22 June 1913

David Percival Fisher (1882-1941) was owner and builder of the Fisher Monoplane, the first successful indigenous aircraft to fly in New Zealand. The first successful sustained flights were carried out at Hurunui-o-rangi Flat, near Gladstone, Wairarapa on 21/22 June 1913. Fisher adapted the design from a drawing of the Bleriot Mk XI. Its engine was also built from scratch by Fisher, with the exception of a secondhand crankcase.