Here at Auckland International Airport stands the Statue of Jean Batten. It’s a tribute to a true Kiwi legend. This bronze statue immortalizes New Zealand’s most famous aviatrix.
The Jean Batten Statue was unveiled on October 5, 1989. Sir Paul Reeves, Governor-General of New Zealand, did the honors. The statue is the work of sculptor Anthony Stones.
Look closely. You’ll see Jean Batten holding flowers. She waves with her other hand. The statue captures her spirit of adventure and grace.
Jean Batten’s story is remarkable. Born in Rotorua in 1909, she developed a passion for flying early on. She pursued her dreams in England. There she earned her pilot’s license.
Batten planned record-breaking flights. She faced crashes and near disasters. But she persevered. In 1934, she broke Amy Johnson’s England to Australia solo flight record.
Between 1930 and 1937 Jean Batten set many speed and distance records. She conquered the male-dominated world of aviation. She became an international celebrity.
The Jean Batten Statue is a reminder of her incredible achievements. She was the first person to fly solo from England to New Zealand. Her journey took just over 11 days. She landed right here in Mangere on October 16, 1936.
Consider Jean Batten’s words. She said she was destined to be a wanderer. She felt born to travel. In flying, she found speed and freedom to roam the earth.
Note the plaques at the base of the Jean Batten Statue. They honor her legacy. They list the sponsors who made this memorial possible. Air New Zealand and Auckland International Airport are among them.
The Jean Batten Statue stood here for many years. Recently it was temporarily removed. This was done due to work on the new transport hub. But it will return.
Batten’s achievements earned her many honors. She received gold medals from prestigious organizations. These include the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. She also received the Royal Aero Club of Great Britain.
She received honors from Brazil, France, and Great Britain. These awards recognized her contributions to aviation.
Jean Batten disappeared from public view for decades. She resurfaced later to promote her memoirs. She also supported museum exhibits.
Sadly, she died in 1982 from a dog bite. It took five years for her family to find out about her death.
Her Percival Gull plane is on display inside Auckland International Terminal. It is another reminder of her pioneering spirit. The Jean Batten Statue and the plane together keep her memory alive.
Think of Jean Batten’s courage and determination. As you leave Auckland Airport, remember the woman who dared to fly solo across the world. The Jean Batten Statue stands as a testament to her enduring legacy.