What’s happening near you
CONTACT US: BASIS EVENTS DIARY, NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR, PO BOX 46,020 HERNE BAY, AUCKLAND; INFO@PARKSIDE.CO.NZ; FAX: 09 360 1470
March 30–April 1 Warbirds Over Wanaka
Classic and modern warbird aircraft from around the world will converge on Wanaka this Easter to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.
Military aircraft from the past 80 years — from the World War II Spitfire to the modern US Air Force supersonic F-16 Fighting Falcon jet demonstration team — are coming from Japan and will be joined by a C-17 Globemaster III.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will be here in force, while the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will have its new Spartan C12J in attendance, as well as Hawk jets, and the French are coming with the CASA (Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA).
As well as the Spitfire, other World War II fighters set to attend include the Buchon Me-109, P-40 Kittyhawk, P51-D Mustang, and Yak 3, supported by the Avro Anson, Catalina Flying Boat, and other aircraft types.
On the ground, the War Horse re-enactors and one of the best line-ups of classic Packard motor cars, including a Packard originally owned by American aviatrix Amelia Earhart, will display.
Tickets are available by calling 0800 224 224, or, for more information, visit warbirdsoverwanaka.com.
March 30–April 2 Zephyr North Island Convention
This Easter, the Zephyr North Island Convention is set to be held in Whangarei, this year hosted by the Auckland Consul Zephyr Zodiac Car Club. Hosting duties are shared around the North Island Zephyr clubs, with the convention returning to Auckland every four years. This year, at least 45 Zephyrs are expected to attend, from Mk1 to MKIV models. As always, these things take some organizing and are only made possible with a dedicated committee and the generosity of sponsors.
The format for this great occasion is as follows: participants will check in at the Distinction Hotel in downtown Whangarei on Friday, 30 March. This will be home for the weekend, with a bit of socializing on the Friday night and a catchup with fellow car owners from throughout the North Island.
On Saturday morning, the cars will assemble in the car park of the Whangarei cricket ground next to the Toll Stadium for a public show and shine’ which will run from 9.30am till 12.30pm. All public are most welcome to this free event to reminisce and talk with car owners.
After the show, there will be a run to Marsden Point, with a stop at the Porthouse Bar for lunch and refreshments on the way. Saturday evening, it’ll be back to the Distinction for an evening meal. On Sunday, there is set to be a small car-boot sale followed by a car run farther north — another good chance for the public to see the Zephyr fleet on the road — before heading to Hikurangi and then returning through to Tutukaka to the marina for lunch. Most cars will be back in town early afternoon, so spotting a Zephyr on the streets of Whangarei shouldn’t prove too difficult. Sunday night will see some more socializing, with farewells for some of the early starters on the Monday morning, hopefully with lots of good memories to go home with.