Zero arrives and flying in Wanaka
26.03.10
Wanaka: Staff at the Port of Tauranga took delivery of some extremely rare and valuable cargo last Friday when a historic Japanese fighter plane arrived by ship from the United States, en route to Wanaka for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

Photo: Flying down the highway… a rare Japanese Zero fighter plane makes it way to Tauranga Airport on the deck of a massive transporter truck. It will be flown to Wanaka to appear at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

The Mitsubishi Zero, one of the most feared fighters during WWII, was lifted by crane and transferred onto a truck for transporting by road to a secure hangar at Tauranga Airport. Overseeing the delicate operation was Warbirds Over Wanaka aircraft co-coordinator Ray Mulqueen who said the port staff and transporter crews ran a well planned and faultless unloading of the aircraft.

Two highly-experienced American warbird pilots, Jason Somes and Stephen W. Barber from the Southern Californian wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), arrive in Tauranga today. They will fly the fighter down the country stopping at various points for refueling, and it is expected to arrive on Wanaka Saturday 27th. Accompanying the Zero will be an XL Pacific Aerospace aircraft with CAF and Warbirds Over Wanaka personnel aboard.

The light-weight fighter is expected to attract aircraft enthusiasts to Wanaka from far and wide as airworthy examples are now virtually unseen anywhere in the world. The Zero is one of the World War II classic fighter planes and was deeply feared by Allied airmen in the Pacific. It was designed by Jiro Horikoshi and when it was introduced into service was the best carrier-based fighter in the world. It's design combined excellent maneuverability and very long range. Japanese Zeros were used in the raid on Pearl Harbour and later it was utilised for kamikaze operations. In all, eleven thousand Zeros were produced between 1940 and 1945. Today a few exist in museums around the world, but it is believed that only two or three still remain flying.
 
 
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
9.3.10

“Super-fast, super-powerful and an extraordinary sight” is how Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow event manager, Mandy Deans, describes the F/A-18 Hornet fighters which have just been confirmed to appear at Wanaka.

Four Hornet fighters from the Royal Australian Air Force will be among the many 'stars' lining up to give aerobatic displays to the thousands of spectators at this year's international airshow. The aircraft will be in New Zealand on exercise with the RNZAF.
 
“The airshow provides an important opportunity to further extend Australia’s close defence relationship with New Zealand. The speed and extreme manoeuvrability of the F/A-18 Hornets are sure to impress as they showcase formations during the airshow” said Air Marshal Mark Binskin, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Developed originally for the US Navy and Marine Corps, the multi-role Hornet fighter is one of the world's most advanced aircraft. It can achieve a speed of 1915km/h (1190 mph) and fly above 45,000ft.

The fighters have been fully operational with the RAAF for over 20 years and are capable of carrying a range of sophisticated missiles and laser guided bombs. They are designed to perform day or night air strikes over land and sea using precision-guided weapons and perform all roles of counter air.

Japanese Zero to fly in New Zealand
29.1.10

A rare Japanese Zero fighter will be the star attraction at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International airshow this Easter. The nimble fighter is expected to attract aircraft enthusiasts from far and wide as there are only three airworthy examples in the world.

The aircraft is being transported from the United States. The announcement of its appearance here follows months of delicate negotiations with the aircrafts’ owners. "We are absolutely thrilled to have this unique aircraft as the centre piece to this year's airshow," said Mandy Deans, Event Manager of Warbirds Over Wanaka.

In September 1945 the RNZAF recovered a Zero at Bougainville and after shipping to New Zealand it was only flown once from Woodbourne. It is now exhibited in the Auckland Museum, therefore this will be only the second time a Zero has flown in New Zealand.
 
German Wing Walker Peggy Krainz
28.1.10

German wing-walking sensation Peggy Krainz is looking forward to admiring Wanaka’s scenery from her lofty vantage-point during a visit to New Zealand this April to perform at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow. “This will be an extraordinary act, we are delighted Peggy could come, she is only just fitting in a flying visit between other appearances in Europe” said Mandy Deans, Warbirds Over Wanaka’s Event Manager.

Ms Krainz and her partner and pilot, Friedrich ‘Friedel’ Walentin will be bringing their Boeing Stearman bi-plane to Wanaka in what will be their first visit to this country. Ms Krainz said the pair were excited to be able to make the journey, between fixtures on their busy display schedule.

The display will involve a ten minute flight with the plane travelling at between 130kmphr and 240kmphr, doing loops, turns and rolls. “During start and landing I sit in the cockpit. During the display I move up on the wing and between the left wings - it is a hard work for me. We will give the spectators of the airshow some unforgettable moments…we will give our best”.

Ms Krainz (39) gained her pilots licence in 1997 and also holds an aerobatic licence. She began wing-walking in 1999 and has undertaken more than 600 displays.

During her act, communication with her pilot is by hand signals and she was attached to the aircraft by a thin safety line. A rack was erected on the plane’s upper wing but between the left wings Peggy relied on muscular strength alone to stay put. She said she had never felt frightened during a wing-walk. “Flying is part of my life, specially the wing-walking. My rule is if I get one time afraid or lose the respect I will stop directly.”

It will be only the second time a wing-walking act has been seen at Wanaka, the first was more than twenty years ago at the first major airshow in 1988. The Tiger Top team displayed then using a de Havilland Tiger Moth piloted by Tony Renouf.
 

Commemorative wines for Warbirds Over Wanaka
15.1.10

Sir Tim Wallis holding the first bottle of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Hurricane Pinot Gris while standing in front of his AFC Hawker Hurricane MkIIA

In a ‘first’ for the iconic New Zealand event Warbirds Over Wanaka, Goodbrands.co.nz has developed a range of commemorative wines for the International Airshow.
The special Warbirds wines – a ‘Spitfire’ Marlborough Sauvignon, a ‘Hurricane’ Central Otago Pinot Gris and a ‘Mustang’ Central Otago Pinot Noir – will be available for a limited time from Betty’s Liquor stores throughout New Zealand as well as at the airshow.

A dollar from every bottle sold will be donated to the Warbirds Over Wanaka (WOW) Trust which governs the airshow.

Janice Wallis rose
12.1.10

The rose has always been valued for its beauty and has a long history of symbolism. Today there are thousands of varieties of roses developed for bloom shape, size and fragrance.

A new rose is about to be launched in New Zealand dedicated to one of the country's pioneers in the growing of this beautiful flower. It will be named Janice Wallis, who in the nineties, was the Heritage Roses Central Otago convenor. She was the mother of Sir Tim Wallis, a pioneer of the live deer recovery industry in New Zealand's South Island and founder of the Alpine Fighter collection and the New Zealand Fighter Pilots' Museum. He also started the International Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow.

"I think it is an honour to have a rose named after my mother. She will be remembered forever," said Sir Tim. Janice Wallis was a dedicated rose grower, and in the 1980s she planted 250 heritage and modern roses in the grounds of Wanaka Airport. All were dedicated to the memory of her brother, Neil Blunden, a bomber pilot who was shot down and died while on a bombing mission to destroy the German battleship, Tirpitz, over the Asen Fiord in Norway in 1942. "She was so proud of her brother and her association with the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum along with Warbirds Over Wanaka" said Sir Tim.
 
Now the Janice Wallis rose is to be launched at this year's Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow (April 2-4) and a percentage of the money raised from sales will go towards the Upper Clutha Branch of the RSA. Ralph Fegan, Wanaka Airport Operations Manager, is working on the design of a Memorial Garden, featuring the Janice Wallis rose, to be established adjacent to the Warbirds Over Wanaka office, to commemorate pilots who have passed away and who had associations with Wanaka Airport.
 
The special rose has been developed by Southern Roses in Southland. They are the only nursery in the country that grows roses on seedlings in the European way and orders will be taken at the Airshow.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

WOW Secures Spitfire Duo
10.11.09

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.

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."

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.”

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.

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.
 
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.

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
22.4.09

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 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.

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.

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.

Airshow Roundup
24.3.09

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''.

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.

Avalon 2009
25.2.09

Warbirds over Wanaka's Event Manager, Mandy Deans, attended 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.

Mustang Ticket Competition 2010
2.2.09

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
15.12.08

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"

Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust New Structure
11.08

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.

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.