About us
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 1988 onwards.....
History
In 1988 aviation entrepreneur Sir Tim Wallis shared his passion for Warbirds and Classic Aircraft with the public by creating an Airshow that is now a biennial centre piece of Central Otago’s tourist attractions. The first airshow and country fair attracted 14,000 visitors to Wanaka Airport.
Delighted with this success, he decided to expand on the theme and hold a biennial event over the long Easter weekend. As the show grew so did its support and now around 50,000 people make the pilgrimage to Wanaka for their weekend of excitement.
Now acclaimed as the largest Warbird Airshow in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the world's top four Warbird airshows, this is the one event not to be missed.
Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Board
In 2006 the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Board was established to ensure Sir Tim Wallis’s legacy continues to develop and grow in Wanaka. The Trust’s vision is to ‘inspire and educate generations; with inspirational Warbirds Airshows showcasing the unique lake and mountain scenery of Wanaka’.
The Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Board Trustees are:
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John Christie |
Ross McRobie |
Bill Gordon |
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Murray Cleverley |
Garth Hogan |
Stephen Grant |
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION FOR
WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA
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2004 Around NZ Air Race - recognition of support |
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1998 Certificate of Achievement - Best Small Event in NZ |
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1996 International Aeronautical Federation - contribution to exciting and spectacular displays of extremely rare aircraft |
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1994 Tourism NZ Award Finalist |
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1993 Order of St John - thanks for futherance of their work at our airshows
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1992 Tourism NZ Award Finalist |
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1992 Civic Development Award - Otago Chamber of Commerce for the development of the Airshow |
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1990 Tourism NZ Award - Commendation Winner of Special Events |
