The Tauranga Model Aircraft Club is preparing for one of the biggest events on its calendar this weekend, with hundreds of model aircraft and aviation items expected to go under the hammer at the club’s annual auction at Classic Flyers.

The auction, which has been running since the 1980s, will be held on Sunday, May 24, in the main hangar at Classic Flyers at Tauranga Airport.

Organisers said between 300 and 400 items are expected to be auctioned, alongside tables stacked with smaller aviation gadgets, parts and accessories available for fixed prices.

Club secretary Garry Bentley said the event had grown into the largest model aircraft auction of its kind in New Zealand, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide.

“We have people come from all over the North Island to it, from Kaitāia to Wellington,” Bentley said. “It’s an ideal place to get something, and if you haven’t done modelling before, it’s a great place to come along and see the type of stuff that’s available.”

The auction caters for everyone from beginners to experienced hobbyists, with model aircraft ranging from small foam planes costing a few hundred dollars through to large-scale models worth thousands.

Tauranga Model Aircraft Club secretary Garry Bentley with a plane owned by Fraser Brodie that will be for sale in Sunday’s auction. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Bentley said the event was also a major social occasion for the modelling community.

“It’s a great social thing for all these modellers because they don’t always see each other from year to year,” he said. “They can meet up, share ideas and tips, and talk about the hobby.”

The Tauranga Model Aircraft Club uses the annual auction as a key fundraiser to help cover operating costs, including maintaining its flying grounds at TECT Park.

Bentley said the club was fortunate to have a dedicated flying area approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

“We’re very lucky to have our own flying field,” he said. “A lot of clubs around the country have to share public spaces or farmers’ paddocks, but we have a controlled area where we can operate safely.”

The club’s auctioneer for the day will once again be former Tauranga City councillor Tony Christensen, a long-time model aircraft enthusiast and club member.

Bentley praised Christensen’s commitment to the event.

“He gets up there at 9 o’clock and he doesn’t leave the stage until he’s sold the last thing at 3pm,” Bentley said. “He does an absolutely amazing job.”

Club president Graeme Jaine said the event was open to everyone, whether they were keen modellers or simply curious to see what the hobby involved.

“Everyone is welcome, you should all come and there’s a bargain for everybody,” Jaine said.

Doors open at 7.30am, with the auction to begin at 10am. Entry is by gold coin donation.

The AvGas Café will be open, with a sausage sizzle in the hangar during the auction. Families with young children are encouraged to make use of Torpedo Park beside Classic Flyers.

Sellers must register their items with club organisers before 10am.