<p>A number of sites were suggested for a new airport in Auckland including at Karaka Point, Pakuranga-East Tamaki and three slightly different sites at Mangere.  In 1959 it was decided that the site would be based at Mangere and take in the existing aerodrome (used by the Auckland Aero Club).  
</p><p>Contract specifications were drawn up in 1960 and the tender awarded to Taylor Woodrow Wilkins &amp; Davies in 1962, with an agreed contract price of £2,768,347.
Auckland Airport opened for operations at Mangere in November 1965.  The Governor-General officially opened the airport on 29 January 1966.  
</p><p>The Walsh Memorial Air Pageant Organisation ran a three-day air display with thousands attending (traffic management plans for the event anticipated 75,000 visitors).  The pageant involved agricultural, civil and military aircraft, parachutists, and helicopters. 
</p><p>These images are from the Official opening souvenir booklet published in 1966
[Archives reference: BBAD 1054 3500c]
</p><p>For further enquiries please email auckland.archives@dia.govt.nz
</p>
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<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/archivesnz/24611509446/">New Airport at Mangere, Auckland, 29 January, 1966</a>