I've never been a big fan of NZCH, partly because I was born and bred in Christchurch, so all the nice airports were 'elsewhere'. On the other hand, I wouldn't be doing what I do now if not for Ian's original NZCH for FS2000(?), which blew me away being able to see what was really there. This was one of two scenery releases which got me hooked in those early days -- the other one was Christian's elevation mesh for NZ.
I always tried to get Ian to do another NZCH, as his early version didn't work in the new sims. So I always considered NZCH his property. However in 2009 I did make a start, just because it was about to undergo a huge development, and I wanted to preserve it the way it was. But there were so many issues it just wasn't funny. Of course it's a noisy dusty place, with really poor access, and actually getting airside access was a real battle. By mid 2009 I was finding it a real struggle to get out there and take pictures, and by the end of June I was diagnosed with my heart problem. So NZCH was shelved permanently, it has already tried to kill me....
Since then a lot has happened in Christchurch, much of the city was damaged by the earthquakes, and I've since moved away. I have mixed feelings about the city now, sometimes it breaks my heart to see the state of it, but I am starting to see some really great work done on rebuilding. And of course the airport development is now completed...
I spent the last week taking photos of NZCH, and although I still can't get airside access, the airport suggested that their contracted photographer could take the photos. Last week I finally met up with him, and his wife, and it does look like this arrangement could work out well.
The initial NZCH scenery work is partially funded already, which makes it a priority. So it looks like the possibility of a flash new NZCH is closer to 80% than 20% now:)
NZCH is still dusty and awful in parts, but looking at the photos I've taken this week, I really have most of the photo resources I'd need, excluding airside which are being supplied.
The best thing about NZCH is that it would be the ideal project for the multi-sim development -- it is certainly needed for FSX/Prepar3d, and I have all but decided that any X-place scenery would be airports only. It would also be a great addition to Aerofly, although I do have other great plans for this sim.
I've posting this here as a sort of heads-up for NZFF members, it isn't an official announcement or anything, as it's far too early for that. Still, I am quietly confident that I can pull this off, without the normal delays which have plagued me lately, due to lack of resources and funds. There's just one rule though -- every time someone asks when it'll be released, I add another month to the development:)