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Two Bristol Fighters will take to the skies at Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters 2027, with New Zealand Warbirds bringing their Bristol F.2B Fighter replica south from Ardmore to join Omaka's own Bristol Fighter in the flying display.
The visiting aircraft has quite a story to tell, with connections to Hollywood, one of New Zealand's most famous airmen and the talented restoration team right here at Omaka.
Originally built as one of several replicas for the 1981 film Death Hunt, starring Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin, the aircraft was later imported from the United States by the team at Classic Wings. It subsequently underwent restoration by JEM Aviation at Omaka for the New Zealand Warbirds Association.
Today, it wears the markings of Bristol F.2B Fighter C814 '12', an aircraft flown by New Zealander Sir Keith Park while serving with No. 48 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps in 1918.
Park went on to become one of New Zealand's most distinguished military aviators, playing a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain during the Second World War. His connection to the Bristol Fighter adds another fascinating chapter to the aircraft's story.
Accompanying the Bristol Fighter on its journey south will be another aircraft with a significant place in New Zealand's aviation history: ex-RNZAF Auster NZ1702.
One of six Auster Adventurers delivered to the Royal New Zealand Air Force to modernise its light utility and communications capabilities, NZ1702 enjoyed a varied service career.
Initially allocated to the Communications Flight at Rongotai Airport (now Wellington International Airport), it later served at Rotorua, where it was used for forestry patrols. The aircraft subsequently joined No. 3 Battlefield Support Squadron, remaining in service until 1969.
NZ1702 holds the distinction of being the last Auster to serve with the RNZAF.
With Classic Fighters 2027 helping to celebrate the RNZAF's 90th anniversary, the arrival of these two historic aircraft adds even more to what is shaping up to be a remarkable weekend.
From the First World War skies of Sir Keith Park to the post-war service of the Auster, both aircraft have stories worth sharing, and we can't wait to welcome them to Omaka.
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