Warbirds over Wanaka -Easter 2008

Easter is always a special time in Wanaka and this year it was the turn of the Biennial Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show to delight the visitors. Always a special show of vintage military planes from WW1 to today’s supersonic heroes the format delights both the historical experts and rank amateurs alike with its mock battles featuring the Red Baron's Fokker Tri plane lining up against his old foes, through WW2 Spitfires, Hurricanes, Corsairs, right up to a spectacular display by the RAAF F1 11. Tiritiri Lodge was full with aviation aficionados augmented by a very special artist in residence in the person of Paul Gibens Australasia’s leading Jazz composer, arranger, and saxophonist. Paul and your host Denis played together for 12 years in residencies and an almost famous Jazz Fusion band far longer ago than either of them care to remember.

One of our guests was an historian with a special interest in the 75th Squadron RAAF which was the major element in stemming the Japanese advance through New Guinea. Not only did he get to see his beloved Kittyhawks in action but he was able to organise the flight of his life the day after the air show in the sole surviving Kittyhawk from the New Guinea campaign. He did admit that the low level simulated pass over enemy territory at 500 m.p.h. was more than thrilling!

With one practice day and 2 days of the air show open to the public all our guests had a relaxed opportunity to see all the live action and wander around all their favourite planes in the parking areas.

For Sunday night Denis had organised a local rhythm section and a gig at ‘The Local’ pub where he and Paul blasted away together as though the last 30 years had never happened. A fun night was had by all and the lodge guests had the added bonus of a morning rehearsal the day before with the sound of piano, sax, and flute accompanying them as they set off for the day’s diversions.

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