dedicated to restoration, preservation and operation
In New Zealand, as in many countries the world over, service aircraft have been the introduction to flying and aviation for thousands of young men and women. Many such pilots have gone on to establish careers in civilian flying long after their military service so, in many ways, these aircraft form the very backbone of our country’s aviation history.
Group of pilots gathered beside a line-up of Corsairs at RNZAF Station, Ardmore. RNZAF Official
NZ Warbirds was originally conceived by the late Trevor Bland who in June 1978 organised a meeting of interested parties with a common goal to establish an association to restore, fly and enjoy aircraft of an historic nature with a connection to the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The newly formed association boasted two aircraft at the time, a Chipmunk and an Auster but soon to follow was the addition of the first kiwi warbird, a wartime RNZAF Harvard trainer NZ1092 (ZK-WAR).
Our associations first warbird, ex RNZAF T6 Harvard NZ1092 (ZK-WAR), still flies under the NZ Warbirds banner. Here it can be seen (foreground) flying with a Supermarine Spitfire and a Curtis P-40 Kittyhawk (background) which also are part of the association.
From our humble beginnings forty years ago, we now have a membership close to 600 with a mixture of active pilots and aviation enthusiasts all with a desire to see these aircraft fly for generations. Although our organisation was started to preserve ex-RNZAF aircraft, this has been expanded to include any type due to the successful introduction of service aircraft from all over the world including Russian, German and Chinese types. British and American aircraft never seen in service here also figure prominently!
Former RNZAF A-4K Skyhawk NZ6209 on the flight line at Ohakea. “09” is one of many service aircraft that is preserved by the association.
The Association does not aim to glorify war. Its objective is to provide the wide range of skills and support necessary to see these grand old military and historic aircraft preserved in flying condition. Our NZ Warbirds at Ardmore collection at Ardmore Airport provides an educational resource unrivalled in the warbird sphere. Not only does it house former Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) aircraft, it also has an aviation library complex and comprehensive squadron history displays.
NZ Warbirds patron and founding president the late Trevor Bland AFC, MNZM (left) talking with aviation legend General Chuck Yeager
Associations
NZ Warbirds is in active contact with like-minded organisations nation-wide and represents the interests of the warbird movement on aviation consultancy groups within New Zealand. We work closely with the organisers of world class events and significant commemorative occasions such as:
Our Team
| President Frank Parker | Vice President John Kelly | General Manager/Secretary Kim Parker |
| Treasurer Chris Tennent-Brown | Operations Manager Mark Helliwell | Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) Dave Brown |
| Deputy CFI Dean Beverley | Safety Manager Blair Sims | Maintenance Controller Milton Donovan |
| Committee Members | Ben Shaw, Blair Sims, Brett Nicholls, Chris Tennent-Brown, Colin Goult, Greg Morris, Leanne Butler, Liz Needham, Mike Curwood, Mike Watson, Paul Liddington |
Frank Parker is the current president of the NZ Warbirds Association. He flies a number of aircraft types including our Kittyhawk, Mustang and Harvards as well as the expanding WW1 fleet.
