90 years on MOTAT and Auckland Airport celebrate Jean Batten’s record-breaking flight to Aotearoa
Media Release
Auckland, New Zealand | 1 October
90 years on: MOTAT and Auckland Airport celebrate Jean Batten’s record-breaking flight to Aotearoa
Ninety years after one of the greatest achievements in aviation history, MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) and Auckland Airport are joining forces to remember Jean Batten’s record-breaking, solo flight from England to New Zealand and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most remarkable pioneers.
In October 1936, Jean Batten became the first person to complete a direct flight from England to New Zealand, cementing her place among the world's most celebrated aviators. Her brave and skilful journey from Kent to Auckland, completed in just 11 days and 45 minutes, set a record and captured the imagination of people across the globe.
Flying a Percival Gull monoplane fitted with additional fuel tanks, Batten departed England on 5 October 1936, navigating Europe, the Middle East and Asia while battling challenging weather. After reaching Darwin in just five days and 21 hours, beating the existing record by a full day, she continued to Sydney before making the final 10.5-hour flight across the Tasman Sea to Māngere Aerodrome, arriving before a crowd of approximately 6,000 people on 16 October 1936.
Today, the legacy of that remarkable journey continues to be preserved by both MOTAT and Auckland Airport. Batten’s iconic Percival Gull aircraft is displayed in Auckland Airport’s international terminal, just a short distance from the site where her record-breaking flight concluded, and MOTAT is the kaitiaki of an extensive collection of objects connected to the pioneering aviator, including her aircraft logbook, medals, trophies, photographs, documents and the de Havilland Gipsy Six engine that powered her famous aircraft.
"Jean Batten's achievements remain an extraordinary example of courage, determination and innovation," said MOTAT’s Director of Collections Alba Letts. "Ninety years on, her record-breaking journey continues to inspire New Zealanders and aviation enthusiasts around the world. We're proud to care for and share the stories and objects that connect us to her legacy."
Auckland Airport Chief Operations Officer, Chloe Surridge said, "Jean Batten's arrival at Māngere Aerodrome was one of the defining moments in New Zealand aviation history, taking place at the site that is now Auckland Airport.
"Ninety years on, it's a story that still resonates. The flight that captured the world's attention ended here and we're proud to partner with MOTAT to help share that story and celebrate her remarkable achievement."
For Auckland Airport, the anniversary is a reminder of the role aviation has long played in connecting New Zealand with the world. Batten's arrival at Māngere marked the end of a record-breaking international journey ensuring she would always be remembered as one of the most remarkable aviators of her generation.
As part of the anniversary programme, MOTAT’s popular Ngā Kōrero Rererangi Aviation Conversations series will present a special evening on 1 October dedicated to Jean Batten’s life, achievements and global impact. Drawing on significant objects from the MOTAT collection, attendees will gain insight into the technical innovations behind Batten's flights, the challenges of long-distance aviation in the 1930s, and the international recognition she received throughout her career.
The evening will celebrate mana wāhine and feature a performance by Samoan singer-songwriter Spdrtwnbby (Spider Town Baby). The event will be hosted by Lauren Tīpene (Ngāpuhi), with Susan Tolich, Curator Transport and Curatorial Research at MOTAT, sharing the story of Batten’s enduring legacy through rare collection items, photographs and personal records.
MOTAT’s international award-winning digital immersive experience Te Kōtiu, which features Jean Batten and other pioneering Aotearoa New Zealand Aviators will be screened during the evening.
The celebrations will continue at LIVE Day: Flying on Sunday 18 October, when heritage aviation technology takes centre stage across the museum. Jean Batten’s achievements will form a central theme of the day, offering visitors the chance to engage with the history and innovation that helped shape aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ninety years after her arrival in Auckland, Jean Batten’s pioneering spirit remains one of the defining moments in New Zealand aviation history and a powerful reminder of the determination, skill and ambition that carried her from England to New Zealand.
ENDS
Event information
Ngā Kōrero Rererangi Aviation Conversations: The Woman Who Conquered the Skies 1 October, MOTAT Aviation Hall, 98 Motions Road, from 6.30pm, Tickets $25
LIVE Day: Flying Sunday 18 October, 10am-4pm MOTAT, Auckland Included in general admission
Media enquiries
Nicole Parish MOTAT Communications Manager, Nicole.parish@motat.org.nz 021 612 992
Laura Platts Auckland Airport, Laura.platts@aucklandairport.co.nz 021 040 5859