Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Announce New Structure.

4 September 2008:Wanaka: The Community Trust charged with the responsibility of delivering the Internationally acclaimed event and tourist attraction, Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow (WOW) has just finalised a new and innovative structure to develop and secure the Airshow's future. The new structure is completed today with the announcement of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Roger Clark and the appointment of Wanaka local Mandy Deans to the newly created position of Event Manager.
 
Roger Clark, currently CEO for Rugby Southland, has been appointed as the new WOW CEO in a dual role that will see him commence immediately with WOW while continuing his position at Southland Rugby.
 
Garth Hogan, the Chairman of the WOW Community Trust, said "The Board is excited to be able to appoint an experienced CEO with a strong background in event management and the delivery of a commercial framework that underpins an event. Roger has a proven track record in developing successful organisations and he will be able to hit the ground running. With 21 months remaining until our next Airshow this is imperative. Roger's proposal to the Board included the newly created position of Event Manager to provide the horsepower required to achieve the WOW Community Trusts goals for the Airshow".
 
Mandy Deans, based in Wanaka, has been appointed to the newly created Event Managers role. Mandy has many years experience in both commercial and community organisations with particular expertise in event and organisational management. Mandy's first task will be to establish WOW's office in Wanaka.
 
CEO Roger Clark said "Mandy will be an asset to the WOW team and I am excited to be working with such an experienced campaigner. It is vital for the future of the Airshow and the Region that we connect with the Wanaka Community while continuing to deliver an exceptional event for both locals and visitors that frequent this biannual event."
 
Roger Clark said "I am very excited with this appointment and the confidence the Board have shown in my proposal to deliver an outstanding event, whilst always being conscious that financial security and sustainability underpin the Trust's ability to achieve its goals. The WOW International Airshow has a proud 20 year history and has established itself as the premier warbirds show in the world. It has a vital part to play in promoting the region and generates a significant local economic impact. Mandy and I are well aware that the legacy we have inherited is a jewel in Wanaka's crown and the responsibility we now have to develop this event to the next level is critical."
 
The Trust's re-structure has been completed with the appointment of the previous Executive Officer, Graeme Ramshaw, as a Trustee and his experience and expertise will be retained to add to the existing extensive skill set of the original Trustees; Garth Hogan (Chair), Bill Gordon, Murray Cleverly,Stephen Grant and Ray Mulqueen.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust To Establish Office In Wanaka

2nd May 2008:Wanaka: The Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, formed last year to continue the airshow established by Alpine Deer Group twenty years ago, has announced a restructuring of the management of this popular event.
 
Trust Chair, Garth Hogan said, "That while the Trust has and will continue to present the spectacular event that Alpine Deer Group and Sir Tim Wallis have in the past, there is a need to establish financial security and sustainability for ongoing success. The Trust sees this as best being achieved by establishing a broader management regime. The show contributes an estimated $50 million dollars into the local economy, but is financially "neutral" in it's own returns. This years show, under the Trustees ownership and responsibility, was an outstanding spectator success but the financial outcome needs to be better."
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka's biennial airshow is one of the largest crowd attendance events in New Zealand and rated as one of the four "must see" airshows in the world. It attracts a large overseas visitor following and is renowned for the ability of the public to closely view the action in a stunning landscape and reliable weather.
 
The Trust wishes to establish a Chief Executive Officer position based in Wanaka to oversee the various management requirements of taking the show to the next level. The Trust acknowledges the work of Alpine Deer Group and particularly the Airshow General manager, Mr. Gavin Johnston in creating and establishing this premier event. Mr Johnston has been based in Christchurch and has declined to seek the new position.
 
The Trust looks forward to the challenges ahead and the Wanaka community and the public can have confidence that Warbirds Over Wanaka is in good hands and will remain a top attraction for enthusiasts, participants and the general public.
 
 
Message from Gavin Johnston

1st May 2008:Wanaka: Dear Colleges and Business Partners,
 
A moment of your time please,
 
I want to let you know that after 20 wonderful years with Warbirds Over Wanaka I am leaving my position as General Manager with effect 20th June 2008.
 
I have very much enjoyed my role and have appreciated the opportunity to work with you all. I have made many friends over the years not only with business partners but in the event industry. I will be taking lots of fond memories with me and I thank you all for the support and guidance you have provided me with over the years.
 
I will certainly miss the contacts that I have made and hope some day we will cross paths again.
 
The Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust is going into a restructuring process and under this process there may not be room for a General Manager. My contract with Warbirds Over Wanaka 2008 Ltd expires at the end of September this year, but I have elected to resign my position early rather than applying for any new position that may be created. I am giving the Trust a two month period for me to clean up after the 2008 event and wish the Trustees and Warbirds Over Wanaka business partners all the best for the 2010 Airshow and beyond.
 
In the meantime contact details remain the same ie, phone, email, and postal address, and you will be advised of the changes in due course.
 
Thank you all again for everything, it has been a wonderful journey.
 
Take care.
 
Sincerely

Gavin Johnston
General Manager
 
Formula 3000 Racecar to appear at Wanaka

12th March 2008:Wanaka: A Formula 3000 car which is too fast to perform on most New Zealand race tracks, will be testing the limits of Wanaka's airport runway during the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow this Easter.
 
In what will be a first for the airshow, the machine will race against world aerobatics champion Jurgis Kairys in his specially designed Sukhoi aircraft.
 
Kairys has been winning world aerobatic titles for over 25 years and has advanced the highly-competitive sport through aircraft design innovations and the pioneering of new aerobatic manoeuvres.
 
The car's driver, John Crawford of Christchurch, said the Reynard 92D F3000 could travel at speeds in excess of 320kmph and could go from 0 to 160kmph(100mph) in around 3 seconds.
 
Mr Crawford, who operates a motorsports business in Christchurch, has demonstrated the car previously but never raced it.
 
"Basically there are very few tracks that it is allowed to race on. It is 480hp and weighs only 600 kilograms including the driver."
 
Also an aviation enthusiast, he was looking forward to a challenging and fun display at Wanaka with the world-renown Kairys. He was unsure who would be quickest off the mark.
 
"I don't know how we'll go, the biggest worry for me will be getting stopped before the end of the runway."
 
The car, owned by Christchurch-based enthusiast, Stan Redmond, will arrive in Wanaka next Thursday, March 20 and perform a practice run prior to the airshow.
 
Customs wrangle disappoints Warbirds Over Wanaka fans

10th March 2008:Wanaka: A delay within United States customs and defence departments has lead to the cancellation of a planned appearance by a Supermarine Spitfire at Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow this Easter.
 
The aircraft's owner, Doug Brooker of Auckland, said the recently rebuilt fighter he was importing to New Zealand, had become the subject of a "totally ludicrous" paper trail between departments. The wrangle over export approval had already dragged on for close to two months, Mr Brooker said.
 
The two-seater plane was expected to be cleared for exportation within the next week but had now missed the last possible freight vessel that would have got it to New Zealand on time for Warbirds Over Wanaka.
 
It was to have joined a hugely varied group of warbird aircraft that are set to perform spectacular solo and formation displays at the show. Airshow general manager Gavin Johnston said that himself and the Warbirds Over Wanaka executive had faced a situation that was entirely out of their hands and were very disappointed the Spitfire would not be flying at Wanaka.
 
Mr Brooker, who will fly his MX 2 aerobatic plane at Easter, plans to make Warbirds Over Wanaka 2010 the debut show for the Mk IX Spitfire.
 
Bomber Harris Prepares...

5th March 2008:Wanaka: It was not only farmers in the Upper Clutha breathing a sigh of relief after recent heavy rain. Warbirds Over Wanaka pyrotechnic expert Kevin 'Bomber' Harris was also delighted with the downpour which will now allow explosives practice to go ahead.
 
The extremely hot, dry summer had been set to delay practice for Mr Harris and his team who are planning some spectacular and explosive antics for the Easter holiday airshow.
 
Mr Harris said yesterday that while conditions remained dry and the grass had to be kept very short to lessen the risk of fires, he was now confident in utilising the special permit which allows essential practices to take place before the show during a general fire ban period.
 
The sessions, which would begin "any day now", were as much about staff training as anything else, he said.
 
"We have different guys here each show so we have to make sure they are up to speed."
 
Mr Harris has been involved with every show since Warbirds Over Wanaka began in 1988. The now-famous pyrotechnic displays were bought in when airshow founder, Sir Tim Wallis, decided there needed to be more excitement and drama in the show.
 
An expert was bought in to give the Wanaka enthusiasts a few pointers and Mr Harris and his various teams set about gaining knowledge along the way from other people, and by trial and error.
 
The biggest enemy of the pyrotechnician, he said, was grass fires. This was because of being damage done to electrical wires which allow the explosions to be detonated.
 
"If you get a grass fire at the start of a display its bad because it means the rest of the explosions won't happen."
 
The team were extremely safety conscious, and had a perfect safety record despite some of the more elaborate antics undertaken, he said.
 
"We dropped a caravan out of a helicopter one year, we've dropped a van, we've had buzz bombs, massive fireballs, submarines and we've blown up buildings."
 
The crew use around four kilometres of electrical wire to set up the explosions, along with 12-volt dry cell batteries, heavy pipes, petrol, waratahs and a lot of number eight wire.
 
How the massive fireballs were created had to remain a secret, he said, to prevent people trying to re-create the effect at home.
 
As for the plan for this year's show that too was being kept a secret but there was a strong possibility, Mr Harris said, that the airfield could be visited by, among other things, a cannon and a large undersea vessel.
 
Exclusive Event for Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008

25th February 2008:General Manager of Warbirds Over Wanaka, Gavin Johnston, announced today that a warbird would feature in a live gun-firing exhibition for the first time ever at an airshow in New Zealand. "An Auckland based Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk has been fitted with working guns. The guns will be fired from the aircraft as it takes part in the show", he said.
 
The Chairman of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, Garth Hogan said "The P-40 will fire all six machine guns in an historic re-enactment of attacks on shipping over Rabaul during 1944. The public have never had the opportunity to see such an exciting event. The sound from these guns firing is seriously loud".
 
As the aircraft passes along the display line at over 240mph (386 km/h) it will fire at the barge in 2-second bursts. In that time the aircraft will have travelled over 700ft and the guns fired more than 60 rounds.
 
"The sight, sound and smell of these guns firing is a unique opportunity to see what it was like when these aircraft flew in anger during the war", Garth said.
 
"This event is exclusive to Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008. No where else in New Zealand (or the world) will you see anything like it".
 
The live firing exhibition will take place on both the Saturday and Sunday of the show.
 
New Zealanders in both the Middle East and the Pacific used the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk extensively during World War II. Fitted with six 0.50 calibre guns, the aeroplane was very successful in both the air to air combat and ground attack roles.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008 will be held at Wanaka Airport over Easter weekend (21-23 March 2008).
 
Ski-equipped Hercules to make Inaugural Visit to Warbirds Over Wanaka 2008

20th February 2008:An LC-130 ski-equipped Polar Hercules will make a debut appearance at Warbirds Over Wanaka this year, Gavin Johnston, General Manager of Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, announced today. The aircraft is used by the New York Air National Guard for Antarctic support and will be attending the airshow on static display.
 
The Lockheed LC-130 Polar Hercules was developed from the C-130 Hercules which is currently operated by the RNZAF. The Hercules first flew in 1954 and in 1959 the original wheeled version began flying to the Antarctic in support of Operation Deep Freeze. In 1961 a modified ski equipped version was introduced which allowed aircraft to fly to the South Pole in conjunction with the Antarctic operations.
 
The US Navy flew the Antarctic flights until 1998 when the New York Air National Guard took over the operation and they now fly the only ten active LC-130's remaining. The LC-130 Hercules is the largest ski equipped aircraft in the world. The ski modification is not a simple retrofit but rather a major modification to both the landing gear and the actual fuselage. The main skis are 5.1m long and the complete ski units add 2.5 tonnes of weight to the aeroplane.
 
"In past Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshows, the RNZAF has demonstrated its C-130 Hercules, but this is the first time this significantly different aircraft, an LC-130 Ski Equipped Polar Hercules has attended", Mr. Johnston said. "With a RNZAF Hercules taking part in the flying display, this will be a unique opportunity for the public to see two different variants of the same aircraft type".
 
"The aircraft is one of six New York Air National Guard with a New Zealand connection. The aircraft are equipped with Nelson based company FlightCell's DZM tracking hardware, which allow the aircraft to be tracked anywhere in the world by Dunedin based global tracking company Daestra New Zealand, enhancing safety and improving operational efficiencies in one of the worlds most extreme climates."
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008 will be held at Wanaka Airport over Easter weekend (21-23 March 2008).
 
Vietnam War Scenario to be Reenacted at Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow This Year

11th February 2008: An exciting segment at the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow this year will be the display of a number of types of aircraft from the Vietnam War era in an operation typical of those conducted during the conflict. The re-enactment is not intended to be operationally authentic, but is intended to tell a story of how these aircraft were used, and display them to the public.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Gavin Johnston said, "Warbird pilots will fly an O1 Birddog as did Forward Air Controllers, (target markers) and Hughes OH-6 (500) helicopters in re-enactment missions as they did in the conflict. Attacks will be made by a Trojan T-28, doing strafing and bombing runs, and UH-1H Iroquois helicopters of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, firing blank ammunition".
 
To conclude the scenario, the Royal Australian Air Force will display the DHC-4 Caribou, an aircraft which featured prominently in re-supply missions in the Vietnam conflict.
 
The group "Warhorses at Wanaka", will provide both friendly and enemy ground troops for the scenario.
 
Although the RNZAF did not deploy any units to this war, 16 of their helicopter pilots were attached to No. 9 Sqn RAAF, flying troops in and out of the front line. Fourteen strike pilots served with 7th USAF as Forward Air Controllers, (target markers), flying the O1 Birddog, Cessna 337 O-2A and OV-10 NAA Bronco. One ex- RNZAF pilot flew bombers with the RAAF in this theatre. Several NZ Army pilots flew Bell 47 observation helicopters with the Australian Army.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008 will be held at Wanaka Airport over Easter Weekend, (21-23 March 2008).
 
Royal Australian Air Force to Show its Wares

28th January 2008: The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has confirmed a big show of force at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008 (WOW08). General Manager Gavin Johnston said, "This will be the largest and most impressive involvement yet by the RAAF".
 
The RAAF has confirmed the return of the F-111 supersonic long range strike aircraft, which was so spectacular, and such a hit with the large crowd at the 2006 airshow. Its signature "Dump and Burn", using fuel dump and afterburner, will again thrill the large crowds expected for this year's show.
 
Australia's newest acquisition to the fleet, the C-17 Globemaster, will debut at WOW 08. The C17 is a high wing four jet-engine heavy transport. It has three times the carrying capacity of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the RAAF, and will provide something very different from anything seen at previous shows.
 
A favourite with airshow crowds is the venerable DHC-4 Caribou twin piston-engine light transport. Introduced in 1964 and employed in Vietnam, this short take off and landing aircraft rounds off the three RAAF types appearing at the show. Three DHC-4 Caribous will be appearing the event.
 
Gavin said, "I am thrilled the RAAF has kindly agreed to show off its hardware, and I am confident the displays will thrill the crowds".
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008 will be held over Easter weekend (21-23 March 2008).
 
Two Seat Spitfire to Grace Skies at Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008

18th January 2008: A Supermarine Spitfire will make its South Island airshow debut at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008. Making the announcement today, General Manager Gavin Johnston said "We are so pleased that an iconic Spitfire will again be seen at Wanaka".
 
Her new owner, Doug Brooker of Auckland, has imported the aeroplane from the USA after a lengthy rebuild. It made its maiden flight from Bartow, Florida on the 16th September 2007.
 
This particular Spitfire is a Mk IX and is fitted with two seats. It is the first time a Spitfire like this will have been seen flying in the Southern Hemisphere. After WWII, Supermarine developed a two seat trainer version of the Spitfire and the type was used by the Israeli and Irish Air Forces.
 
The aircraft is painted to represent the Spitfire flown by American Major Robert Levine of the 4th Fighter Squadron in the Middle East. Gavin said, "The Spitfire will perform both days of the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow. It makes a welcome addition to the number of exciting aircraft that will appear at the show".
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008 will be held over Easter weekend (21-23 March 2008).
 
Air Bandits to Perform at Warbirds Over Wanaka

17th October 2007: Warbirds over Wanaka is excited to announce the New Zealand debut of the world renowned "Air Bandits" aerobatic team at Wanaka next Easter.
 
Aerobatic champions Jurgis Kairys, Rob Fry and Yoshiro Moroya combine as the world famous "AIR BANDITS" aerobatics display team. Rather than a strict formation team using the same type of aircraft, the Air Bandits are a flying entertainment package. Sometimes playing together, sometimes seemingly doing their own thing, but always in a dynamically choreographed display of precision flying.
 
The "flying entertainment package" concept was designed by Jurgis Kairys to perform a new and refreshingly different style of airshow display. Diverse aircraft types, flown by diverse nationalities on a diversity of flight paths produce lots of noise, lots of smoke and what Jurgis himself calls, well organized chaos.
 
Jurgis was born in Siberia and brought up in Lithuania. He graduated as an aircraft engineer, in airframes, and commenced flying training. Excelling in aerobatics, Jurgis became a member of the elite National Team at the Kaunas Flying Club in Lithuania.
 
His engineering and undeniable piloting skills were recognized when he was asked to work with the Sukhoi Design Bureau to develop the Sukhoi 26-29-31 series of completely new aerobatic aircraft. The many times World Champion has invented several specially designed aerobatic manoeuvres which displays his considerable talent and that of his team members, New Zealander Rob Fry and Japanese Yoshihide Muroya.
 
Rob Fry was born in Auckland, a one time professional yachtsman, he has been resident in Japan for 23 years as a businessman and keen aerobatic pilot. He teamed up with Jurgis in 1999 and has been helping with his organization and flying displays on and off ever since.
 
Yoshiro Moroya is known as the leading aerobatic pilot in Japan, having flown over 120 airshows, many of them with Jurgis.
 
The aircraft being used at Warbirds over Wanaka will be the Juka, the Sukhoi 26 and the Yak 50, all different airframes with the only resemblance being the 9 cylinder M14P radial engine.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka 2008 Tickets On Sale

18th April 2007: The Airshow Management Team have attended air shows at Masterton, Blenheim and the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport in Victoria to promote the event. "The results were great and with our promotions we are assured of a good attendance at next years event", Gavin said.
 
"We are at present sourcing display aircraft from overseas and once we have something confirmed we will place these on our web site. At present we can confirm that we will have Mustangs, Kittyhawks, Hurricane, Polikarpovs, Corsair as well as a confirmed RNZAF presence".
 
Several trade sites are confirmed, and if anyone is contemplating attending with a trade site they are asked to contact the General Manager for information.

Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust announced

24 January 2007:It is extremely pleasing to see the new Trust formalised and its charitable status approved. Trustees are Mr Murray Cleverley (Timaru), Mr Bill Gordan (Wanaka), Mr Stephen Grant (Dunedin), Mr Garth Hogan (Wanaka/Auckland), and Mr Ray Mulqueen (Wanaka).
 
Mr Gavin Johnston continues in the full time General Manager role and has 2008 planning well underway with ticket sales via the Internet having commenced this month. Mr Graeme Ramshaw will retain a part time Executive Officer role with the new organisation.
 
The skill set that the Trustees of the new Trust bring to Warbirds Over Wanaka combined with the knowledge and background of existing management will ensure that the legacy created by Sir Tim Wallis and Alpine Deer Group can continue on into the future and continue to bring substantial benefits to Wanaka, the Upper Clutha, Queenstown Lakes and surrounding districts.
 
The five appointed trustees of the newly established "Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust" are excited about the challenge of taking over the responsibilities and commitments of providing one of New Zealand's most popular icon events Warbirds Over Wanaka.
 
The new interim chair Mr Garth Hogan said "the community and New Zealand are indebted to Sir Tim, the Wallis family and Alpine Deer Group for providing a legacy of the event and a platform to provide another tremendous spectacular show in 2008". Mr Hogan also said "while the event is now owned by the community this gives ownership and therefore responsibilities on each of us in Wanaka and in fact the whole of New Zealand to ensure the shows continued success".
 
The five trustees are Garth Hogan of Wanaka, Company Director, Bill Gordan of Wanaka, Agricultural Consultant, Ray Mulqueen of Wanaka, Aircraft Engineer, Stephen Grant of Dunedin, Solicitor and Murray Cleverley of Timaru, Businessman. The new Trust have appointed Graeme Ramshaw as Executive Officer and Gavin Johnston as General Manager.
 
The Trustees say they say they look forward to receiving input and feedback from the community on the 2008 Easter Warbirds. The Trustees also received a report on Warbirds Over Wanaka 2006, which produced some spectacular statistics the least not being the events total overall impact to the region in the order of $50 million.
 
Graeme Ramshaw
Executive Director
Alpine Deer Group Ltd
 
2008 Information added to Airshow Website

17 January 2007: Information about Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow™ 2008 was made available via the Warbirds Over Wanaka website today. Since it's creation in 2000, this site has become the authoritative online source of information about Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008, as well archived information as the 2006, 2004 and 2002 Airshows. Additional content will be added to the site as this exciting Airshow gets closer.