- Dave Locke’s 5.52ha property with an airstrip and hangars is for sale following his death in 2023.
- Locke, an aviation pioneer, built his own planes, including a two-seater minicab.
- His sons hope a flying enthusiast buys the property to enjoy its unique features and history.
The home of one of New Zealand’s aircraft pioneers is up for grabs in Auckland’s southern fringe.
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The 5.52-hectare lifestyle block, which has an RV of $2.25 million and boasts an airstrip, airfield and hangars, has been listed for sale following the death of owner Dave Locke in 2023.
Locke, described by Bayleys listing agent Shane Snijder as a local “aviation legend”, bought the property at 97 Runciman Road, Pukekohe East, in the mid-2000s.
The property comes with aircraft hangars and a private airstrip. Photo / Supplied
It had been used since the early 1960s as an airstrip for topdressing planes and was the home of the Pukekohe Flying Group.
Locke lived for planes, and the property allowed him to immerse himself fully in his hobby.
Locke was born in the UK but moved to New Zealand as a young man and set up a business utilising his tool-making skills. Son Tony told OneRoof: “He was a toolmaker and had his own company in Auckland, Locke Products, where he designed and manufactured press tools for companies like Champion Spark Plugs and Marley New Zealand.
“He didn’t use software. He could visualise everything in 3D. He was just very gifted in understanding how things fit together.”
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Tony said his father built his own plane soon after arriving in New Zealand. “He built his first minicab [plane] in Manurewa in Auckland, in the garage,” he said. “Early on, he and mum travelled throughout New Zealand – South and North Island.”
Tony has fond memories of his father taking him on flights locally. He also remembers interesting planes landing at the airstrip.
“I remember one day a Tiger Moth, painted in the yellow British colours, landed on the airstrip. That was very cool. It’s a bit of a tricky strip, though, not always listed as public. It’s a dogleg and quite short, so you need to know what you’re doing.”
Locke used his skills to build the house on the property at 97 Runciman Road with his own hands, but it has since fallen into disrepair. “On the concrete slabs, he etched ‘Dave Locke’ and the date it was poured,” said Tony. “The whole concrete drive was hand-poured.”
The 5.52ha block was formerly the home of the Pukekohe Flying Group. Photo / Supplied
Tony said he and his brother would love the property to be bought by a flying enthusiast. “My brother and I both live outside Auckland. We just want to see it enjoyed. It’s a beautiful property. If you’re standing at the end of the airstrip, you get almost a 360-degree view of Auckland and the surroundings. It’s just a peaceful, special bit of land. I’d love for someone to enjoy it the way he did.”
- 97 Runciman Road, Pukekohe East, Auckland, goes to auction on July 8
