High flying West Auckland mum
A mother of four has realised a 30-year dream to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
April Sherman has graduated from a gruelling 14 weeks of training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
In 2021, the Hobsonville resident takes on safety and surface trade training- learning to keep aircraft equipment in peak condition.
The 46-year-old spent the past eight years in Australia, some of the time mining in Western Australia.
Family brought her back to New Zealand in 2019, and the chance sighting of an Air Force P-3K2 Orion re-ignited her life-long career dream.
“I lost my dad suddenly at the beginning of last year to cancer, so my priority was to find a job back in New Zealand and take care of my mum,” Sherman said.
“I was too shy as a school leaver back in 1992 to join.
"But I saw an Orion flying above Hobsonville one day after work last year and that rekindled the desire to look at the Air Force."
Sherman said being mentally and physically prepared has led to her success.
“If you’re willing to embrace lessons, make sacrifices, swallow your pride, be patient when others struggle and continue to give everything, you will eventually overcome each obstacle."
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.7% Nah - not for me
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