Kaikohe Gliding Club help us get back in the Air

In March our hangar was broken into and significant damage was caused. We are the cheapest and most accessible gliding club in New Zealand. Unfortunately, this has left us extremely vulnerable, and this loss is something we cannot absorb

https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/03/30/gliders-damaged-tractor-stolen-in-northland-aerodrome-break-in/

Our club is entirely volunteer-run, with members generously giving their time to keep aviation affordable for our community. We are especially proud to support local youth, including hosting cadets from across Northland.

During the break-in, the offenders stole a Kubota tractor/mower, two vehicles & communication instruments

The thieves used the tractor to ram through the hangar doors and plowed through multiple gliders pushing some through the building. Some gliders are likely a complete write-off, some need serious structural repairs. The rest will need recertification. The repairs required are extensive and could take months or even years — at a cost far beyond our means

As a club, we have the responsibility of mowing the grass at The Kaikohe Aerodrome, which we cannot do without a tractor. If we don't get the tractor back soon we would have to shut the Aerodome down. This is our first priority. Thanks to the support of the community we are getting on top of the grass and keeping the Aerodome open

Next we will be looking for help getting another trainer glider and we’ll take it a step at a time from there to eventually get back to where we were