Dual Spitfires offer rare treat

A recently-restored Spitfire fighter, confirmed as one of two to fly at the Warbirds Over Wanaka international air show next Easter, will be sporting the same markings as this Spitfire, photographed in Britain during World War 2. The lettering signifies that both machines were flown by the New Zealand fighter pilot pictured above, Air Commodore Alan Deere. Photo from the Peter R Arnold Collection.

New Zealand's only two airworthy Spitfire fighter aircraft will fly together for the Warbirds Over Wanaka international air show next Easter.

Organisers of the air show have described the dual flight by the two restored fighter planes as a "rare occurrence".

One of the Supermarine Spitfires had been unable to make the previous Warbirds Over Wanaka air show in 2008 when a wrangle between United States customs and defence departments delayed its shipment to New Zealand.

Auckland-based owner Doug Brooker said the machine had since arrived and had been flying regularly until it was damaged in a minor mishap near Masterton.

Repairs were now complete and the two-seater fighter would be back in the air soon and on track for its Wanaka debut, he said.

Mr Brooker, a semi-retired company director, will fly the Spitfire.

Alongside Mr Brooker's aircraft will be the first fully New Zealand-restored Spitfire - owned by the family of New Zealand fighter pilot Alan Deere.

Air Commodore Deere, who was raised in Westport and later Wanganui, was a highly distinguished pilot who served with the RAF for 40 years.

The Mark IX Spitfire was built in 1944 and was flown by the Royal Air Force in Italy, Marton-based Brendon Deere, a nephew of Air Com Deere, said.

Wanaka air show event manager Mandy Deans said the Spitfires would join about 70 other aircraft in what organisers are describing as the biggest international air show Wanaka has held.