Kawerau residents are being advised to keep their eyes on the sky this Monday, as there may be a high flying visitor to town.

The No.3 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force will be based at Kawerau's Firmin Lodge as part of a week-long team building exercise.

Kawerau District Council's Events and Venues Manager, Lee Barton says when the approach was made he saw the opportunity to make a community event of the visit.

'I was thrilled to be approached by the RNZAF to stay at Firmin Lodge – they'll have more than 80 personnel through the week and they were attracted by the adventure opportunities that would be on their doorstep.

'But it was also great to work with the Flight Lieutenant in charge of the trip to get some community engagement as well. I'm sure they will have a fantastic time with us in Kawerau,” says Lee.

As part of the visit, RNZAF personnel will spend time meeting students at Tarawera High School, which will hopefully include a special appearance of one of the impressive utilities available to the Squadron - NH90 or A109 helicopters (unless the helicopter is required for service elsewhere).

Additionally, during their stay the personnel hope to roll up their sleeves and spend an afternoon volunteering at the Kawerau Urban Food Forest project on Wednesday April 11.

KUFF coordinator, Hannah Edwardson says the team is excited to host RNZAF.

'Drawings are being sketched and resources sourced for the arrival of the RNZAF to the Kawerau Urban Food Forest.

'We are grateful to have the workforce come along and provide the muscle to help with some building structures around the site that will further develop our project,” says Hannah.

More information on KUFF is available on the Council's website www.kaweraudc.govt.nz