National is promising a new primary school for Waikanae if it forms the next government, Jeremy Smith reports.

National’s candidate for Otaki, Tim Costley, made the promise in Waikanae this week.

The proposed new school, which has been mooted for many years, would almost certainly be sited in Waikanae North, where development has created many new homes.

At present, Waikanae has two schools, Waikanae School, just north of the railway station, and Kapakapanui School, midway between the shopping centre and Waikanae Beach.

Mr Costley was accompanied by Nationals’s deputy leader  Nikki Kaye, when I met the couple in a car park.

Mr Costley a former Air Force officer is standing to replace retiring MP Nathan Guy, who held the seat for four terms.

Royal connections

In 2014, Tim was seconded to Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, as an Equerry – an officer of the British royal household who assists members of the royal family.

He is currently the Wing Commander overseeing operational airworthiness at Ohakea.

He has a Master’s degree in International Defence and Security, a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematical Physics and a Diploma in Business.

Tim joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a pilot in 2001 and flew Iroquois and NH90 helicopters, and was on operational service in the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

Afghanistan tour

Tim also completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan and numerous rescue missions in New Zealand and humanitarian missions in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Tim has held a variety of leadership roles within the RNZAF, including Second-in-Command of pilot training and Command of the NH90 helicopters both in New Zealand and overseas.