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NZ Warbirds Association - Keeping History Alive

A Charirty Organisation Dedicated to Keeping Old Aircraft Flying

The New Zealand Warbirds Association was formed in the late 1970's with the main goal being to retain some of the country's military aviation heritage, and to keep those aircraft flying. In the 21st century the Association is dedicated to preserving and operating all manner of historic aircraft and maintaining and showcasing them for educational and commemorative purposes.


Allan Udy (HAFU editor) recently had a chat with General Manager Kim Parker, and President Frank Parker, about the Association to find out more about its history and current goals. Check out the video below.


HAFU's Allan Udy talks to the General Manager and President about the Association and what it takes to continue to own and run high-end warbird aircraft in this part of the world. Click the thumbnail image above to view the video




The Association relies on public support, including memberships, donations, and volunteer efforts, to maintain their collection and operations. They also offer adventure flights, host events and airshows, and provide educational tours through the NZ Warbirds Visitor Centre (Ardmore Aerodrome, Auckland, NZ) to engage the public with Mew Zealand's aviation history.



Over the years a number of Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk fighters have flown in New Zealand, including 'Currawong', a P-40 once operated in the Pacific Theatre by the Royal Australian Air Force. On the New Zealand airshow scene for over twenty years, this aircraft has recently been sold to a new overseas owner, but it is expected in coming years we will see more P-40s on the New Zealand register as a variety of restoration projects are completed.   Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit



It's not only WW1 or WW2 warbird aircraft that are operated in New Zealand. There are a number of Aero L-39 Albatros jets also flown on a regular basis, along with several other warbird jets (de Havilland Vampire and Venom among them).   Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit



In addition to the World War Two-era and later aircraft that operate under the wings of the NZ Warbirds Association, the organisation has its own collection of six World War One-era aircraft. This replica Bristol Scout is powered by an original rotary engine, and can often be seen mixing it up in a mock dogfight with the Association's (German) Fokker Dr.1 Triplane and Albatros D.Va fighters.   Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit



Another Second World War warbird that might not be currently flying in New Zealand had it not been for the formation of the NZ Warbirds Assn is this Grumman TBM-3E Avenger, owned and operated by the Biggin Hill Trust.   Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit



Goodyear FG-1D Corsair NZ5648 is one of the WW2-era warbirds privately owned and operated in New Zealand, under the auspices of the NZ Warbirds Association. This genuine Royal New Zealand Air Force Corsair has only recently been restored to complete airworthiness after a prolonged absence from the NZ warbird scene.   Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit


https://www.nzwarbirds.org.nz//


For anyone in Auckland wanting to visit the NZ Warbirds Visitor Centre, here's a handy location map:



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