Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024

[Dave Homewood]

Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024
Confirmed for the 29th, 30th and 31st of March 2024 (Easter Weekend)
Wanaka Airport
Wanaka

Despite having to cancel the last two airshows, Warbirds Over Wanaka organisers are determined they will be back at Easter 2024 (March 29, 30, 31).

General Manager Ed Taylor says they've been blown away by the huge number of messages of support from the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow family. "While we have taken another major financial hit we are committed to surviving until we are able to stage another edition of our world-famous event."

"We'll keep everyone up to date through this e-newsletter and our other comms channels on a regular basis about dates for ticket sales, confirmed aircraft displays and other news from the NZ Warbird scene. Already we are having some very positive discussions about some amazing acts which we are hoping will join us in two years time. In the meantime stay safe and well and we'll seen you soon."


www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/

[l29]

Perhaps by then they would have paid up for Arthur's yak...

[Dave Homewood]

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA NEWSLETTER JULY 2022

In this issue:
Tickets Go On Sale mid-2023
P-51 Restoration on track for Wanaka 2024
RNZAF prepares for arrival of first P-8A Poseidon


A rare sight in NZ these days - 11 Harvard trainers display at Wanaka 2018 (credit: Bernhard Baur)

Tickets Sales


Warbirds Over Wanaka has confirmed tickets for the next airshow at Easter 2024 will go on sale mid-2023. Keep an eye on our website early next year when we will confirm the ticket launch date. By the time our next event rolls around it will have been six years since our last airshow and we know interest is extremely high so if you're keen to secure your tickets, especially for our premier ticket offerings, then make sure you book early (also note you save money by pre-purchasing tickets).

If you are coming from out of town then it would pay to sort out your accommodation as soon as possible. If you need a hand contact the friendly team at the Wanaka i-site who can help you source the right accommodation for your needs. You can either email them [e-mail] or phone [phone].


P-51 takes shape at Ohakea

P-51 Mustang on target for Wanaka 2024

One of the planned star attractions at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 is the P51D Mustang currently being restored at the Biggin Hill Trust facility at RNZAF Ohakea. The aircraft is owned by Brendon Deere who has provided this restoration update:

“The structural rebuild of the wings was completed in the US recently and they are in the process of being shipped back to New Zealand. Shipping delays have meant around two months of the project schedule have been lost already. We still aim for a first flight later in 2023.

The structural rebuild of the fuselage and tail feathers at Ohakea is also largely completed and work is progressing on the aircraft systems including all of the necessary electrical wiring. When the wings arrive in late July, there is still a lot of work to be done completing all the fit out and wiring of these before they are ready to mate with the fuselage.

The aircraft has proved to be in particularly good condition and has yielded some nice surprises, including the remarkable condition of the wing fuel tanks and also the coolant and oil radiators. This is testament to the inhibiting work done by the RNZAF in 1957 and the careful storage provided by the late John Smith for 60 years.

NZ2423 was the last of the stored RNZAF Mustangs to be put into service and the last to be withdrawn from service in May 1957, completing only 262 hours flying before it was put into storage. Its original factory fitted Packard Merlin V1650-7 has been zero timed in the US but is substantially the same engine as it left the factory with in July 1945.”

This is great news and we look forward to having the aircraft make its airshow debut at Wanaka 2024 along with Brendon’s two other aircraft – his Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX and the Grumman Avenger affectionately known as ‘Plonky’.


The first two RNZAF P-8A Poseidon's on the Boeing assembly line in Seattle

First P-8A due in December

The first of the RNZAF's four new Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft is due to arrive in New Zealand in December. The aircraft will replace the P-3K2 Orions which have been in service since 1966. The first aircraft, NZ4801, is expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2023 with the other three entering service over the following year or so.

The aircraft will be operated by No5 Squadron based out of a brand new facility currently being built at Ohakea. The $250million facility includes state-of-the-art flight and maintenance simulators, a large administration and training block alongside mission support facilities. It also features two large hangars with the roof over each hangar around seven stories high.

Air crews and engineers have already clocked up thousands of hours of training, both in the US and Australia, ahead of the arrival of the first aircraft.

[Dave Homewood]

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA NEWSLETTER SEPT 2022

In this issue:

NZ Catalina up for sale
Lancaster movie
Airshow key dates


An iconic Warbirds Over Wanaka sight - Catalina ZK-PBY operating on Lake Wanaka

Catalina For Sale

Warbirds Over Wanaka organisers have their fingers crossed that new local owners can be found for the beautiful Catalina Flying Boat which has played an integral part in the international airshow for many years. The New Zealand Catalina Preservation Society has reluctantly put ZK-PBY up for sale. Chief Pilot Brett Emeny says there has been interest from potential New Zealand buyers but also from overseas. Brett says the Society's first wish is to see the aircraft stay in this country.

This particular aircraft was built by Canadian Vickers in 1944 and has a rich history of operating around the world including in Canada, Africa and northern Europe before it arrived here. It is believed to be the only one of its type in the world which still lands on water.

The Catalina has been a regular visitor to Wanaka over the years and following a major refurbishment made a triumphant return at the Warbirds Over Wanaka 2016 airshow when it was the star of the new Lakeside Community Event which was held late Friday afternoon. Seeing this stunning aircraft make a low approach over town to land on the lake and then later to take off with water streaming off the aircraft is one of those sights which will live long in the memories of Wanaka airshow goers.

During WWII the RNZAF operated some 56 Catalinas primarily in the Pacific theatre.


Warbirds Over Wanaka Founder, Patron and #1 Fan Sir Tim Wallis and airshow General Manager Ed Taylor catch up after watching the new 'Lancaster' movie at Wanaka's Cinema Paradiso last weekend. Sir Tim turned 84 on Saturday and rounded off a weekend of celebrations watching the documentary.

'Lancaster' is currently showing in selected theatres around New Zealand. If you can't see it on the big screen it is being released on DVD and streaming later in the year. We will have details on how you can get your copy in our next newsletter in November.

And watch out next year when a new documentary will be coming to a screen near you featuring the Mosquito.

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA 2024

Warbirds Over Wanaka has been confirmed for Easter 2024
Tickets will go on sale in July 2023
Airshow preparations are already underway although display aircraft won't be officially confirmed until next year
You can support our efforts by buying merchandise or making a donation (see below)





WARBIRDS MERCHANDISE
We have a large range of Warbirds Over Wanaka merchandise for sale in our online shop Warbirds Airshow kit.
Remember there is a minimum order of NZ$40.

DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT THE WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW?

If you would like to help the Warbirds Over Wanaka recover from our significant losses after cancellation of the 2020 and 2022 Airshows, we would be very grateful for your donation.

Please donate $50 here: warbirds-over-wanaka.myshopify.com/products/donation

Please donate $100 here: warbirds-over-wanaka.myshopify.com/products/donation-100

If you have already donated we thank you for your support.
OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER WILL BE IN NOVEMBER 2022
Send to a friend to sign up or see past newsletters

[Dave Homewood]

Some items from the latest Newsletter:

TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 29, 2023

Organisers have confirmed tickets to the 2024 edition of the world-renowned Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow will go on sale on June 29, 2023. With the 2020 and 2022 airshows being forced to cancel because of Covid restrictions there is huge demand for the return of this event.

Fans are urged to start planning their Wanaka visit soon by securing their accommodation. A great way to find out what is available is to email the Wanaka i-site at [e-mail]. Once you have your accommodation sorted make a diary note for June 29 next year to head to Ticketek to purchase your tickets. Remember buying your tickets online rather than at the gate saves you signiificant $$$.



New Event Manager

Warbirds Over Wanaka’s new Event Manager has a long association with aviation, airshows and the Wanaka region. Andrena Davis (pictured above) has taken on the role following the retirement earlier this year of Mandy Deans who had been Event Manager for 14 years.

“Mandy has left big shoes to fill but I’m very excited about taking on the challenge of bringing together a fantastic airshow at Easter 2024. I have a passion for getting things done and thrive on seeing an event come together with attendee experience my number one priority,” says Andrena.

Originally from Dunedin, Andrena became interested in aviation when “hitching a ride as a kid in her father’s glider in the late 80’s”. Some years later Andrena had her first flying lesson before gaining her pilot’s licence with the Otago Aero Club and has been a regular attendee at the Wanaka airshow. During those years she spent most holidays, summer and winter, in Wanaka so knows the area well.

In later years Andrena has been based in the Wellington and the Wairarapa regions where she has worked as a professional photographer and in event management, including working on the Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow.



A Tiger Moth aircraft with a history dating back to service with the RAF during World War II has been given a new lease of life in New Zealand. The aircraft was a Hatfield build and was taken on charge by the RAF in March of 1940 serving with many different training units, mainly for ab-initio (initial) training. During this time her military registration was R4954.

A few years after the war the aircraft was sold to Robertson Air Services Ltd based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Over the years the Tiger has had a number of owners including the Brodies at Rangitata, Bill Reid and most recently John Mathewson at Kokonga in Central Otago where the aircraft has spent the past 24 years stored in a hangar.

New owner Lucy Newell, along with her partner Bevan Dewes, have got the aircraft back flying with the help of Callum Smith at Twenty 24 Ltd and Heli Support both at Wanaka Airport. While rejuvenating the fabric it was decided the aircraft needed a new paint job and a name! Lucy says they settled on the name ‘Queenie’ partly due to her new paint scheme.

The plan is to operate BFS on an adventure aviation certificate alongside Bevan’s Harvard based in Masterton. Lucy says it was while flying a couple of other Tigers at Wanaka a few years back that her love of Warbirds was sparked and she hopes a ride in ‘Queenie’ will do the same for someone else in the future.

(Photos: Top centre how the aircraft looks today. Bottom left during her time in Hamilton in the 1950s and bottom right Lucy in her new purchase as BFS emerged from the hangar after 24 years storage).

[Dave Homewood]

APRIL NEWSLETTER

MOSQUITO NZ2308 TAKING SHAPE

Work is progressing at pace on the latest Mosquito to be brought back to airworthy condition by Warren Denholm and his team of world-class engineers at Avspecs Ltd in Auckland, NZ. This will be the fourth Mosquito restoration for Warren and his team. Having no less than three Mosquito's back flying has created a huge buzz amongst the international Warbird community. The first three are all in the US.

The latest 'Mossie' has significance on both sides of the Tasman. It was built in Australia but later served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force until 1955 as NZ2308. Some years later the derelict remains came into the possession of the late Glyn Powell who started a restoration project but unfortunately he died before it could be completed.

The Avspecs team is now working full-time on the restoration which is seeing rapid progress for its American owners (see latest photos above). The engines and propellors are being worked on overseas at the moment and it’s hoped they will be here in a few month’s time as the clock ticks down to getting this beautiful bird back in the sky.

Terrace Camping Tickets Go On Sale

Tickets for the world-famous Warbirds Over Wanaka Terrace campervan parking will go on sale shortly - May 1st. This is a NZMCA association initiative in association with the owners of the terrace - Criffel Station. There are limited spaces available so it's recommended you book early to avoid missing out on this unique opportunity to eye-ball the pilots from your lofty location as they roar down the flightline. Tickets are being sold via the Criffel website www.criffelstation.com with each ticket including parking and a 3-day pass to the airshow itself. Contact details for the Criffel team are on their website for any additional questions you may have.

Ian from Mt Isa, Australia remembers being on the Terrace a few year's back. "I hired a Motorhome and viewed the airshow from above the flight line. Simply a spectacular venue for an airshow - best in the world I would imagine. The first time you see the Spitfire disappear below the horizon is frightening! I was also lucky enough to be under the tail pipe of a Hawker Hunter hearing the Blue note as it went vertical above - memories for life"

Fighter Aces Remembered

A unique opportunity to own a significant piece of Warbirds Over Wanaka memorabillia while at the same time helping support our event to recover from the last two cancelled airshows.

While clearing out our storage area we came across a box of 1996 memorabillia carefully stored away. This included eight T-shirts all signed by no less than seven of New Zealand's top WWII pilots - Max Collett, Maurice Mayston, Dusty Miller, Ray Danzey, James Hugh McCaw, Jack Stafford and James Sheddan.

There were also copies of the 1996 official programme along with a copy of the 1996 VHS which has until now not been available. We have now remastered this video and put it on DVD. The first seven people will receive a signed 1996 T-shirt, DVD and programme.. The eighth will receive a signed 1996 T-shirt, DVD and a copy of the 1996 flyer and the last remaining 1996 Gold Pass badge in our possession. Each package costs $250 which will go towards helping us stage a stunning show next Easter.

There are only eight T-shirts (5 med and 3 large) and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis so if you want to be in please email [e-mail] to secure your slice of Warbirds history.

Omaka Winner

Welcome to our new fans who signed up for this newsletter at the recent Omaka airshow. The winner of the sign-up promotion will be drawn shortly and announced in our next newsletter due out in mid-June..

TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 29

Not long to wait now. Tickets for the next Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow at Easter 2024 go on sale on June 29, 2023. Put the date in your diary. Tickets on sale through Ticketek.







mailchi.mp/warbirdsoverwanaka/warbirds-over-wanaka-december-newsletter-9561142?e=13c60f4f9f

[ErrolC]

The batch of photos at the end are somewhat aspirational!
I'll be very impressed if they all eventuate - might even be worth going for me.

[Deleted]

It's great to see the progress photos of NZ2308, and what an amazing opportunity re the t-shirt!!

[Deleted]

According to this Otago Daily Times story this airshow will feature the airshow debut of the Biggin Hill Trusts’s Mustang, the former John Smith machine NZ2423.

[ErrolC]

If you want the pictures go to the link at the end ;-)

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA NEWSLETTER JUNE 2023
In this issue:
Tickets on Sale THIS WEEK
P-51 confirmed for Wanaka 2024
Commentary Team Returns
10 Double Passes to new Mission Impossible movie to giveaway


TICKETS ON SALE

It's been a long time coming but tickets are finally going on sale (9am on Thursday, June 29th via Ticketek) for what is planned to be the triumphant return of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest Warbirds airshow - Warbirds Over Wanaka International airshow.

There are a number of different ticket offerings to match everyone's budget or favourite viewing spot. For those wanting the ultimate pass check out the Saturday Titanium pass. If you want to get some elevation to not miss any of the action then look at the Gold Pass and Silver Pass grandstand options. If you want lunch included and a seat on the flightline then the Hurricane Tim Marquee could be for you. Or you may want to rock up with a General Admission Pass and find a great possie to watch all the action with your family and friends - bring your own chair if you want to.

Don't miss out - secure your tickets now and start planning your trip to Wanaka. There will be limited General Admission gate sales on the days of the airshow but remember these will cost you more than pre-purchasing online.

Criffel Terrace Tickets Selling Fast

And another reminder that if you were looking to join the NZ Motor Caravan Assn park up on the Criffel Station terrace overlooking the airfield then don't delay as these have been selling fast and are expected to be all gone in the next few weeks. This is arguably one of the best viewing spots at any airshow in the world.

These tickets are being sold via the Criffel website www.criffelstation.com with each ticket including parking and a 3-day pass to the airshow itself. Contact details for the Criffel team are on their website for any additional questions you may have.

P-51 Mustang NZ2423 Confirmed

The P-51 Mustang, currently nearing the end of a two and a half year restoration at Brendon Deere's Biggin Hill facility at Ohakea, has been confirmed to be on the flightline at Wanaka next Easter - 67 years after last flying. The aircraft served with both RNZAF 42 SQN and 2 SQN (the picture above was a black and white shot which has been colourised of the aircraft in its 42 SQN livery circa 1954). The aircraft was initially at Ardmore but later went to Rukahia where it eventually went into storage before being assigned to 2 TAF SQN. The aircraft has been in the paint shop at Ohakea for the past few weeks and is about to emerge in its 2 SQN colour scheme complete with yellow and black checkers so it will look a bit different to this image. We have had a wee sneak view and can tell you the aircraft looks stunning and we can't wait to have her gracing the skies above Wanaka. Watch out for updated pics of how she looks now in our next newsletter.

Three people who can't wait for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 is our commentary team who have all confirmed they'll be back next Easter. Jim Hickey (left), Craig 'Ferg' Ferguson (centre) and Grant Stewart (right) have already started on their research and are fired up to keep you entertained and informed across the weekend.

Mission Impossible Ticket Giveaway

In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan's past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.

Thanks to our friends at Paramount Pictures we have 10 double passes to give away to the movie which is in theatres from July 11. Email [e-mail] by 5pm on June 30th to be in the draw to win (include your postal address).

Talking about winners......

Congratulations to Nick Topp from Auckland who won our newsletter sign-up competition at the recent Omaka Airshow. Nick picks up $200 worth of merchandise and is rapt with his win - "It's great to win and now I can't wait till next Easter rolls around. I'll be making sure I get my tickets soon so I don't miss out on a great seat".

mailchi.mp/warbirdsoverwanaka/warbirds-over-wanaka-december-newsletter-9575618?e=9a00110ea3

[Dave Homewood]

RED STARS PLAN ANOTHER WORLD-FIRST

The New Zealand Red Stars Yak-52 aerobatic team is planning a world-first display at next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow to honour one of its founders. Brett Emeny had been involved with the team since its early days more than two decades ago and it had been his idea to put a 12-ship display together for Wanaka 2024 to celebrate the return of Warbirds Over Wanaka after the last two shows were cancelled because of Covid.

Unfortunately, Brett passed away suddenly earlier this year but had been discussing the 12-ship idea just days before he died. His daughter, Fay, is a member of the Red Stars and says it will be very special to perform the routine in his honour. “Dad was excited about the idea of a 12-ship and this resonated across the team, so to be able to bring a dozen Yaks to Wanaka and have them all up in the air performing another world-first display is going to be something special.”

The origins of the Red Stars go back to the 1990s when a two-ship team would perform at small North Island airshows. The team has gradually grown over the years and in 2018 made headlines at Warbirds Over Wanaka with the world’s first-ever nine-ship loop by a piston-engine display team.



Mustang closer to flying

Over the past couple of years this newsletter has tracked the progress of ex-RNZAF P-51D Mustang NZ 2423 which has undergone a full restoration at the Biggin Hill facility at Ohakea. The great news is the paint job is being completed (see image above) ahead of the aircraft being back in the air in the not too distant future. The first chance for airshow fans to see this magnificent aircraft display will be at next Easter's Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.



Applications are now open for Volunteers, Exhibitors and Food Vendors for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024. The application forms are available online via the official Warbirds Over Wanaka website www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com



Tickets being snapped up

Tickets to Warbirds Over Wanaka have been on sale through Ticketek for just over six weeks and the response has been amazing. Some ticket allocations have already been exhausted but there are still plenty of great seating options available. As usual our premium 3-day Gold Pass has been selling really well but it’s a big stand and there are still passes available. And It’s the same for the 1-day or 3-day options in the Silver Pass Grandstand. It's expected General Admission tickets will be available right up to the airshow with limited GA sales at the gate but don't forget these will cost around 20% more on the day so buy now and SAVE.

Accommodation Options

Warbirds Over Wanaka organisers are suggesting people having trouble finding suitable accommodation in Wanaka for next Easter’s airshow consider options a bit further afield. There is already pressure on Wanaka accommodation so if you can't find what you want maybe consider booking in a nearby town. Options include Queenstown, Cromwell, Alexandra, Omarama and Twizel. Distinction Hotels in Omarama and Twizel are looking to put on buses to get guests to the airshow and back which is an added bonus.

Camping

For campers there are still a number of options around the Wanaka area. Just a handful of places remain on the world-famous Criffel Terrace overlooking the airfield for campervans and caravans (to snap up the last slots book directly with Criffel Station www.criffelstation.com. However, if you want another camping option there are five camping grounds in and around Wanaka. Most still have plenty of powered sites to book for next Easter.

WARBIRDS MERCHANDISE
We have a range of Warbirds Over Wanaka merchandise for sale in our online shop Warbirds Airshow kit.
Remember there is a minimum order of NZ$40.

[Dave Homewood]

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 12TH 2023

CORSAIR FLIES AGAIN

Great news for Warbirds fans with the ex-RNZAF Vought Corsair FG-1D flying again for the first time in many years. The aircraft has recently changed hands and was flown from Masterton to Blenheim where it will undergo a full engineering checkup and 'annual'. Assuming this all goes well we will be working with the new owner to get this beautiful 'bird' on the flightline at Wanaka next Easter. This aircraft last flew at Wanaka in 2016.

Harvards Ready to Roar

They performed at the very first Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow in 1988 and they've been a regular fixture ever since. The Roaring 40s Harvard display team has confirmed they'll be back next Easter showing off this iconic WWII trainer aircraft. The sound of the Harvard is quite distinctive and with at least five in the air at once it's quite a 'roar'.

Upgrade your headset and support Warbirds

Bose are regarded as makers of some of the finest aviation headsets in the world and they've been a great supporter of Warbirds Over Wanaka for many years - especially helping us survive the "Covid years".


Bose have given us 4 of their latest A30 headsets with Bluetooth to be used to raise funds towards our Easter 2024 airshow. The RRP for these headsets is $NZ2,350 and we would love to get bids of around this amount. If you would like to own one please email your donation bid to [e-mail]. The lucky bidders will be notified by September 30th.


About the headsets: The new Bose A30 Aviation Headsets with Bluetooth – lightweight design with low clamping force, unmatched audio clarity with active equalisation plus three modes of active noise cancellation.

Get Involved at Warbirds

Applications are open for Volunteers, Trade Exhibitors, Food Vendors, Re-enactors, Stationary Engines and Sport Aircraft for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024. The application forms are available online via the official Warbirds Over Wanaka website www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com

Tickets Sales Update

Ticketek has been kept busy as Warbirds fans grab their tickets for next Easter. As we told you in our last newsletter some ticket allocations have already been exhausted but in terms of seating options we still have 3-day Gold Passes and 1-day and 3-day Silver Passes for sale - with the Silver Saturday passes being snapped up faster than a jet down the flightline. There are plenty of General Admission tickets but don't forget these will cost 20% more at the gate so buy now and SAVE.


premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24

mailchi.mp/warbirdsoverwanaka/warbirds-over-wanaka-december-newsletter-9589510?e=13c60f4f9f

[Dave Homewood]

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 29TH 2023

Bill Reid's immaculately restored Avro Anson is heading back to Wanaka next Easter. This is the world's only airworthy Avro Anson Mk1 and you can see it up close and personal on the display line and watch as it performs overhead.

Six Months today till Showtime!!

The countdown to Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2024 just got very real. In exactly six months from today the gates will be opening on the first Wanaka airshow in six years - thanks a lot Covid!! The excitement is really starting to build and tickets are flying out the door.

Just a heads up that if you're keen to secure a grandstand seat at the airshow then it might pay to get your tickets now. Both Gold and Silver Pass options are selling fast. We traditionally have these for sale right up to the event but such is demand at the moment they may even sell out before Christmas.

If you can't commit just now don't worry we will always have plenty of General Admission tickets for sale right up to the event (bring your own camp chair) just don't forget to buy them BEFORE you leave home as you'll save 20% on the gate sale price!!!


premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24

It's been a tough time for our organisation surviving six years with no new airshow revenue. A big shout out to our Funders and Sponsors who have stuck by us and enabled us to remain in business. If you would like to help support us right now scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter and either purchase some merchandise or make a donation. Thank you.

‘Lithuanian Maniac’ and ‘Krazzy Ivan’ to perform at Wanaka Airshow

The world’s most prolific high-performance aerobatic display pilot will be joined by one of New Zealand’s best as they deliver jaw-dropping aerial displays at next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

Organisers have today confirmed the return of two-time World Aerobatic champion Jurgis Kairys from Lithuania and a debut solo Wanaka performance by Te Anau-based Ivan ‘Krazzy’ Krippner.

Jurgis rates Wanaka as one of the best Warbirds airshows in the world. And he should know. He’s been flying aerobatics for an incredible 50 years and has performed at somewhere between 400 and 500 airshows or aerobatic competitions. Those performances have literally been all around the world from the UK, multiple European countries to Russia, China and Japan, the United States, Canada, UAE, South Africa, Australia and of course New Zealand just to name a few.

Nick-named the ‘Lithuanian Maniac’ by the Wanaka commentary team Jurgis has gained legendary status for pulling up to 10 g’s while performing – all without wearing a g-suit. At Wanaka next Easter he'll be joined by one of New Zealand's best advanced aerobatic pilots - Ivan 'Krazzy' Krippner.

Ivan knows Wanaka well having been based here for eight years before he and his pilot wife Kylie moved to Fiordland where they own and operate the Wings and Water Te Anau float plane business.

Ivan has performed at other airshows around New Zealand and Australia plus at least eight appearances at shows in China but this will be his first solo aerobatic display at the world-famous Wanaka airshow. “When I used to practice aerobatics over the Wanaka airfield I always thought I would love to do it for real at the airshow. Now my chance is here and I am really pumped to put on a stunning display,” says Krazzy Ivan.

Photos: Top left - Jurgis set to perform at Wanaka. Top right - Krazzy Ivan. Bottom left - Ivan and Jurgis after performing in China. Bottom Right - Jugis burns it up in Wanaka.

THE FUTURE OF AVIATION

Warbirds Over Wanaka's exciting Future of Aviation exhibition looks set to be one of the most compelling 'things to do on the ground' at next Easter's show. We already have numerous exhibitors taking part showing off all sorts of new technology including electric aircraft, alternative aviation fuels, using drones for good and NOW we can confirm a visit from Australian company iJETPACK Aeronautics. Founder, CEO and Chief Pilot Jennie 'HeliJen' Bewes (pictured above) will be on hand to show off the jet pack and to let you know what it's like to fly without wings!!

Thanks to our radio partner Coast for supporting Warbirds Over Wanaka in 2024. Listen to Coast on iHeartRadio or find your frequency at coastonline.co.nz









DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT THE WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW?

If you would like to help the Warbirds Over Wanaka recover from our significant losses after cancellation of the 2020 and 2022 Airshows, we would be very grateful for your donation.

Please donate $50 here: warbirds-over-wanaka.myshopify.com/products/donation

Please donate $100 here: warbirds-over-wanaka.myshopify.com/products/donation-100

If you have already donated we thank you for your support.

[Dave Homewood]

Sir Tim Wallis

Sir Tim Wallis dies but his legacy will live on

Like everyone in the Warbirds family right around the world, Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow organisers are coming to terms with the loss of their founder, patron and number one fan - Sir Tim Wallis.

Sir Tim died peacefully at his home in Wanaka on Tuesday afternoon with one of his favourite helicopters on the lawn outside his bedroom window. A memorial service for Sir Tim is being held at Wanaka Airport from 12noon on Saturday October 28th.

Sir Tim's passion for the airshow was maintained right up until the end and he had recently expressed his excitement about having the airshow back next March after having lost the last two through Covid.

Alas that is not to be. Airshow organisers will get together over the next few weeks and work on a fitting honour at next Easter's event. They already have a number of ideas of how to mark the death of one of the world's most famous Warbirds airshow pioneers.

As has been well documented Sir Tim survived a number of aircraft crashes. He had a simple philosophy when it came to dealing with the injuries he suffered as he explains here during an interview at the last Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow in 2018 vimeo.com/manage/videos/875364757

Blue Skies Tim

CORSAIR ON TRACK FOR WANAKA

Great news from the new owner of New Zealand’s Corsair ZK-COR. Mike Jones says work is progressing at pace on an exhaustive restoration and upgrade of this beautiful aircraft at Jay McIntyre’s JEM Aviation at Omaka.

Some of the work includes new brakes and wheels, refurbished carb, magneto and booster coil, hydraulic lines replaced and pumps refurbished and new avionics.. There’s also a rumour that when the aircraft is finally back in the air in mid-November she will be sporting a new paint job!!!

And what does a refurb like this cost? Mike reckons it will end up being about the same as buying a flying Harvard!! Can’t wait to see her on the flightline at Wanaka. Click here to join the RNZAF Corsair Supporters group www.facebook.com//groups/726635422569297

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

The Gold Pass Marquee and Grandstand is one of our premier ticket options and a must buy for anyone who doesn't want to miss a minute of the airshow. This is a 3-day only pass giving you access to the airshow on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It takes away the worry about what is the best day to come.

Gold Pass parking is available on arrival. Members of our hosting team will provide you with your complimentary official airshow programme, a Gold Pass cap, Gold Pass badge and a drink voucher all in a Warbirds branded eco-jute bag. The marquee offers all day food and beverage options for purchase. This marquee area is heated for the cooler mornings and is also a place to take a break from the sun on warmer days.

From the marquee you have access up into the Gold Pass stand giving you unsurpassed views of all the aerial action right in the middle of the flightline. There is also a grassed area at the front of the grandstand for those with mobility issues and for those who want to be as close to the aircraft as it is possible to get at the airshow.

All Gold Pass holders also have the unique opportunity to 'walk the display line' getting inside the fence to see the aircraft up close and to chat with owners and pilots. These tickets are limited. To book your Gold Pass follow this link to Ticketek premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24



At Warbirds Over Wanaka we love to support other great events in this beautiful part of the world. They may not be aircraft but they're fast, they're noisy and they fly on water!!!! To find out more click the link below www.facebook.com/events/1310215029595835

[Dave Homewood]

[ErrolC]

RAAF seems most likely (US unlikely to be making any commitments at this time), and I assume cheaper for the show than importing a warbird. They would have been aiming for F-35, lets see how it goes.

[Dave Homewood]

The American Eagles (L to R): Rob Hutchinson, Dean Wright, Paul Strickland and John Posson

AMERICAN EAGLES TO SOAR

"These guys will rip up the Wanaka sky"

The International debut of the 'American Eagles' jet display team has been confirmed for next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.

Airshow organisers have been working hard on getting the team and aircraft together for the past six years and are super excited it’s finally going to happen. The team features four exceptional US pilots including ex-USAF F-16 Thunderbird team member Paul "Sticky" Strickland who put on a stunning solo display at Wanaka in 2018 www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/

All four are current members of the Patriots L-39 Jet Display Team regaded as the best civilian jet team in the US. Check out here how good they really are

The aircraft they will be flying at Wanaka are being supplied by Fighterjets.nz based in Tauranga. They will have the full Fighterjets.nz team at Wanaka and the aircraft will be available for joy rides across the airshow weekend. Your chance to fly like an 'American Eagle'.




Meet the Pilots

Dean “Wilbur” Wright. #1, Flight lead:
Dean is a retired USAF fighter pilot with 151 combat hours and 4,000 total fighter hours. He flew the A-10 Warthog during Operation Desert Storm and the F-117 Stealth Fighter during the second Gulf conflict. He also flew Hawks and Harriers with the RAF on exchange. ‘Wilbur’ is a former member of the crack USAF “Thunderbirds” F-16 display team and a current member of the US Patriots Jet Display Team.


Rob “Stache” Hutchinson. #2, Right Wing:
Rob is a competitive aerobatic pilot and holds no less than 12 type ratings. He is an accomplished skydiver and an avid marathoner and currently flies with the US Patriots jet display team.


John “Bordz” Posson, #3, Left Wing
John is an accomplished pilot, including 25 years as a commercial pilot. He has also logged over 1,300 hours in the P-51 Mustang as an instructor for Stallion 51 in Florida. His vintage aircraft experience includes flying DC-3s, Beech 18s, Grumman Widgeons and more. John is also a current Patriots jet display team member.


Paul “Sticky” Strickland, #4, Slot
Paul is a retired USAF A-10, F-5 and F-16 pilot with 270 combat hours and 3,000 total fighter hours. He served as the #4 Slot pilot with the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds”. Paul is currently a member of the Patriots jet display team.

"If you loved Top Gun you'll REALLY love the American Eagles"

FAREWELL SIR TIM

Up to two thousand people from around New Zealand and overseas turned out to farewell Warbirds Over Wanaka founder Sir Tim Wallis at Wanaka Airport last Saturday. Stories were told of an adventurer, entrepreneur, businessman, innovator and family man who could definitely claim to having had a 'life well lived'. Following the service those in attendance were treated to a lunch of crayfish, venison, lamb racks and whitebait while catching up with friends and colleagues sharing great yarns involving Sir Tim. The RNZAF's Black Falcon display team then made a couple of passes overhead followed by a 20-ship mass helicopter flypast . Later in the day Sir Tim's wife Prue and sons Toby and Jonathan took Sir Tim for his final flight over the district he loved so much.

Sir Tim would have approved.

[Dave Homewood]

Squadron Leader Sean Perrett shows off the underside of the P-51 during the first test flight

NZ2423 FLIES AGAIN

One of the RNZAF’s most experienced display pilots says flying a recently-restored P-51 Mustang on its first flight in nearly 70 years could not have gone better with the aircraft handling ‘like a new one’.

Squadron Leader Sean Perrett was at the controls of the former RNZAF P-51 NZ2423 which has been restored as part of the Biggin Hill Trust collection of aircraft owned by Brendon Deere but flown by current RNZAF pilots.

Sean has been flying the Trust’s Spitfire since 2009 with numerous performances at New Zealand’s premier airshow, Warbirds Over Wanaka so why switch to the Mustang? “When Brendon offered me the chance to fly the P-51 I felt it was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Sean first sat in the Mustang when it was in previous owner John Smith’s shed at Mapua and has been closely involved with the restoration from day one. “The aircraft must be one of the lowest-time Mustang’s in the world and there wouldn’t be many still flying with their original factory-fitted engine”.

So how did the first flight go? “The flight was only 24 minutes long and flown in the overhead at Ohakea airbase. It was to check all of the engine temperatures and pressures were as expected before taking it outside of gliding range. I also carried out some clean and configured stalls to confirm a safe landing speed. The flight went really well and the aircraft handled like a new one.”

Owner Brendon Deere says since that first flight they've flown another five flights for a total of 2.7 hours. "Everything is working well and we now can't wait to show her off at Wanaka," says Brendon.

Get your tickets to Warbirds Over Wanaka today and be amongst the first to see this aircraft display in the skies over Wanaka next Easter. premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24

Pictured below (left) Sean gets to know the cockpit and (right) ready for first test flight.



It will be a case of out with the old and in with the new for the Royal New Zealand Air Force at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024. The RNZAF is expecting to have a big turnout of its aircraft at the airshow but two special displays will be the FINAL major NZ airshow display by the C-130-H Hercules transport aircraft (pictured above) and the FIRST airshow for the new P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.

TITANIUM TICKET OFFER

Warbirds Over Wanaka's premium ticket, the Titanium Pass, sold out in just days when they went on sale earlier this year. We have just had a handful of these tickets for the Saturday come available and we're offering them to our newsletter readers on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Titanium Pass gives visitors a stunning day at the airshow. You will enjoy priority parking before heading to the Titanium Marquee where you will be greeted by your host and offered a glass of bubbles or barista coffee on arrival. All day food options include breakfast, morning and afternoon tea and a sumptuous lunch along with an all-day beverage service. You will have the option of a grandstand seat or table seating right in the middle of the flightline. Tickets for the Saturday Titanium Pass cost $609 plus booking fees.

Click here to buy your pass now: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24


The new Pilatus PC-24 involved revisiting over 6,000 individual parts to increase the aircraft’s performance capabilities and deliver more range, more payload and even more possibilities.

With the new airframe, customers can choose from new features such as an extended divan that also converts to a bed, multiple in-flight connectivity options, and a new in-flight entertainment system

While there have been a host of improvements made, the aircraft has retained its original DNA of being able to land on short field and unimproved runways including grass, gravel, dirt, snow and certified for single pilot operation.

True to its name, the Pilatus PC-24, the World’s only Super Versatile Jet will be at the Wanaka airshow in 2024. To learn more about this incredible aircraft and see it in action, view here:

MEET THE CREW

Introducing our new Operations Manager Bozenka Raich (known as Bosh) who has joined us in the office. Bosh was a volunteer back in 2018 (seen here pictured with members of the USAF F-16 fighter jet display team who displayed that year) and has always wanted to be part of the crew pulling this amazing event together.

NO CASH OUT FACILITIES

Warbirds Over Wanaka will NO LONGER have cash out facilities at the event..This means NO ATM machines at the airshow next Easter. While you won't be able to get cash out at the airshow you WILL be able to bring cash to purchase tickets at the gate, merchandise and food and beverage.

We urge our international visitors to look at getting an international debit card, for example a Wise card, which you can load up with NZ currency before getting to the airshow.

[FlyingKiwi]

Is the Dawn Aerospace UAV space plane thing being displayed? (didn't seem to be a reference in the text?) That would be interesting to see.

[Dave Homewood]

It would be good if it was. I'd like to see it in person.