Arrest Following "Massive Blow" Ram Raid at Kaikohe Aerodrome

A 28-year-old man faces 21 charges following a devastating ram raid at Kaikohe Aerodrome that left a volunteer gliding club with $250,000 in damages.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 5:04 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Extent of the Damage

A vehicle was used to breach a hangar at the aerodrome—a historic site originally built in 1942 as a US Marine Corps base. The perpetrators targeted the Kaikohe Gliding Club, which maintains the largest grass airstrip in the Southern Hemisphere.

Stolen and damaged items include:

Gliders: Several aircraft were severely damaged, with repair costs estimated at $60,000 per plane.

Tractor Mower: An $80,000 machine used for airstrip maintenance was taken.

Energy Infrastructure: Solar power batteries were stolen, along with 100 litres of fuel.