The first consignment of 12 North American T6 Harvards arrived in New Zealand in 1941 for the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Harvards were displayed at the very first Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow in 1988 and have been constant visitors since. Warbirds Over Wanaka display planner John Lamont said traditionally, the five-ship "Roaring 40s" Harvard display team from Ardmore performed an aerobatic routine at the Wanaka airshow.
"Next year, they will still do their routine but then will join in with the other, up to nine, Harvards for the formation flypast" he said.
The aim is to beat the previous biggest Harvard formation, a 12-ship display in 1998, he said.
"A large number of us trained in these great aircraft and they’re still seen today as a major stepping stone for younger pilots who aspire to fly the big World War 2 fighter warbirds."
The show will be held on March 30, 31 and April 1.
