Warbirds wins people’s choice award for a 2nd time

Warbirds Over Wanaka event manager Andrena Davi. File photo: Marjorie Cook
Warbirds Over Wanaka event manager Andrena Davi. File photo: Marjorie Cook
The 2024 Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow has been crowned New Zealand’s favourite event for the second time.

The event won the people’s choice award at this week’s New Zealand Event Association Gala Awards Dinner in Palmerston North.

Warbirds Over Wanaka event manager Andrena Davis received the award on behalf of the airshow.

The event also won the people’s choice award in 2018, but was not able to defend it, as Covid restrictions meant the event did not run again until this year.

"This was the award we most wanted to win because it’s a public vote and we simply wouldn’t have such an amazing event without our fans.

"The six-year gap was no barrier — we had the most successful airshow ever and now we’ve gone back to back with this major award — we couldn’t be happier," she said in a statement.

Mrs Davis said she dedicated the award to the volunteers, performers, exhibitors and others who helped make the airshow happen.

Planning was already under way for the next airshow from April 3-5, 2026.

Tickets go on sale in July next year.