A squadron of veterans from a military past will stand proud among the thousands of new homes in the $2 billion development project at Hobsonville.
The heritage value of 15 homes - some grand and some modest - rates highly in plans for a staged development of the former Royal New Zealand Air Force base for nearly 3000 new homes and two schools.
One of those spared demolition to give a clear building envelope, is the grande dame of the base, Mill House.
For decades, its twin gables have been the backdrop for wedding photos and it has been coveted by defence top brass as a residence. The property is included in a 7ha chunk of housing land released for sale by crown-owned entity Hobsonville Land Company.