September 2011 - New Neighbourhood Release

21 September 2011

The fourth neighbourhood at Wigram Skies has now been released for sale.  This new neighbourhood will be known as George West.

Once completed George West will consist of 143 sections but this first release consists of 48 residential lots, zoned Living 1.  Titles are anticipated for February 2012

Like the previous neighbourhoods, George West continues Wigram Skies' tradition of celebrating flight and the rich history of the site.

This neighbourhood commemorates Leading Aircraftsman George Henry West, who, in 1936 became the first Māori pilot to enter the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).  George West's family was of Ngāi Tahu descent.

Born in Bluff on 17 March 1914, George Henry West was educated at the Bluff Public School and Southland Technical College.  He was one of the first to win a scholarship entitling him to free flying tuition at the Southland Aero Club.

He tragically died on 12 May 1939, following injuries received from an aircraft accident at Wigram the previous day.  The accident occured during a night-training flight where his student pilot undershot the landing causing the aircraft to crash.  Following the accident his body travelled back to Bluff and he lies in Bluff cemetery.

George West's photo and a patu he carved, can be seen in the Air Force Museum of New Zealand at Wigram Skies.

For more information of buying sections at Wigram Skies you can contact Dene Maddren, Sales Manager, on 0800 944 726 or 021 622 749.