Issue 1,222
Local News for Local Communities
Friday 27th February 2026
Phone: 03 318 7450 | Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz | Web: www.malvernnews.co.nz Got something Newsworthy? Let us know too!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Fire Brigade Raising Funds for Blood Cancer Page 4
Sheffield Pool Update Page 7
FROM SKETCH TO SPACEPLANE When a spaceplane launched from Christchurch last year carrying hardware for California Polytechnic, 21-year-old manufacturing engineer Yelena Cunningham watched with pride, knowing components she helped make were on board. The West Melton mechanical engineering apprentice graduate at Dawn Aerospace described seeing her work move from technical drawings to flying vehicles as a defining moment. “We got to watch the spaceplane launch… just seeing and knowing my parts were on that was just unreal,” says Yelena. Yelena works in Dawn Aerospace’s machine shop, producing high -precision aerospace parts for global customers. Her path into engineering was shaped by practical experience and a willingness to seize new opportunities. After working part-time in workshops during high school, she moved to Dawn Aerospace halfway through her apprenticeship to gain broader experience. “These different exposures have been valuable to learn from,” she says. Dawn Aerospace stands out for its supportive learning environment. Yelena was trusted to operate complex, milliondollar machines and do programming and CAD work. “All the guys in the workshop are knowledgeable and passing on that knowledge is really cool. Their patience allows me to learn without pressure.” Continued on page 14...
West Melton local and Dawn Aerospace apprentice engineer Yelena Cunningham with the CalPoly spaceplane she helped design and build.
Senior T20 Winners & Cricket Update Page 16
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