prominent figure in the pioneering days of Tauranga aviation was briefly considered as the new name for our city's airport.
But in the end, Tauranga Airport's users group comprising commercial, private and club aviation interests have decided to stick with the tried and true.
It means the airport will now officially be called Tauranga City Airport.
Spokesman for the group Grayson Ottaway said they wanted to find a good marketable name for the airport.
Many suggestions were considered ranging from notable aviators to associations with local landmarks, and even Tauranga's enviable flying climate.
But what finally won the day was the airport's unique geographical position.
It is the closest airport in New Zealand to major downtowns - only 4.7km from Grey St and 4.2km from central Mount Maunganui. Rather than rock the boat on a name that might not stand the test of time, they have opted to simply add the word "city" to the old name.
Bay of Plenty Times
