Aircraft

Instruments of harmony and defence: The RNZAF Band at war 

New Zealanders took to the skies once again upon the outbreak of World War Two, but what of the musicians of the Royal New Zealand Air Force? From playing in the heat of the Pacific to wielding machine guns, read on to discover the story of the RNZAF Band at war.  

When Wigram became a race circuit

On 26 February 1949, RNZAF Station Wigram was transformed into a full-blown race circuit for the first time.

Read the full story now.

Danielle’s Safety and Surface Mission

Recently we were delighted to reunite a retired RNZAF pilot with a very special aircraft just in time for the holiday season.

Rick Bulger’s special visit

Recently we were delighted to reunite a retired RNZAF pilot with a very special aircraft just in time for the holiday season.

Taking the scenic route – the story of the RNZAF Singapore ferry flight

In 1941, RNZAF crews embarked on an epic delivery flight across Asia and the Pacific as war clouds gathered with the Empire of Japan. This is their story.

Sergeant Raz Malkin’s royal appointment

Sergeant Derek ‘Raz’ Malkin has embarked on a very special royal mission with the help of his friends from RNZAF Bases Woodbourne and Ohakea.

How They Remembered: The New Zealand 1914-18 Airmen’s Association

Veterans of the two world wars and later conflicts have frequently grouped together to remember their service, lost comrades and shared experiences together. This is the story of those New Zealanders participated in World War One as airmen and who met to remember their service at a time when New Zealand had no Air Force of its own.

Congratulations NZ4203 – Aircraft of the Year 2023

Our Lockheed P-3K2 Orion is the winner of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand’s inaugural Aircraft of the Year competition!

Museum provides a hub for Vietnam veterans

What started out as a coffee meeting between two Kiwi veterans of the Vietnam War has turned into a thriving new community event for returned servicemen and their families at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

Air Force Museum secures grant for critical work

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand has secured funding from the Lottery Grants Board funding for a 12-month project to preserve and catalogue a critically important aviation collection. Read all about it here.