News

31 Jan 2026, Nancy Kirby commented:

Ex GSI, Graham Holland is living at Summerset on the Landing, Kenepuru Porirua. He sadly has Dementia, still at home with his wife Bernice. He has had a fall and currently in Wellington Hospital.
122. Cpl Graham Holland, GSI, seated in front row.

30 Jan 2026, Warren Nash advises:

Gordon 'Jed' Bisphan B82755, Supplier, passed away last night (29th January) at 9.pm in Christchurch Public Hospital.

He had been suffering from leukemia for some time. Prior to Christmas he was looking forward to the 60th reunion, but in the intervening period his health declined to a point where he couldn't manage that. Speaking with his widow, Jilli, there will be a private cremation service for Jed.

Regards
Wazza

1. Gordon 'Ged' Bisphan, Supplier, back row far left.

Help prevent losing contact

Organising the 60th anniversary reunion is over, but the organisers ran into a problem. As fast as we tracked down one person, we lost contact with another. Mostly because they changed ISP (Internet Service Provider), or, if they have an ISP or workplace dependent email address, and don't notify us. Can we suggest that everyone get themselves an individual non ISP dependent email address and advise us what it is. Here are a few options: 

Create a Gmail account

Yahoo

Outlook / Hotmail

iCloud

If this applies to you, please email garydanvers@gmail.com and davebryant4@icloud.com with your new email address once set up. 

13 Dec 2025, Logan 'Ratz' Taylor update

12 Dec 2025, Gary Danvers wrote:

Hi Robyn,

Just checking to see what state Logan is in these days, since we last communicated in August?

ACS cadets are holding our 60th Anniversary Reunion in a few weeks. Ratz is probably past caring, but he will be remembered during the occasion. 

One of our course mates, John Shepherd whom I'm sure Logan will have mentioned over the years, got cancer and before he died he put together his recollections of his first year in the Air Force, which have been published on the ACS website. Much of what he recalls applied to all 139 of us in 1966.

Regards,
Gary

13 Dec 2025, Robyn Taylor replied:

Hi Gary,

Thanks for getting in touch again. Logan is ok, is settled in  Kingswood Home, and doesn't seem to recognize that he is in a dementia unit and this is his future. 

I see him every week and nothing much changes. He is generally non-verbal, if I'm lucky I might yet a yes from him, though the other day he did surprise me with almost a sentence. I'd showed him a photo that I took from the top of Pauanui mountain (a climb we did together countless times) I told him I'd gone up at the weekend and he said "did you go to the top?" Amazing!

He would have loved to attend the reunion, but I'm afraid it can't happen. 

I've just read John's memoirs, and although I wasn't on the scene back then so many of the things he talked about were as familiar as if I had been through Logan's recollections. I even found a photo of Logan in the 1st 15 rugby team. I will talk to him about it, and show him some of John's pictures,  and please do remember him to his old mates. 

Enjoy your reunion. On the reunion page I see a few familiar names (to me) of course Logan would have remembered them all. 

Regards,
Robyn

17 Nov 2025

SQN LDR (RTD) Allan Bruce Herd F715765 EDUCO RNZAF Circa 1963 to 17 April 1987 followed by RNZAF Civilian Service.

On 17th November 2025 passed away peacefully at Wairarapa Hospital, surrounded by his family. Aged 86 years. Loved husband of the late Janice May. Loved father and father-in-law of Karen and Simon, Andrew and Danel Loved grandad of Corey and Holly, Damon, Aidan, and Ethan. Loved great-grandad of Amelia, Cooper, Oliver, Kenidi, Bentley and Tansli. Cherished brother of Mira and the late Tansen Loved uncle and friend to many.

A service will be held in the Richmond Chapel, Richmond Road, Carterton on Saturday 22nd November 2025 at 2.00pm, followed by private cremation at Clareville.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gcdnz/8574010646/in/album-72157632599845682

19 Sep 2025, Received from Dave Bryant:

F/S (RTD) Neal John “Blackie” Blackford T82702 EFIT RNZAF 11 January 1966 to 10 January 1987 then as a Civilian Aircraft Technician and Instructor for many years.

Blackie passed away Friday 29 August 2025. RIP Blackie, you were one of a kind.

Colin Creighton, Warwick Jones, Gary Cullen, Neal Blackford, & Peter Salter, at Blenheim RSA, 5 Feb 2006.

Photo: Gary Danvers

30 Aug 2025, Reunion activity update

For those with access to Facebook, here's a video tour of the Ashburton Aviation Museum new display Hangar which should be completed before our reunion visit. Turn sound on... https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=671725268631373

Reunion activity for Sunday, 11 Jan 2026

There is another option for those unoccupied on the Sunday. This is the NZ Helicopter Heritage Museum, billed as the largest collection of helicopters (24)  in NZ. There have been some delays in opening it, however they will be happy to open it to us on the Sunday at no charge, It's on the outskirts of Rangiora, probably 30 mins from Wigram.  

It's not yet laid out as a museum, and there are no display boards nor organisation by theme or era until they move to its final home. There's one ex-RNZAF Wasp (NZ3801) there, and they are hoping to eventually collect a Huey, a Sioux and a Seasprite.

There's also a large collection of vintage, classic and veteran cars there, many of which date back to our youth.  ie; VWs, Morry Minors, Fiat 500's Minis, etc.

For a lot more details there's a couple of resources:

A 32 min podcast can be viewed at;    https://cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2025/05/wonz-323-andrew-brian-of-helicopter-heritage/

A relevant website at:   https://www.aviationtoursnz.com/blog/new-zealand-helicopter-heritage-museum

4 Aug 2025, Update to the 14 Jul message regarding Ratz

Just letting you know that since my last email to you, Logan is now in a Dementia Care Home in Morrinsville. 

It just became too hard for me to have him at home, and dangerous, as I never new when he was going to get angry and threatening towards me. 49 years married last month! I never imagined it would be like it is now.

Logan hasn't looked at his phone for a long time now, and I am going to discontinue his mobile plan, but if you or anyone wants/needs to contact me my email address is:

robyntaylor52@gmail.com 

Regards,

Robyn

28 Jul 2025, Tim Warren

I have found T.C. Warren. He is resident in a rest home in Maungatoroto and apparently has Parkinson's and won't be able to attend the reunion. A bit sad really.

Regards

Bruce Holm

3 May 2025, Frank' Burlingham

Sgt (Rtd) Francis Peter William 'Frank' Burlingham Y82730 COMFIT(G) RNZAF 11 January 1966 until 12 March 1987, died 3 May 2025.

30 Mar 2025, Update from Geoffrey Ford, Nowra, NSW.

In a Govt Public Service cutback I was deemed non essential services in 2013 as I was the ADF Technical & Logistics Manager for both Army & Navy T700 engines (Fleet size: 120 Engines). Their plan was to hand back management of 97, T700-701A-1 to Army and pass management of 23 T700-401C engines to existing Navy staff and have a contractor do the spares & work load forecasting work I did for Asia Pacific Aerospace (APA) & GE aviation. It would appear there was miscalculation in the amount of work required and 2 more staff were put on as well as paying Asia Pacific a motser for the forecasting work. I got a flash present from APA and a real flash plaque from GE plus a great letter from GE Chief Engineer on my retirement that made open reference to my ongoing battles with Navy "engineers" to accept common sense and use publications "guidance of wise men and strict adherence of fools". Army Engineers and tech staff were great to deal with, but Navy was just a constant head banger. On the side, did a bit of T700 Tech publication writing for GE International Customers and USN. The early retirement suited me down to the ground as I had very strong intentions of retiring anyway so was glad to get a good payout and my freedom early. 

I'm kept busy as a volunteer in both active fire fighting and administrative roles with Rural Fire and RFSA but also represent Rural Fire on the Council Strategic Development Committee, so have a few things going to keep me intellectually active. Have plenty of wildlife on our block here, so it makes for comfortable relaxed living. At times we have gone a full year without having to mow as kangaroos, wombats & wallabies keep the place pretty well grazed. At the moment it is very wet so hopefully you can stay warm & dry.

            Best wishes
            Jeff

30 Mar 2025, Update re Pat Johnson from his wife, Janice.

I don't know if you are aware or not, but since 2001 Pat now resides in a secured Dementia Unit. 

He had a stroke on 10th April 2021 and we nearly lost him on 25th April 2021, that's when things really went awry. 

Now its just one day at a time.

Janice  (janiceandpat@xtra.co.nz)

The last photo I took of Pat, here talking to Don Borthwick at the 41 Sqn reunion at the Air Force Museum, 12 Apr 2019. 

Photo: Gary Danvers

16 Jan 2025, Ken Hynds

W/O (RTD) Kenneth Edwin (Ken) Hynds A82731 Radio Fit RNZAF 11 January 1966 until 9 December 1988. Ken was posted to 41 SQN Singapore to work in ANZUK Communications 1973 until 1975.

Passed unexpectedly but peacefully at home on 16 January 2025.

Beloved brother of Trevor, Paul and Chris Hynds (ex Manurewa). "Many happy memories."

A private cremation has taken place with a Memorial Service to be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Thursday 23 January at 11am.

Cloudy Bay Funeral Services Blenheim.

Back row, in this shot.

Reunion details: https://sites.google.com/view/23-intake-airman-cadet-school-/home/60th-anniversary-reunion

30 Nov 2024, Jim Wade

CPL (RTD) Maurice James (Jim) Wade W82613 CHEF RNZAF 11 January 1966 until 10 January 1974.

On Thursday, 28th November 2024 peacefully at Waikato Hospital surrounded by his family aged 76 years. Much loved husband of Doreen for 54 years. Loved father and father-in-law of Jason, Maree and Johnny Hall. Adored Poppa of Gabby and Xander. A respected brother.

A service for Jim will be held at The Hamilton Park Crematorium Chapel, Morrinsville Road, Newstead, Hamilton on Wednesday, the 4th of December 2024 at 11:00 am, followed by cremation. All communications to the Wade family PO Box 439, Hamilton 3216.

Back row, right end in this shot.

16-18 Feb 2024, No. 21 Boy Entrant School intake of 1964, 60th anniversary reunion. 

9 Dec 2023, Graeme Gilmore

Sadly Air Commodore (RTD) Graeme Bernard Gilmore, Engineer, OBE passed away in Picton on 9 December 2023. Those who attended the 2016 ACS reunion will recall that he was our guest speaker. No doubt many of us have stories to recount.

16 Oct 2023, Greg Donald

Note from Greg's wife, Deni Brideson:
"Greg passed away 00.29 Sunday morning 15 Oct 23. Thanks to all for kind wishes.
The funeral is at 71 cemetery Road, Maunu Crematorium, 12.30 Thursday 19 Oct 2023."

    11 Oct 2023, Greg Donald

    Following on from Greg's 18 May 2023 post below, I have received the following notice from his wife, Deni.

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 Denise Brideson <gbrideson@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Gary, this is Denise, Greg's wife of 40 years. Just to let you know that the rate of decline is swift and to ask that if you know anyone who knew Greg that we would very much appreciate you passing the news on.

So sorry Greg never got to meet up with you all, I know he was planning to and would have loved to see you all.

Denise (Deni) Brideson

Reply sent 11 Oct 2023:

So sorry to hear this Deni. I only just caught up with Greg last year after not seeing him for 50 years.

We joined the RNZAF together and Greg was my neighbour at Hobsonville back in 1973.

I have posted a notice to our 1966 Cadets News page to let his fellow recruits know.

It is sad that we shall not have the opportunity to catch up again at the pending reunion.

Please pass on our sympathy and keep me posted on his condition.

Thanks for letting me know and tell Greg we'll be thinking of him and you.

  Regards,

  Gary

20 Sep 2023, Oldfriends website

Oldfriends was closed in Jan 2016 and the website has been recovered by the National Library of NZ in collaboration with Trademe.
There are some key differences to note between Old Friends before it was decommissioned and the archived version of the site.
How to use the new site.

18 May 2023, John Shepherd from Greg Donald

I was very sad to hear of Shep's passing, and that of Lofty. One can say that it's a fact of life at our age, but it's still sad.

I'm sorry to report that I also have serious issues in the health department, diagnosed with prostate cancer 6 years ago and still fighting it. Just started a second round of chemo 6 weeks ago, handling it ok so far, but long term I'm looking pretty shaky.

I would love to make the reunion, but we'll have to wait and see.

Attached a photo of myself and and old friend.

Cheers Greg Brideson (Donald)

20 Apr 2023, John Shepherd

With sadness we share that Shep took his final flight 19 April 2023, passing away peacefully, surrounded with love, just after 5pm at Hibiscus Hospice after such a long and brave fight with cancer.

Shep's Family

21 Dec 2022, Alofi Fruean

CPL (RTD) ALOFI ALFRED FRUEAN R82700 SSUPLR RNZAF, SERVED 11 JANUARY 1966 TO 10 JANUARY 1974

Passed away peacefully 20 December 2022 in hospital. Cherished eldest son of Malu and Tupou Fruean. Beloved brother to all his brothers and sisters. Loving uncle of Mose, Deborah, Tupou and Izayah. Good friend of Sharlina and Meno. We love you Alf. God be with you until we meet again.

Communications to Emma, 021-272-5877.

The Funeral Service was held Thursday 22 December 2022 at 10am at Mangere Lawn Cemetery followed by interment at Mangere Lawn Cemetery.

The New Zealand Herald.

2 Dec 2022, The final note from John Shepherd.

"Still vertical. Celebrated with those wonderful (but underpaid) oncology nurses and heaps of Cadbury's Favourites all around for my 100th weekly dose of Chemo. May make the next reunion yet."

David Crooks, 8 Dec 1931 - 9 Mar 2022

If you hadn't heard, David Crooks (below) passed away in Wellington, aged 90, Wed 9 Mar 2022. He was Gary Cullen's father-in-law. 

4 Jun 2021, Pat 'Koozer' Johnson

Hi, I’m Pat’s wife Janice and Pat has been in hospital since 25th Apr 2021. He had a stroke, then developed blood clots in his lungs, we nearly lost him Anzac Day night then a major urinary tract infection. All up this has caused a great amount of confusion in his brain. At the moment he is at North shore Hospital being treated but I have been told this could be a very slow process. If they get everything under control it might be up to two years before he comes right. Fingers crossed they’ve got that wrong. At the moment he is back in his Singapore days but has been improving very very slowly. He is in Ward 12 at North Shore Hospital, but I think too many visitors will overwhelm him. He is very confused at the moment and when things get too much he gets very agitated. The calmer he is the sooner he could come home.

Regards Janice

____________

8 Mar 2022, Update from Janice...
Pat’s Rest Home [Goodhome Seadrome, 167 Colwill Road, Massey] is in Lockdown at the moment. Pat’s part, the dementia unit, is okay but there have been a couple of positives in the hospital section. I have been told that Pat wont be coming home, but he seems to be happy. Some days when I visit he can be a bit on the grumpy side, but it doesn’t last for long. His attention span doesn’t last for long sometimes and that can be frustrating. Just hope he stops putting on the weight. I have had to get him new clothes twice now and of course when he sees them, “They're not mine.” Anyway he’s in a safe place and that’s the main thing. Janice

Drop Janice a line, I'm sure she would love the support...

janiceandpat@xtra.co.nz

New Medals

The RNZAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

The service requirements for this medal have changed to 14 years to bring it in line with other government services.
Here's the link to the application form. DSWT Letter (nzdf.mil.nz) 

New Zealand Defense Service Medal 

We are all entitled to this medal.
Here's the link to the application form. DSWT Letter (nzdf.mil.nz) 

The New Zealand Operational Service Medal

Entitlement to this medal has been extended to those who served in South East Asia as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve from 1959 to 1974. Here's the link to the application form. Microsoft Word - PAM F 21 - OSM Appln.docx (nzdf.mil.nz) 

Getting Medals Mounted

New Zealand Medals Ltd

https://nzmedals.com/

Article includes details regarding changes to the LSGC (Long Service & Good Conduct) medal entitlement.

As at June 2021, more than 120,000 New Zealand Defence Service Medals have been issued. 

Most ex ACS personnel are now entitled to the NZDSM (NZ Defence Service Medal). Click here to apply: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/defence-and-whanau/medal-applications/