> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://goodoil.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Face of the Day
- URL: https://goodoil.news/face-of-the-day-893/
- Published: 2023-12-22T17:30:51.000Z
- Updated: 2023-12-22T03:13:27.000Z
- Author: Good Oil Staff
- Tags: General, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2024-07-16 22:07

> Not many people can say they have turned their youthful dreams into reality, but proud East Coast man Mahanga Maru (Ngati Porou)is one of them.  
>  
> From watching planes flying over his home as a child growing up in remote Ruatoria, he now owns and operates his own private airline, albeit one of the smallest in the country.  
>  
> Air Ruatoria sprang into life during the[ depths of Covid in 2020](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/gisborne/300172147/air-ruatoria-come-fly-with-me-east-coast-style?ref=goodoil.news) – not exactly one of the best times in the aviation industry. But the genesis of the idea took hold many years ago.  
>  
> “We had an aeroclub here back in the ‘70s,” Maru told *Stuff Travel.* “The joy of flight always fascinated me when I could see aircraft coming and going and people flying them. I thought, ‘one day I will be one of those’ and I pursued that goal.  
>  
> “When I was a young fella I just paid for my licence and took lessons privately in Manawatu and worked my way through the various qualifications.”  
>  
> Stuff

[Read more here.](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/gisborne/133482614/from-dreams-of-being-a-pilot-to-owning-one-of-new-zealands-smallest-airlines?ref=goodoil.news) Discuss it on *The BFD.*

[If you would like to access exclusive Member content or just remove the ads to make your reading experience more enjoyable click here to browse our Membership options.](https://thebfd.co.nz/subscription-plans/?ref=2)

[If you enjoyed this article please share it using the share buttons at the top or bottom of the article.](#)