Media Release
9 June 2017
AIR FORCE AVIATION MEDICINE UNIT OPENED
A new, energy-efficient Aviation Medicine Unit (AMU) at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland was officially opened
today by Minister of Defence Mark Mitchell.
The AMU opening marks the first of a large number of capital projects to be delivered under the Estate Regeneration
Programme, the biggest-ever capital regeneration of the New Zealand Defence Force’s camps and bases.
Staff at the AMU provide aviation medicine training, human performance research and development, and support for
aircraft accident and flight safety investigations.
Designed using intelligent construction systems, the AMU is the first building at Base Auckland to combine solar power
energy for heating water and capturing rain water for flushing toilets, while using a combined heating and chilling
system with remote energy-monitoring capability.
Specialist in Occupational and Aviation Medicine Wing Commander (Dr) Andy Campbell said it was great having this new
building to work in after spending three years working out of temporary accommodation.
“It’s been a huge boost for us. We now have an environmentally friendly building to work in that will set us up well for
the future,” Wing Commander Campbell said.
A key component of the construction process was the relocation of the 27-tonne refurbished hypobaric chamber, which was
installed in the building after the shell was constructed. The chamber is the only one of its type in New Zealand and
allows air crew from the New Zealand Defence Force and other organisations to experience aspects of the aviation
environment before they fly. Training in the chamber minimises the risk of accidents from physiological stress, changes
in pressure, fatigue and diminishing oxygen levels.
The AMU is stage one of a three-stage development. Stage two will feature the construction of a replacement base medical
and dental facility, which is expected to be completed in late 2018. Stage three will feature the Aero Medical
Evacuation Unit moving into purpose-built facilities in 2019.
These facilities will form the core of a redeveloped health and wellness precinct for Base Auckland, which will add to
the existing swimming pool a new gymnasium and rehabilitation facility, which is expected to be completed by mid-2018.
ENDS