Warbirds flyover wows residents at Keith Park Village Grand Opening

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The incredible legacy of one of New Zealand’s finest military leaders and strategists, Sir Keith Park, was heralded with a fantastic Warbirds flyover above the Ryman Healthcare village named after him.

Nearly 250 residents and guests gathered outside the village centre to watch the flyover, consisting of three vintage Harvards, which kicked off celebrations to mark the official opening of the Hobsonville village.

As well as marking the incredible milestone of the village’s development, it was a chance to recognise three significant anniversaries of Sir Keith Park’s life: 2025 marks 50 years since his passing in 1975, it is 80 years since the end of WWII, and 85 years since the Battle of Britain, in which he played a significant part.

A hero of both World Wars, Sir Keith is best known for his leadership during the Royal Air Force’s air defence of London and south-east England, prompting the head of the RAF, Lord Tedder to comment after the war: “If ever any one man won the Battle of Britain, he did. I don’t believe it is realised how much that one man, with his leadership, his calm judgement and his skill, did to save not only this country, but the world.”

The planes, the planes!

Residents and guests gather on the bowling green to watch the Harvards fly over

Joining the many residents with Air Force connections to former RNZAF base Hobsonville and neighbouring Whenuapai were members of the Park family, including Sir Keith’s great nephews Brian and Stephen Park. Along with them, there was CEO of the Sir Keith Park Airfield Trust in Thames, Geoff Furkert, and RNZAF Flight Sergeant Nathan Hodges, whose mother Jenny, also ex-RNZAF, resides at the village.

Proving how interconnected the community is, village resident and former RNZAF Sergeant Neil Harris shared an incredible direct link to history, having been one of the six pallbearers who carried Sir Keith at his funeral 50 years ago.

Resident Neil Harris on the far right as a pallbearer at Sir Keith Park's funeral, and pictured as a young RNZAF cadet and today in the village

Ryman’s Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman said Sir Keith Park’s legacy was truly inspiring.

“In order for us to leave a legacy as enduring as Sir Keith’s, we want to ensure that our purpose of enhancing the freedom, connection and wellbeing for people as we grow older remains our true focus and at the heart of every decision we make.

“This beautiful village is a testament to the enormous amount of work and commitment put in by Ryman team members and our partner organisations and to our residents who have created such a fantastic community.”

Keith Park Village Manager Kim Dawson spoke of the pride she felt to be leading the team in her home suburb of Hobsonville, having visualised herself in the role when the development was first announced.

With her parents Brian and Zoelien now residents in the village too, it made Ryman’s philosophy one that literally rang true.

“It meant I could genuinely say, hand on heart, that what we do is good enough for mum and dad. Because it truly is,” she said.

Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman and Brian Park before....

...and after unveiling the plaque!

Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman and Brian Park before....

...and after unveiling the plaque!

Massey University lecturer Dr Adam Claasen described the village as ‘a monument’ and ‘a living, breathing entity that would celebrate Sir Keith Park’s legacy for the next 100 years’. He gave a gripping and powerful telling of Sir Keith’s story that left many feeling emotional.

With a joking reference to Kim’s accidental description of Sir Park as Saint Park, he said: “I put it to you, ladies and gentlemen, gathered here today in this fantastic facility named after Saint Park, that no single New Zealander, in uniform, had more of an impact on the course of the Second World War and of the 20th century in Europe than, of course, the New Zealander Keith Park.”

Brian Park described his first impressions as a 12-year-old of his great uncle, that of a very tall, distinguished man with white hair and a moustache who allowed him to win any bout of one upmanship with his friends.

“Well, I had them all beat! My uncle was Air Chief Marshall!” he said, adding: “His achievements as a soldier, an aviator, a wartime fighter pilot and a commander of distinction, and a man who in civilian life contributed significantly to the community, the city of Auckland, business to charitable organisations, particuarly those with special needs, his Anglican faith and a very keen yachtsman... these days Keith Park is rated rightfully so as one of the top 10 New Zealanders.

“And this village project once again acknowledges and raises to prominence the name of Keith Park.

Brian also acknowledged the financial contribution Ryman makes each year to entities that reflect the values and interests of Keith Park, namely aviation and those with special needs.

These entities are MOTAT, Sir Keith Park School in Māngere, and Sir Keith Park Airfield Trust.

Residents were thrilled and delighted with the event, which also included musical entertainment from vintage vocal trio 3DeciBelles.

“It was brilliant. A brilliant afternoon,” said Ian Curtis.

Construction of the village on Scott Road in Hobsonville began in 2019 with five of the nine apartment buildings and the main village centre completed so far.

The care centre, consisting of rest home, hospital and dementia care options, was one of the fastest-filling in Ryman’s history, with amazing views from the higher levels.

Since moving into the communal spaces last year, residents now enjoy a range of amenities including indoor swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, hair and beauty salons, cafe, movie theatre, library, bar and billiards room.