Fantastic Flying Brothers

Austin Leonard Walsh (Leo) and Vivian Claude Walsh are remembered for making the first powered, controlled and sustained flight in New Zealand.

Visit the new Walsh Brothers photographic display at the Walsh Memorial Library and be captivated by memories of a historic event, the 100th anniversary of the Walsh brothers’ Manurewa to Papakura flight.

Not only did these courageous Kiwis launch flight in New Zealand, they set up their own flying school ‘The New Zealand Flying School’ to teach men who served in World War I how to fly.

At MOTAT you can also see Vivian’s very own pilot’s license, photographs of their flights, and embroidered wings from the New Zealand Flying School uniform.

MOTAT’s Walsh Memorial library is a reference library filled to the brim with a fascinating collection of books, journals, photographs, archives, manuscripts, maps and plans. These cover a wide range of topics including trams, trains, cars, trucks, military, civilian aviation, agriculture, photography, communications, engineering and electronics, catering to every MOTAT enthusiast’s needs.

If eager for time-out with a good book, sit back and relax in the designated family area and enjoy reading a fantastic range of educational children’s books.

Event listed by MOTAT

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