An aeroplane will attempt to "water ski" on Lake Ruataniwha on Saturday, in an effort to raise funds to build a new medical centre in Twizel.
The third annual Twizel airshow "Wings Over Water" returns at the weekend, and the main benefactor of the proceeds from the day will be the new medical centre.
Twizel Medical Centre general manager Andrew Tucker said the practice dealt with 1600 enrolled patients along with a "large number" of casual patients, and the facility was no longer up to the demands of a modern medical practice.
"It's a converted Twizel house so it's too small. There is not enough room for patients to be seen properly."
Mr Tucker said plans had been drawn up for an "exceptional" new centre and they would soon be submitted to an architect for costing.
Both medical staff and the board of directors of High Country Health were keen to get the new facility operating "as soon as possible," he said.
Wings Over Water secretary Joy Paterson said the show organisers were keen to support the project "in whatever way we can."
She said the airshow would have something for everyone, and was not restricted to aircraft enthusiasts.
Broad areas of interest included marine craft, classic cars and motorcycles, military guns and vehicles, original earthmoving equipment from the Twizel hydro project, radio-controlled aircraft and boats, and so on.
"The flying display is focused on ... showcasing [aircraft] in ways perhaps not often seen by the general public, as they demonstrate their wide-ranging capabilities.
"But there will also be vintage planes, aerobatics and glider displays," she said.
"A highlight will be the first ever attempt in public to 'water ski' an aircraft.
"A [Piper ]Super Cub will attempt to put its wheels in the water as it flies across the lake."
If the weather was inclement tomorrow, the show would take place on Sunday, she said.
