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Post by Dave Homewood on May 5, 2015 14:18:58 GMT 12
Ando, how about you do an alternative Wings Over New Zealand commentary, like the bunch of comedians do now for the NZ cricket games. Set up a web broadcast and all the forumites can tune into you through their smart phones, etc, rather than the official team.  You could have guest commentators from the forum.  |
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2015 16:37:26 GMT 12
YES! I would SO be in for that! Grand idea, Dave!
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Post by Mustang51 on May 6, 2015 12:16:30 GMT 12
Now that sounds like just the thing.........Broadcasting from the Gold Pass area getting the atmosphere and the sounds and smells as well. Cost will be just what I charge Wings Over Wairarapa, Wanaka, RAAF,all the Australian shows, Flying Legends etc - a sausage sandwich. Would be like Roy and HG doing the alternative commentary for the State of Origin Rugby League games. Have not heard your alternative cricket guys but I get the picture.... and there would be beers afterwards !
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 6, 2015 12:26:18 GMT 12
Hell Ando, with this new gig you're allowed beers DURING! |
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Post by phil82 on May 6, 2015 13:44:23 GMT 12
Ando,let me say I have been to an airshow or two, and I've suffered accordingly from some of the worst commentaries by ill-informed people who just didn't understand that there are times when the best commentators simply shut up! I'm bound to note that whenever the show I've been at had you commenting on it made my day better!So forget Wanaka, it is being surpassed as the place to go to anyway, and was perhaps a victim of its earlier successes in that it has now lost it a bit and has become too expensive to attend, even if you live in the South Island. I don't go now because it simply doesn't have the value for money you get at Omaka or WOW.That aside,keep on keeping on!
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Post by rayo on May 6, 2015 16:22:58 GMT 12
Ando,let me say I have been to an airshow or two, and I've suffered accordingly from some of the worst commentaries by ill-informed people who just didn't understand that there are times when the best commentators simply shut up! I'm bound to note that whenever the show I've been at had you commenting on it made my day better!So forget Wanaka, it is being surpassed as the place to go to anyway, and was perhaps a victim of its earlier successes in that it has now lost it a bit and has become too expensive to attend, even if you live in the South Island. I don't go now because it simply doesn't have the value for money you get at Omaka or WOW.That aside,keep on keeping on! Yes it's a pity Omaka and WoW have ended up in the same yearly cycle especially with the possibility there will be no Tauranga event next year. |
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Post by corsairarm on May 6, 2015 20:29:31 GMT 12
Ando,let me say I have been to an airshow or two, and I've suffered accordingly from some of the worst commentaries by ill-informed people who just didn't understand that there are times when the best commentators simply shut up! I'm bound to note that whenever the show I've been at had you commenting on it made my day better!So forget Wanaka, it is being surpassed as the place to go to anyway, and was perhaps a victim of its earlier successes in that it has now lost it a bit and has become too expensive to attend, even if you live in the South Island. I don't go now because it simply doesn't have the value for money you get at Omaka or WOW.That aside,keep on keeping on! Yes it's a pity Omaka and WoW have ended up in the same yearly cycle especially with the possibility there will be no Tauranga event next year. What not Tauranga!!!! Bugger  |
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on May 11, 2015 13:59:14 GMT 12
Yes it's a pity Omaka and WoW have ended up in the same yearly cycle especially with the possibility there will be no Tauranga event next year. I guess Wings Over Wairarapa could claim “grandfather rights” to odd-numbered years because they started in 1999, whereas Classic Fighters started in 2001.
But also, as long as Warbirds Over Wanaka survives, I guess they can claim “grandfather rights” to Easter weekend on the even-numbered years, because they've been doing it since 1990 (or 1988 if you include Warbirds On Parade). As a matter of interest, I didn't make it to Warbirds on Parade in 1988 because I was visiting Australia, but I was at the first Warbirds Over Wanaka in 1990 (I can still remember the heat and extreme dust) and I've attended every one since.
And just to confuse things, I've seen (and heard) plenty of reference to Warbirds Over Wanaka as “WOW” over the years, but I notice some people are now referring to Wings Over Wairarapa as “WOW”. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 11, 2015 14:44:10 GMT 12
And frankly Classic Fighters for me always has a much bigger WOW factor.
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Post by Mustang51 on May 11, 2015 15:05:35 GMT 12
You would have to agree that you must go a long way anywhere to be Omaka this year. That V.1 was just stunning as was the entire mix of aircraft and displays across the three days. I'm a betting man and I am betting there were a few fermented beverages involved in the V.1 idea.
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on May 11, 2015 15:10:18 GMT 12
And frankly Classic Fighters for me always has a much bigger WOW factor. Unless you drag Wings Over Wairarapa 2013 into the equation. I think that would have been the best airshow I have ever attended in New Zealand, period. Some things such as the Mosquito in formation with two Vampires and a Venom will probably never be seen anywhere in the world again. As I said to Tom Williams when I was chatting to him one day about three months after the 2013 airshow, “I very much doubt you or anybody will ever be able to better that one!” |
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Post by rayo on May 11, 2015 19:15:35 GMT 12
Yes it's a pity Omaka and WoW have ended up in the same yearly cycle especially with the possibility there will be no Tauranga event next year. I guess Wings Over Wairarapa could claim “grandfather rights” to odd-numbered years because they started in 1999, whereas Classic Fighters started in 2001.
But also, as long as Warbirds Over Wanaka survives, I guess they can claim “grandfather rights” to Easter weekend on the even-numbered years, because they've been doing it since 1990 (or 1988 if you include Warbirds On Parade). As a matter of interest, I didn't make it to Warbirds on Parade in 1988 because I was visiting Australia, but I was at the first Warbirds Over Wanaka in 1990 (I can still remember the heat and extreme dust) and I've attended every one since.
And just to confuse things, I've seen (and heard) plenty of reference to Warbirds Over Wanaka as “WOW” over the years, but I notice some people are now referring to Wings Over Wairarapa as “WOW”. Actually I wasn't promoting any one Airshow over any other. I have been to each of the venues and enjoyed them all equally on different occasions. For me they each have a different emphasis. To Generalise: In the Past WoWanaka was basically for WW2 Fighters with a related theme and some post war jets thrown in. CF has a bigger emphasis on Ground Theatre integrated with the Airshow theme with a good mix of time periods depicted. WoWairarapa (HOOD) has a stronger WW1 emphasis with many of the rarest TVAL Aircraft exclusively flying there. I was commenting from the point of maintaining the Health of all the Airshows and both CF and HOOD have a significant element of the general Airshow public coming from the same major metropilitan area (namely Wellington) and they fall within 2/3 months of each other. it would be better if they were in opposite years. I don't care which. It now seems likely Tauranga will not have a full 2/3 day Airshow next year but possibly some more regular smaller events. So apart from Ardmore local events the Only Airshow next year will be way down south in Wanaka. |
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on May 11, 2015 20:43:59 GMT 12
So apart from Ardmore local events the Only Airshow next year will be way down south in Wanaka. ....and for me that gives me an excuse to head down to the bottom of the South Island and visit a few amazing places prior to Easter weekend.
Next year, a group of us are going to charter a helicopter for two hours and go on a grand tour of some of the most spectacular scenery in Fiordland National Park. We're going to do it out of Milford Sound aerodrome. I'm already talking to the helicopter operator about where we wish to go and where we would like to land. All we need is for the weather to co-operate. |
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on May 20, 2015 23:18:13 GMT 12
WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA NEWSLETTER NO. 3 21st May 2015 Welcome to our third Warbirds Over Wanaka newsletter for 2016. Help! Where has the time gone?! 309 days to go – tickets sales are well ahead of 2014 so thank you for your commitment to WOW. Our new one day luxury Titanium Pass... for Saturday or Sunday has also been selling well. This is in a separate marquee beside the Gold Pass stand... with superb views of the runway and taxiway. Flying Programme: we are working on an extraordinary line up of aircraft, some from overseas. Details are not quite finalised for several but we will once again have a WWII Spitfire, P-40 Kittyhawk, Corsair, Catalina, DC-3. Keep your eye on the website as they are announced. Jet Racing: The return challenge by the Americans... they are determined to take the trophy back to the United States this time.... and are planning to bring one or more of their own jets out to secure the trophy - this return match will be even more exciting! Ground Programme: You might need to come for an extra day to get around all the exhibits on the ground. People often say they couldn’t leave the stand because they didn’t want to miss anything, but the ground exhibits offer much to see and learn also. Sport Aircraft Display - sport aircraft including gyrocopters, RANS, Piper Cubs, Hornets, Replicas and % scale aircraft will be displaying on the ground and in the air. Homebuilder’s heaven. Displays and demonstrations in the hangar will enable you to see what is needed to get into aviation. Aircraft for Sale - ever wanted to own your own aircraft? Purchase new or second hand, Beechcraft, Pilatus and others on sale. Static Aircraft Display - many different types of aircraft from Tiger Moths to jets on display. Warhorses - our favourite re-enactors once again will display vehicles, armaments, uniforms, tanks, jeeps, trucks and guns from WWI and WWII. Watch them re-enact within their army compound or on the runway with enemy fire overhead. 100 years of Trucking - come and see vintage and rare trucks through the ages from all over the South Island. Porsche Club of New Zealand – will be on tour with a number of superb Porsche cars for you to view. Food and Wine Stalls - around 40 Food stalls for you to purchase everything from pizza, baps, wraps and icecream, strawberries.... taste the local wines of Central Otago..... sit and enjoy a Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris whilst looking skywards..... Aviation Trade Stands - buy your aircraft headset, avionics system or radio here! Learn where to get flight training and the NZ flying regulations. Market Stalls - model aircraft, clothing, candles, toys, jewellery are just some of the items for sale.... come and shop until you drop. WOW Official Merchandise will of course be available at the Airshow – if you have any particular items you would like to purchase please let me know on info@warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz No promises, but it helps to know what you want..... NASA – are planning a second balloon launch from Wanaka Airport on April 1st 2016 and will confirm this soon. This is just 4 days after the Airshow. Perhaps you might want to extend your stay to see it go up... but remember the airport will be locked down... there are great viewing points around here which we will highlight later on. This means of course that we will have to have much of the Airshow down in a hurry to allow them to launch.... contractors are already briefed! Reminders: Amphibian aircraft event – Friday 24th March 2016 at 4.30pm Wanaka lakeside. Free event for all. Rides Day – Monday 28th March 2016 – the Catalina is not up yet but is coming! They just wanted to get a bit further down the track with the last item – the paint job. Remember to book here... WOW Club: We have 69 loyal supporters in our WOW Club to date - should you have friends interested in aviation please encourage them to join (form may be downloaded at . Remember to please ‘Like’ our Facebook page. Until next time, safe flying and travelling. Mandy Deans Event Manager |
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2015 12:07:21 GMT 12
Thanks for sharing that, Bruce. I'm glad to see I'm not missing anything by not going.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 12, 2015 11:07:07 GMT 12
This press release seems to have been overlooked from last month.
Warbirds over Wanaka - New Commentary Team
Monday, 13 July 2015, 12:01 pm
Press Release: Warbirds Over Wanaka
10th July 2015
Warbirds over Wanaka - New Commentary Team
Warbird pilot and former TVNZ weatherman Jim Hickey can’t wait to get back behind the microphone at next year’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow. Jim has been named to lead the Bose Commentary Team alongside Grant Stewart and Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson.
Jim first attended the iconic Wanaka event in 1996. Two years later he joined the commentary team and stayed in that role until 2012. After taking a break in 2014 he’s back on board for next year.
“I’m very excited about being involved with Warbirds Over Wanaka once again. It’s one of the great Warbirds airshows in the world and being part of the commentary team is an honour for me. I believe the role of the commentary team is to complement what’s happening in the sky. An airshow is all about the aircraft and the pilots and our job is to relate the history and stories around these magnificent men and their flying machines.”
Jim is also looking forward to teaming up again with his fellow commentators Grant and Ferg.
Grant is a Queenstown-based pilot who has been involved with Warbirds Over Wanaka for many years while Ferg is a popular local broadcaster and supporter of the event.
Jim and Grant will anchor the commentary with ‘Ferg’ out and about in the crowd interviewing some of the colourful and interesting people who attend the airshow. Guest commentators will also be called on to give expert analysis of what’s happening.
“The commentary is a very important part of any airshow” says Ed Taylor, General Manager of Warbirds Over Wanaka. “It’s critical we get the right balance between educating and entertaining the crowd and I think we have it just right with the line-up for 2016. We have been blessed with some fine commentators over the years and I’m sure these guys will continue that great tradition.”
“We are also very grateful to have Bose onboard as a sponsor of our commentary team.
Bose is one of the world’s great audio companies and have been at the last few airshows displaying their range of aviation headsets.”
“They have been keen to take that involvement to another level with their sponsorship of the commentary team. Warbirds Over Wanaka wouldn’t be the hugely successful event it is without the support of companies like Bose,” says Ed.
- ENDS -
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andynz
Pilot Officer
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Post by andynz on Aug 31, 2015 5:06:54 GMT 12
Hi guys, I just wanted to say that I haven't missed the show since '94, and won't be missing one ever if I can possibly help it. Always a fantastic excuse for an extra long weekend in one of my very favourite parts of NZ. I can't think of a year I didn't enjoy it. The financial climate we live in has altered how it is run from previous events. You know what though, everything has changed in the face of the financial paradigm we live in today. Still can't think of a better way to spend every even Easter break, than down at Wanaka. Sure prices have gone up, but spare a thought for the organisers forking out ph numbers for each and every attraction flying in for the weekend. I regret the export trend of vintage aircraft out of NZ, but just look at the aviation communities at Omaka, Ardmore and the contributions that TVAL and a bunch of other smaller companies put towards this very expensive 'train set' and the regrets are outwayed by the positives. regards, AndyNZ |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 6, 2015 22:03:33 GMT 12
Yes it's a pity Omaka and WoW have ended up in the same yearly cycle especially with the possibility there will be no Tauranga event next year. I guess Wings Over Wairarapa could claim “grandfather rights” to odd-numbered years because they started in 1999, whereas Classic Fighters started in 2001.
But also, as long as Warbirds Over Wanaka survives, I guess they can claim “grandfather rights” to Easter weekend on the even-numbered years, because they've been doing it since 1990 (or 1988 if you include Warbirds On Parade).
Hey guys, I have checked into the persistent rumours going around about Tauranga not having an airshow next year and apparently this is nonsense. I asked one of the longtime organisers and she assures me there will be an airshow. So watch this space. Also I got this message recently from Graham Orphan, who read your comment, Bruce, and he stated: "I have been catching up on some of the discussions and noted a discussion on the Wanaka thread regarding the various shows and there was mention made of 'Grandfather Rites' favouring the Hood event because they held one in 1999, and Classic Fighters did not commence until 2001, however that person needs to look back a little earlier to events of the preceding odd-Easters and they'd see that, just like Wanaka's 'Warbirds on Parade' in 1988, the first formal Omaka warbirds event took place over Easter 1997 in conjunction with NZ Warbirds, and was repeated over Easter 1999 before morphing into 'Classic Fighters' for Easter 2001. The first event I was involved in organising (on this side of the Tasman) was held two years earlier again in 1995, focusing on classic aircraft, but that was not a warbirds event. By the time of our 1997 Easter warbirds shindig, we had two Nanchangs and a Harvard based on the field (for the time at least, before I delivered the Harvard 7660 to the ChCh syndicate, of which I was founder)."So there you go. And he's quite right too, I distinctly recall being a bit miffed when I heard in 1997 that Omaka (a place no-one round here had heard of then) was getting the Easter 1997 show and not Hamilton Airport again which had the big warbirds show at Easter 1995. Hamilton had promoted themselves as going to be the bi-annual alternative. However, Omaka did so much more and better than Hamilton ever could, and since then they have developed into the best airshow in New Zealand, Classic Fighters. From what I have heard, Wanaka lost the WOW factor a long time ago. |
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heiny
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by heiny on Sept 7, 2015 17:29:45 GMT 12
I purchased my Gold Pass for WOW2016 before they went on sale to the public. I got it for a cheaper price than the advertised public price too! A case of the early bird catches the worm. |
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heiny
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by heiny on Sept 7, 2015 17:38:14 GMT 12
The early bird catches the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese!
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You could have guest commentators from the forum. 
