The role of the squadron gradually changed to VIP flights (DC-3 and Devon), multi-engine conversion courses (Oxford and Devon), and general transport flying around New Zealand and the South Pacific.
To accommodate the reformed No. 2 Squadron RNZAF with Skyhawks at Ohakea in 1984, 42 Squadron moved to Whenuapai and absorbed the Andovers of No. 1 Squadron RNZAF which was disbanded.