Fiordland Aero Maintenance
Russell Baker, owner of Fiordland Aero Maintenance signed off on 28 February 2018 after 30.5 years in the business. New business owners Paul Preston, originally of central Southland, and Debbie Gamble, of Tuatapere, will be trading under the business name of AeroFix Fiordland.
Paul and Debbie have worked for Fiordland Aero Maintenance, 10 years and 6 months respectively.
Paul has 15 years experience in the industry, serving his apprenticeship with Air New Zealand on ATR 72, Boeing and Airbus Airliners. He then spent some time in London and Northern Ireland with London Helicopters before coming home to work with Jeff at Fiordland Aero Maintenance in 2010.
Debbie spent 7 years in the RNZ Airforce as an Aircraft Engineer working on P3 orions and Seasprite helicopters. After leaving the Airforce she contracted in England on 737’s and 757’s and also contracted in Seville, Spain for Airbus Military on an upgrade program for P3K Orions.
After over 30 years in the business Russell has decided it’s the right time to pursue other interests and adventures.
He has a wealth of knowledge in the aviation Industry and will still be a familiar face around the hangar to ensure a smooth transition of the business takeover. He would also like to thank you for the loyal support that has been given to Fiordland Aero Maintenance over the years.
Russell said “I am proud of the company and my staff member Jeff Ludeman who is an excellent engineer”.
Russell said he would hope that the airport management can get the airport up and running to the benefit of the community.
Neale and Sharyn Sutherland had their last day as owners for the past 30.5 years of Paper Plus Te Anau on 3 March 2018.
Both will remain at the business during the transition period to assist new owners Richard and Trudy Slee, of Blackmount, and Rebecca Daikee, of Te Anau.
Neale came to Te Anau ar the age of 4, while Sharyn was born in Invercargill. Neale’s parents the late Lindsay and Margaret Sutherland built the premises, the current location of Paper Plus Te Anau.
The building originally housed an I.G.A. and Four Square Supermarket chains, which Neale and Sharyn managed when his father Lindsay died in 1978. The business was later sold to Keystores and was then bought by Graeme Fiona and Stirling in 1987 and took the franchise of Pricecutters. Perpetual Real Estate were also housed on the same site alongside Paper + Plus and moved out in 1996.
Both are looking forward to some time to enjoy other projects.
- Julie Walls
