Hospitality business delivers WOW factor to iconic event
15.12.09

Premium hospitality company Good Group Ltd has signed a deal to become a major sponsor of one of New Zealand’s iconic events, the Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow.

The Queenstown-based company, which owns bars, restaurants and liquor stores throughout New Zealand, is a major sponsor of the biennial Warbirds over Wanaka (WOW) for 2010 and 2012.

Good Group Ltd (GGL) will provide an innovative range of mobile hospitality venues at the event, which will be held over Easter 2010 from April 2-4 and attracts more than 100,000 people through the gates over the three days.

GGL has secured exclusive beverage pourage rights for the event and has sole responsibility for the provision of beverage services.

GGL venues will include The Travelling Goodbar Marquee which will be open from 9am to 5pm daily. One-day tickets are $120 and include access to the event, lunch and afternoon tea from Good Group restaurant Botswana Butchery, two free drinks on arrival and entertainment.

The company is also introducing The Nation Bar, the only one of its kind in Australasia. The premium mobile multi-function venue caters for up to 400 people and is being brought down from the North Island for the occasion. GGL is partnering with DB under the Heineken brand to bring The Nation Bar to Wanaka.

The Nation Bar has previously been popular at events such as the Michael Hill NZ Golf Open, but this will be the first time WOW will offer a high end public bar.

Betty’s Liquorstores, also owned by the company, will be operating kiosks across the site to ensure guests have easy access to food and a full range of beverages, including non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine as well as fast food and confectionary.

The company will also host a ‘first’ for the event – the ‘Goodbars.co.nz Regional Food and Wine Expo. The expo will feature 25 stalls inside Hangar 6, showcasing some of the best food and wine from the region. There’ll be a selection of mouth-watering morsels from Botswana Butchery and Goodbrands.co.nz will exhibit its own wine and water range including Mount Charlotte and Wild Fire wines and Hydrate and Rockpool waters.

CEO Russell Gray says the company is thrilled to be partnering such an iconic event. “Warbirds enthusiasts and aviation lovers come from all around the world to this amazing show,” he said.

“We’ll have an extensive range of food and beverage on offer for guests this year at premium vantage points around the airfield, and we want to encourage people to explore and make full use of our facilities.

“We pride ourselves on creating and delivering the ‘wow’ factor with all of our hospitality venues, from service to décor, and we’ve worked hard to ensure our travelling bars are unique, fun and exciting.”

WOW CEO Roger Clark said he was delighted to have the support of Good Group.

“We’re rapt to have Good Group on board because I believe they’ll take our food and beverage standards to a whole new level. They’ll also be helping us to look after our 300 volunteers during the event which is fantastic. It takes a lot of people and hard work to make this show happen so it’s great to know that we’ll have an upmarket way of showing our thanks.”

Warbirds over Wanaka is expecting more than 100,000 people through the gates over the three days and the show promises to be one of the best yet, with appearances from four different airforces from around the world.

For tickets to the Good Bars Marquee phone (+64 3) 450 0450.

Bus transport will be provided from the show back into Wanaka at the end of each day.

Good Group Limited is a leading hospitality company with bar, restaurant and retail operations across New Zealand, employing over 200 staff. Good Group Limited owns and operates 12 Betty's Liquor Stores across New Zealand, a range of premium bars and pubs in the South Island, and the Botswana Butchery restaurants in Queenstown and Wanaka.

WINNER of Mustang Flight
1.12.09

Congratulations to Simon Brown of Christchurch. Simon purchased a Warbirds Over Wanaka adult ticket by 30.11.09 and thus went into a draw for a Mustang flight. Drawn under Police supervision, Simon receives a 30 minute flight in Dove of Peace, a WWII Mustang. At speeds of 800kmh the flight is pure magic, a tear jerking experience of sheer noise, vibration and smell.

In what will be a rare occurrence, New Zealand’s only two airworthy Spitfire fighter aircraft will both take to the skies over Wanaka for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International airshow next Easter.

Organisers announced this week that the pair, two of only about 45 airworthy examples worldwide, would attend the biennial show.

One of the Supermarine Spitfires had literally missed the boat and been unable to make the previous Warbirds Over Wanaka International airshow in 2008 after it became the subject of a wrangle between United States customs and defence departments while awaiting shipment to New Zealand.

Auckland-based owner Doug Brooker said yesterday the machine had since arrived and had been flying regularly until it was damaged in a minor mishap near Masterton. Repairs were complete, however, and the two-seater fighter would be back in the air soon and on track for its Wanaka debut.

Mr Brooker, a semi-retired company director, said he would be flying the machine himself. The second machine is the first to be fully restored in New Zealand and is owned by the family of renowned Kiwi fighter pilot Alan Deere. Air Commodore Deere, who was raised in Westport and later Wanganui, was a highly distinguished pilot who served with the RAF for forty years.

His nephew, Brendon Deere from Marton, said the machine’s first flight since its five-year long restoration was in March this year.

The Mark IX Spitfire was built in 1944 and served with the Royal Air Force in Italy. The ‘AL’ on the fuselage has been added to represent the Spitfires flown by his uncle in wartime, he said. The family was excited to be bringing the machine south, he added.

Spitfires flown by the Royal Air Force gained legendary status during WWII for their success as fast and formidable front-line fighters, particularly during the Battle of Britain.

Airshow event manager, Mandy Deans, said organizers were delighted that both the aircraft would attend. “It will be magic to have them both here and will help us bring the past alive in an incredibly authentic way. They really are the epitome of warbird aircraft and we will be very lucky to see them flying here in Wanaka.”

The Spitfires will join around 70 other aircraft in what organisers are describing as the biggest International airshow Wanaka has delivered on April 2, 3 and 4 at Wanaka Airport.

A recently restored Spitfire fighter plane will be sporting the same markings as this Spitfire photographed in Britain during WWII. The lettering signifies that both machines were flown by the Kiwi fighter pilot pictured above, Air Commodore Al Deere (Photo credit Peter R Arnold Collection).

New Schools Initiative
16.10.09

Wanaka: A strong new focus on educating young people about aviation and its history in New Zealand has prompted the organizers of the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow to offer free passes to all Upper Clutha school children to enter the show on Friday, April 2.

Reaction from school principals to the move had been very positive, airshow event manager Mandy Deans, said. "Principals and parents spoken to have been delighted with the news so we are hoping for a good turnout of young people. There will be flying schools and an RNZAF educational tent as well as a strong presence by uniformed Air Training Corp cadets who are all aged between 13 and 18 years."

Principal of Makarora Primary School, Lynley Ward, said it was a good opportunity for children to be involved in the wider community and in something as iconic as Warbirds Over Wanaka.

Ms Deans believed there was growing interest in New Zealand’s aviation and military history among young people and events like the airshow provided a very rare opportunity for them to experience first-hand the sounds, smells and sights of the aircraft and military in the wars that shaped our history.

With Warbirds low-flying overhead, explosions sounding, and battle re-enactments with tanks, jeeps, and uniformed soldiers in full swing on the ground, the past would be literally brought to life in front of their eyes.

Over 30 WWII veterans are being hosted at the show and it was expected some might be able share their stories with the public. "We are honored to be hosting the veterans and mindful that they will not always be here."

Other areas of specific interest will be the Bundaberg Classic Cockpit display where students could sit in fighter aircraft cockpits that would have been flown by young men not much older than themselves.

"It is a great hands-on experience and some of those WWII pilots would have been the same age as high school students - possibly overstating their age to get into the air force at only 17 years old."

There would be the opportunity to go inside a large military aircraft, the C-130 Hercules, and to enjoy displays of classic cars from the war era, as well as modern jets, helicopters and plenty of other children’s entertainment.

The Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, formed in 2006, had developed a vision for the organization to inspire, entertain and educate generations, and further initiatives were planned to continue this theme in the future, Ms Deans said.

The free passes were available for all Upper Clutha primary and secondary pupils of which there were approximately 1340. It was hoped that families would get groups together to attend on what is traditionally the ‘practice day’ for the scheduled airshow.

Volunteers keep Warbirds in the air
5.10.09

Behind the scenes at Warbirds Over Wanaka is a group of dedicated people who help make it all happen – and they’re doing it for love rather than money. "Without these volunteers, Warbirds Over Wanaka simply could not take place", says Event Manager Mandy Deans.

WOW will have more than 200 volunteers hard at work by the time the event takes place over Easter next year, doing everything from answering phones to controlling rabbit numbers and making props for the pyrotechnics team. Volunteering for Warbirds engenders a lot of loyalty – three members of the organising committee have been volunteering since the first Airshow in 1988. One volunteer has been in charge of carparking since the first airshow. Cea Bowmar, who has been volunteering in the WOW office since February, says being part of the Warbirds team as a volunteer is like being a cog in a very large wheel: “It’s really satisfying being part of something that means so much to our area.”

There is still plenty to do before the show takes place next year, so if you have the time and the skills (in almost any area), and you’d like to be part of the Southern Hemisphere’s best-known airshow, contact Mandy Deans at the Warbirds office.

Show plans off to a flying start
29.09.09

Strong ticket sales and promising sponsorship negotiations have Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow organisers confident they can win the support they need to make Easter 2010 event a success.

The Warbirds charitable trust, like other Wanaka event organisers has noticed an increased pressure on funding organisations and corporate sponsors during the past few years. New Zealand’s economy – and particularly Otago’s – is now said by some economists to be recovering from the recession, with domestic spending the main reason for economic growth.

Chief executive Roger Clark and events manager Mandy Deans said yesterday ticket pre-sales were stronger than sales for the 2008 show.

They have also been encouraged by support from Dunedin City Ford, which came on board yesterday for the first time as the airshow’s official vehicle supplier. Signing the first sponsor was “really important for us” and “a key plank in the sponsorship programme”, Mr Clark said.
Other sponsorship negotiations were continuing and more information should be available next month, he said.

The trust has been keeping a close eye on international visitor trends and Mrs Deans has been promoting the airshow to the Australian market, which has remained strong for this region this year. Australians have been prompted to visit the southern regions in large numbers this year because of the snow season, favourable tax returns and cheap airfares, according to tourism industry commentators. But domestic visitors are expected to be the biggest contributors to Wanaka’s economy this summer. So Mr Clark and Mrs Deans are particularly keen to entice visitors they know are in Wanaka for Easter but do not usually go to the airshow.
 
“Pre-sales would indicate one-off events have not been impacted by the recession. “That seems to be a worldwide trend...
“We have pre-sales internationally and nationally, but there’s a huge opportunity to get more locals to the event. So we are having a big drive on encouraging people south of the Waitaki to come,” Mr Clark said. The airshow programme had been tweaked slightly to include other attractions such as a wind and food festival and displays of other vintage vehicles and machines, Mrs Deans said.
Dunedin City Ford new vehicle sales manager Keith Kippenberger said yesterday a V8 racing car and V8 ute would take part in next year’s runway display, plus new cars would be for sale. “It will be all noise and colour, smoke and smell.” He said.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka was founded by Sir Tim Wallis and the Alpine Deer Group more than 20 years ago. The charitable trust took over the event after the 2006 show and ran its first show in 2008.

NEW: Aircraft for Sale
23.9.2009

Visitors to next year’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International airshow will be able to take home a helicopter, light plane or even a boat along with the usual souvenirs, thanks to a new initiative by the show’s organisers.

A special aviation sales lot will be set up at the 2010 international airshow and there were already helicopters and light planes being put forward for inclusion before the plan had even been advertised.

It’s estimated that around the world there are over 30,000 second-hand aircraft for sale and with the airshow will provide owners with a large and targeted captive audience. We wish to help owners sell their aircraft, old or new, warbirds or otherwise. During the airshow, part of Wanaka Airport will become an aircraft sales lot, complete with sales tents and security guards.
“The dream of flight is back and this time it’s personal…the new Cessna 162 SkyCatcher.” 
New WOW Community Trust Chairman announced
25.6.09

At their Board meeting this week the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust (WOW) appointed Mr Murray Cleverley as the new Chairman. A Trustee of WOW since its inception in 2006, he will lead the Trust into their second Airshow at Easter 2010. The past Chair, Mr Garth Hogan, a well known aviation enthusiast, stepped down to spend more time on his personal ventures.

Mr Cleverley was originally appointed as an independent Trustee and works as a professional Director and business consultant, based in Timaru. He is passionate about the community’s involvement and ownership of the Trust and was instrumental in moving the WOW office back to Wanaka.

“The Wanaka community and New Zealand have been fortunate to inherit Sir Tim Wallis’s legacy and WOW will continue to give back to the community in which it is based. WOW is one of New Zealand’s iconic events and while celebrating our heritage and heroes, delivers millions to our economy” Mr Cleverley stated.

Mr Cleverley has been a past Chairman of the Economic Development Association of New Zealand and is currently a Director of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce. He has strong links to Wanaka, with a son born whilst residing here, a house boat moored on the lake and as an original partner in a retail business, the Dough Bin.

Mr Cleverley is supported by dedicated Trustees and a skilled management team who will take the event to yet another level. He invites members of the community to volunteer for roles within their Community Trust, thereby adding value to the 2010 airshow, by contacting the WOW Office now. Cleverley stated “the 2010 airshow is shaping up well and we are expecting record numbers with the superb line up of aircraft and exhibits in the offing.” The event will attract visitors from all over the world but more importantly Mr Cleverley wants to see all South Islanders there with their families in 2010.

NEW: Regional Wine & Food Expo
9.6.09

The tastes of the lower South Island are an epicurean delight. Visit the Regional Wine & Food Expo at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2010 for gourmet food and wine featuring the best of the region. The special sun-light and cooler nights here produce great pinot noirs which are now internationally recognised as perfect for a lunch accompaniment or just sit and sip whilst the non-stop Airshow action continues overhead.

WOW Community Trust Chairman Resigns
4.6.09

Garth Hogan, who was appointed interim Chairman of the Warbirds Over Wanaka (WOW) Community Trust in 2006, has resigned from the Trust to focus on other interests, his family and the retirement he came to Wanaka to enjoy.

Garth was instrumental in driving the Trust’s formative years, after the hand over from Alpine Deer Group and the desire to continue Sir Tim Wallis’s legacy of staging a biennial international warbirds airshow in Wanaka. The Trust ran the first of the airshows under Alpine’s guidance in 2008 with great success and is currently building towards 2010 with excitement and high expectations.

“I was appointed as a trustee and interim Chairman in 2006 to develop the governance and management structures. Now they are in place I am confident the show is in good hands and the management and Trustees will ensure the airshow will be sustainable for future generations,” Garth stated.

 “Garth has made an outstanding contribution since the establishment of the WOW Community Trust through his blend of “anything is possible attitude”, his business expertise and passion for warbird aircraft. The Trust’s governance and management structures now in place mean we can continue to deliver Sir Tim’s original vision,” Bill Gordon (Deputy Chairman) said.

The WOW Community Trust will discuss the appointment of a new Chairman and a replacement for Garth Hogan at their next Board meeting on June 23.

Live Guns to Fire at WOW 2010

22nd April 2009: It’s the only airshow in the world where live ammunition is fired from a classic flying machine.

At next year’s Warbirds Over Wanaka a Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk will be firing all six machine guns in an historic re-enactment of attacks on shipping and airfields in the Solomon Islands.

The Auckland based P-40 will fire its 0.50 calibre guns as it passes along the display line at over 240mph (386km/h). In that time the aircraft will have travelled over seven hundred feet and the guns fired more than sixty rounds.

“The sound coming from its guns is awesome, and seeing sheets of flame coming from them is an amazing sight”, said Garth Hogan, co-owner of the classic aircraft. “It’s a real privilege to fly the P-40 and to be part of its tribute to those who flew them in real combat conditions during the Second World War” he added.

The P-40 Kittyhawk is one of the stars at the 2010 Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.

The single engine, single seat, all metal fighter and ground attack aircraft first flew in 1938. It was used by the air forces of twenty eight nations, including the Royal New Zealand Air Force. A total of 13,738 P-40 aircraft were built during the Second World War. Today only a handful remain flying around the world.

One of which is this aircraft which belonged to the Royal Australian Air Force. It was recovered from the Northern Coast of New Guinea where it had been abandoned at the end of the Second World War.

After changing hands several times it eventually ended up being bought by Garth and his two other partners. They set about restoring and rebuilding the aircraft in 1996. Work was completed three years later and the P-40 made its first public debut flight in 2000.

“It’s going to be a spectacular display” said Mandy Deans, the Event Manager at Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow. “The P-40 is just one of the many classic aircraft that will be giving flying displays at next year’s Airshow. We are still working on the final line up and we are hoping to announce some big surprises” she added.

Three hundred and one P-40s were allocated to the RNZAF under Lend Lease, for use in the Pacific Theatre, although four of these were lost in transit. The aircraft soon proved to be successful in air combat against the Japanese between 1942 and 1944. The P-40 pilots claimed one hundred aerial victories, whilst losing twenty in combat.

The overwhelming majority of RNZAF victories were scored against Japanese A6M Zeros and Aicha D3A “Val” dive bombers.
Geoff Fisken was the highest scoring British Commonwealth ace in the Pacific. The New Zealand pilot shot down six aircraft, three of them while flying a P-40 Kittyhawk.

From late 1943 and 1944 the RNZAF P-40s were increasingly used against ground targets, including the innovative use of naval depth charges as improvised high capacity bombers. In late 1944 the P-40s were replaced by F4U Corsairs.

The next Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow will be held on the 2nd-4th April, 2010 and will again provide a programme for all aviation enthusiasts.
 
Airshow Roundup

24th March 2009: Billed as one of Australia's largest airshows, Avalon 2009 attracted over one hundred and eighty thousand visitors. Among those who attended was Mandy Deans, Warbirds over Wanaka’s Event Manager.

"It was a spectacular event and there were some very interesting aircraft on display during the six day show". For Mandy it was a fact finding tour. '' I was looking for new ideas and exhibits to bring back to next year's show at Wanaka''.

Mandy is not giving much away at this stage, but admits she met people from a number of aerospace companies who would like to bring aircraft and trade stands to Warbirds. Among the aircraft on display at Avalon 2009 were the F18, F16, F1-11 and B.I Bombers, the C17 Globemaster and one of the world's largest transport planes, the C5 Galaxy.

Could some of these be heading to Wanaka? Mandy says nothing has yet been finalised in regard to the line-up at next year's airshow, but insists there are some exciting things in the pipeline.

There was one highlight at the Australian show that caught her eye. A jet powered glider. "It would be nice to see that at Wanaka. It gave a most spectacular flying display" said Mandy.

Also on tour to gain new ideas and promote next year's prestigious Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow was its Chief Executive, Roger Clark. He was a visitor to the recent Royal New Zealand Air Force show at Whenuapai near Auckland. Judging by the response to his visit there, next year's Warbirds could be attracting its biggest attendance to date.

 "I was overwhelmed by the interest from the 50,000 strong crowd. In just a few hours our show stand had run out of promotional leaflets and brochures," said Roger.

Avalon 2009

25 February 2009: Warbirds over Wanaka's Event Manager, Mandy Deans, is preparing to attend one of the world's biggest airshows. Avalon 2009 is Australia's premier International Airshow that attracts visitors from around the globe.

Among the many prestigious aerospace companies exhibiting there will be a stand promoting Warbirds over Wanaka. ''It's an opportunity for me to meet many people in the aerospace industry and to persuade them to take part in next years’ Warbirds Over Wanaka” says Mandy.

Top of Mandy's list of people she's arranging to meet up with is the Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force. ''I am hoping to persuade him to allow some RAAF aircraft to take part in Warbirds Over Wanaka. In the past they've put on some spectacular air displays in the skies above Wanaka."

Mandy will spend five days at the show, which is held near Geelong, Victoria between March 10th and 15th, before she heads back home to spend the next twelve months busy organising one of Central Otago's biggest tourist attractions and one of the world's top Warbirds Airshows.

The first Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow was held in 1988 and was organised by the aviation entrepreneur, Sir Tim Wallis. In its first year it attracted over 14,000 visitors. Today the three day biennial event is held over the long Easter weekend and attracts over 80,000 people.

Mustang Ticket Competition 2010

2nd February 2009: Warbirds Over Wanaka provides ticket buyers a chance to win a ride in a Mustang at the 2010 Airshow. Purchase any adult ticket prior to 30th November 2009 and go in the draw to win!

Planning underway for Easter 2010

15 December 2008: Warbirds Over Wanaka (WOW) moved into its newly established office at Wanaka Airport on 1 December 2008, reinforcing the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust's desire to have a strong community focus. This is the first time WOW has been permanently based at the Wanaka Airport.

Garth Hogan, Chairman of the WOW Community Trust, said " Planning for WOW 2010 is well underway with priorities implemented, including the appointment of a new management team, establishing Wanaka based offices and building a strong local focus through developing good relationships. Current work has been with Lake Wanaka Tourism who will provide the local face for the 2010 event through the i-Site and high profile access to tickets, work with local event groups to provide a joint submission to the QLDC events strategy and developing a closer relationship with RNZAF who provide a magnificent display at each Airshow"

The next Airshow is 2,3,4 April 2010 and for three days over Easter, Lake Wanaka will become centre-stage for an extravaganza of aerial action with some of the most famous warbirds in the world joining forces with the classic aircraft of yesteryear and the modern jets of today to present a feast of aviation attractions. On the ground, a variety of military vehicles, vintage machinery and vehicles, an aviation trade expo and Otago food and wine will vie for your attention.

Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust New Structure

November 2008: The Community Trust charged with the responsibility of delivering the Internationally acclaimed event and tourist attraction, Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow (WOW) has finalised a new and innovative structure to develop and secure the Airshow's future. The new structure is 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 with WOW while continuing his position at Southland Rugby.

Garth Hogan, the Chairman of the WOW Community Trust, said "The Board is excited 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. 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 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 Cleverley, Stephen Grant and Ray Mulqueen.

The next WOW Airshow is on 2,3,4 April (Easter) 2010.