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Hobsonville village named in honour of Sir Keith Park
Ryman’s Hobsonville retirement village was named in honour of one of New Zealand’s finest military leaders and strategists, Sir Keith Park (GCB, KBE, MC & Bar, DFC, Croix de Guerre, MA (hon.)).
Sir Keith Park (1892-1975) was best known for his leadership during the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) air defence of London and South-east England during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
Sir Keith’s service during the battle was just one part of a long and distinguished military career that began in World War 1. He also fought at Gallipoli and on the Somme during World War 1.
In the inter-war years, he rose through the ranks in the RAF and was part of the team that developed the radar defence system. His war service included taking responsibility for the air defence over Dunkirk in 1940, and later the air defence of Malta and Burma.
After a long and distinguished career in the RAF he returned to New Zealand and later served as an Auckland City Councillor. He was the driving force on several strategic Auckland projects, including the construction of the airport at Mangere.
Sir Keith and his wife Dorothy, known as ‘Dol’ were tireless fundraisers for charity, supporting many good causes.
Massey University historian Dr Adam Claasen said: “He was undoubtedly New Zealand’s greatest wartime commander and an ANZAC whose influence on twentieth century history is challenged by few contemporaries. Brian Park, Sir Keith’s great nephew, described ‘a great and good man’ of whom the family were incredibly proud.
He said: “This naming opportunity with Ryman offers the chance to raise the prominence of his legacy.”
Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod said it was an honour to name the village after Sir Keith.
Pictured from left: Gordon MacLeod, great-nephew of Sir Keith Park, Brian Park, George Taua, Kathleen Davidson and Sally Manuireva.
