ANNIVeRSARY AIR SHow! - Royal New Zealand Air Force

ANNIVeRSARY 

AIR SHow! 

FIGHTING SPIRIT - 

RNZAF’S New book 

FUTURe 35 

- NH90 

- oRIoNS’ UPGRAde 

- TAcTIcAl TRANSPoRT 

TRAINING 

issue 135 

April 2012 | Royal New Zealand Air Force 

Air Force news 1

18 

5 

Contents 

75th Anniversary Air show 

04 ‘Thank you’ from the 

order of st John 

06 welcome to the nH90 

08 Maritime surveillance 

10 

12 

24 

25 

26 

27 

Future 35 

Aircraft Livery Project 

Tactical Training 

Mates across the ditch 

The Grumman Avenger 

Two spitfires 

Thunder Mustang 

2 Air Force news 

17 Launching our Anniversary 

28 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

Air show – behind the scenes 

Book reviews 

Anzac exchange 

rnZAF Peacekeeper 

Human intelligence 

Youth Development 

36 sport 

38 notices 

Our mission 

To carry out military air operations to advance 

New Zealand’s security interests with professionalism, 

integrity and teamwork. 

Air Force News is the official magazine of the Royal 

New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) —established to inform, 

educate, and entertain its personnel and friends. 

Published by 

Defence Communications Group 

HQ NZ Defence Force 

Wellington, New Zealand 

Editor 

Richard Jackson 

Pn 04-496-0289 

Fax 04-496-0290 

Email; airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz 

Design and Layout 

Defence Communications Group 

Printed by 

Bluestar 

Private Bag 39996, Wellington 

Distribution 

Marianna Robati, Defence Communication Group 

Email: airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz 

Air Force News is governed by an Editorial Board. Views 

expressed in the Air Force News are not necessarily those 

of the RNZAF or the New Zealand Defence Force. Defence 

regulations over-ride all content in the Air Force News. Editorial 

contributions and ideas are welcomed. They can be emailed 

directly to the Editor and do not need to be forwarded through 

normal command chains. 

Contributions need to include 

• writer’s name, rank and unit 

• photos provided separate from the text – at least 300dpi. 

Contribution deadline for the May Issue 

Tuesday 10 April 2012 

Contribution deadline for the June Issue 

Monday 07 May 2012 

Contribution deadline for the July Issue 

Monday 11 June 2012 

Air Force News will hold the copyright for submitted articles 

or photographs it publishes. Articles and photographs 

published in Air Force News cannot be published elsewhere 

without permission. 

ISSN 1175-2327 

CoveR imAge 

The publiC TAke A Close look AT oNe oF The New Nh90 

heliCopTeRs ouTside The hANgARs oF The heliCopTeR 

TRANisTioN uNiT, duRiNg The AiR show AT ohAkeA, 31 

mARCh. 

phoTo by Cpl sAm shepheRd RNZAF

First word 

First Word 

By Air Vice-Marshal 

Peter stockwell, 

Chief of Air Force 

on 1 April 2012 we officially turned 75. our 75th 

Anniversary has been an opportunity to celebrate 

our proud heritage and showcase the work we do in 

New Zealand, the region and around the world. 

This quarter has been busy with all the activities and events planned for this year’s 

celebrations in addition to our current work schedules. A number of events—too 

many to mention here—have provided the opportunity for everyone to celebrate 

and reflect on 75 years. by everyone I mean serving and retired Air Force personnel, 

the wider defence Force, supporters, friends and allies from overseas, as well as 

businesses and supporting organisations. 

exercise kIwIFlAG provided the opportunity for our international defence 

partners to share in the celebrations and participate in our Air Show. It was a privilege 

to host military officials from major international Air Forces including the French 

Armed Forces, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air 

Force, United States Air Force and United States Marine corps. 

I have been impressed by the way our airmen and airwomen have continued to take 

on additional work and make our Air Show and the many other events something we 

can all be proud of. The Air Show was spectacular and it was a very appropriate way 

to celebrate our Air Force’s anniversary—it was wonderful to see so many visitors 

to ohakea. we estimate 60,000 to 70,000 people came to the Air Show; a fantastic 

turnout. I was disappointed that some people caught up in traffic congestion missed 

out on a great show. 

The Red checkers delighted audiences across the country as they performed their 

aerial displays during their national tour and, for the first time in many years, a RNZAF 

Guard of Honour marched through the wellington cbd to the Parliament Forecourt, 

for our Anniversary Parade. 

There have been a number of special events. A book covering the RNZAF’s history 

was commissioned; Fighting Spirit, 75 years of the RNZAF, by Margaret Mcclure 

chronicles our past and leads into our future in a very colourful and descriptive 

way. The author has done a great job of capturing not only the deeds of the RNZAF, 

but more importantly, our spirit. The author has detailed the birth, growth and 

transformation of the RNZAF into the force it is today. 

New Zealand Post has produced an outstanding stamp issue portraying our range 

of activities and aircraft throughout the years, from the early Tiger Moth aircraft to 

the modern NH90, and so illustrates our past, present and immediate future. They 

also produced a commemorative pure silver 1oz coin, the only New Zealand legal 

tender coin officially authorised to commemorate our 75 years. 

These events have all helped showcase the RNZAF and reminded New Zealanders 

that we have a very professional and capable Air Force. Thank you to all those men 

and women who helped to make our 75th Anniversary a great success. I am very 

proud of what we have achieved on this very important year. 

celebrating 75 Years of service to new Zealand 

FRoM lTGeN 

RHYS JoNeS, 

cHIeF oF deFeNce FoRce 

congratulations to the RNZAF on 

your 75th Anniversary. A highlight of 

the celebrations was the Air Show at 

RNZAF base ohakea ; it captured the 

imagination of the many who attended. 

In 1937 New Zealand created an 

independent air service that was 

co-equal with our Army and Navy. back 

then, as the world was engulfed in war, 

the need for effective and up to date air 

power was quickly proven, not only in 

the battle of britain but in other theatres 

of war such as crete and Singapore 

The courageous deeds of our airmen 

are still recognised, not only with the 

three Vcs won over europe and the 

Atlantic, but also with the forthcoming 

unveiling of the bomber command 

Memorial in london. 

Since wwII, New Zealand has, with 

its allies and partners, played a full and 

respected part in world events, and the 

RNZAF has provided New Zealand’s 

contribution in response to many 

crises. The RNZAF has played a key role 

in peacekeeping operations around 

the world and today its aircraft and 

personnel continue to deploy in support 

of peace and stability. 

our Air Force also plays an important 

role protecting and assisting New 

Zealanders and our Pacific neighbours. 

The achievements of our maritime 

squadrons, first with flying boats and 

now with P-3 orions in searching for 

vessels in distress, or responding to 

distant medical emergencies, are 

legend. 

The RNZAF today is an essential 

part of the NZdF and, through the 

capabilities of its new and modernised 

aircraft , will play a vital part in our 

future Joint Amphibious Task Force. 

Underlying our capabilities are the 

talents and commitment of our people 

and I salute the men and women of the 

RNZAF who not only continue a proud 

tradition, but are building the Air Force 

of today as a key part of our future 

defence Force. 


community support 

4 Air Force news

The chief of defence Force has launched ‘Future 35’, our 

strategy to shape the NZdF as a strong and capable 

defence Force out to 2035. His goal is for our defence 

Force to deliver capabilities and services that are relevant, 

combat-orientated, and valued by the Government and all New 

Zealanders. 

The next 25 years are likely to be challenging: an increasingly 

uncertain environment; new military technology; adoption 

of new doctrine and tactics—often asymmetric; new warfare 

environments influenced by contemporary trends such as 

cyber-warfare; use of non-state actors; and greater potential 

for direct and deniable attacks on New Zealand’s interests. 

The NZdF must develop new military capabilities to meet 

future security challenges. The defence Force may not receive 

additional Government funding for the next ten years, and we 

may need to fund future military capability from within our 

current budget, the cdF says. 

“The added challenge is that we may be called on to 

provide more support to protect New Zealand’s economic 

and territorial interests. while our primary focus is the South 

Pacific, we must also be capable of working in partnership with 

others in the South east Asian region and beyond.” 

NZDF’s New strategy 

The cdF explained that our strategy to meet these 

challenges is for the NZdF of the future to be more ‘joined up’, 

both in terms of structure as well as culture. 

“The Joint Amphibious Task Force (JATF) we are creating is 

the first and most tangible example. The JATF will drive change 

and will see the three Services come together in a more joint 

and ‘joined up’ way—a shift in the way we work and think to a 

strategy 

SHAPING THe 

NZdF FoR THe 

NeXT 20 YeARS 

future where we will largely operate together.” [See AFN 133 

February 2012.] 

The JATF will primarily be structured for the deployment 

of combat forces. However it will most frequently be used to 

deploy disaster relief forces, conduct exercises in the region, 

and assist our neighbours to develop their own capacity. 

“The JATF requires us to deploy, operate, and sustain 

combat forces away from New Zealand, positioning the NZdF 

as an expeditionary force. It is important to note that building 

defence capability takes time. Initially the composition of the 

JATF will be formed from existing force element capability. 

over time we will acquire and develop new complementary 

capabilities required to fight within a joint, interagency, and 

multi-national environment.” 

the PlaN to 2015 

The plan for the NZdF will initially focus on two key areas: 

Capability renewal. by 2015 the Joint Amphibious Task Force 

will see our current force strengths—our frontline operational 

and support units from across the three Services— 

reorganised into an integrated and coherent force working 

together as one. 

organisational reform. our second focus is organisational 

reform, to strengthen our organisational management and 

work in a more ‘joined-up’ way. The performance of the middle 

and back of the defence Force needs to better support our 

core military business, and match the agility and effectiveness 

of our deployed force elements. 

More information on Future 35 will be promulgated through 

command channels. See also ‘Future 35’ dated March 2012 

distributed via email and intranet. 


new capability 

“this is a very significant day for the air 

Force and the wider NZDF”, the Defence 

Minister, Dr Jonathan Coleman, said on 09 

March as he officially welcomed the first 

of the air Force’s new medium utility Nh90 

helicopters at air Movements rongotai 

HAere MAi AnD Bien 

Venue To THe nH90! 

with the chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Peter 

Stockwell, and in the presence of His excellency 

the Governor-General, dr coleman said: “The 

NH90 helicopters are state of the art machines with better 

capabilities [than the Iroquois] and full self–protection. They 

are the most advanced and capable helicopters the Air Force 

has ever had.” 

The Minister explained that the helicopters will undergo a 

rigorous operational test and evaluation phase of some 12 – 

18 months, to ensure the aircraft are safe and fit for purpose 

before they are committed to operational use. “The NH90s 

will deliver the priorities outlined in the defence white Paper 

and improve the defence Force’s ability to conduct disaster 

relief, search and rescue, or other operations. The NH90 is 

particularly important for our future Joint Amphibious Task 

Force.” 

dr coleman concluded by praising the constructive 

relationship with the manufacturer, NHI, and he commended 

the work of the Ministry of defence and RNZAF acquisition 

team. 

The chief of Air Force explained: “This is a very special 

occasion for the RNZAF, as it marks the next step in our 

transition to becoming a 21st century Air Force. I would like to 

acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the Mod 

team in getting us to this stage. As well, a large number of 

NZdF and RNZAF personnel in France and in New Zealand have 


been an important part of the project. 

“I would particularly like to acknowledge the Acceptance 

Test and evaluation Pilot, SQNldR chris Andrew as project 

Test Pilot for the flight test programme. other key individuals 

include wGcdRs Shaun Johnson, Pete Sutherland, Shaun 

Sexton, and Mark brunton, SQNldR Mike chalmers, and Mr 

Steve Smyth. And of course there are many more, going back 

several years, whom I haven’t mentioned. collectively, they 

have all done a great job in reaching this important milestone. 

“I also want to emphasise the sacrifices the families have 

made, particularly while team members have been abroad. I 

want to mark my appreciation of their support by conveying my 

heartfelt thanks for their contribution to this fantastic effort,” 

AVM Stockwell said. 

Following their formal speeches of welcome, the new 

helicopter was blessed by the RNZAF chaplain, before 

it conducted a short flyby over wellington Airport. on 

completion, the aircraft departed to ohakea, to resume the 

current test and transition programme. 

Since the delivery of the first two aircraft, NZ3301 and 

NZ3302, last december [see AFN 133] both NH90s have 

been undertaking a test and transition programme aimed at 

achieving limited taskings from late 2012, with a full capability 

release—following operational Testing and evaluation—by 

2015.

Rear Admiral Steer, VcdF and AVM Stockwell assess 

the cockpit of the NH90. 

oPPoSITe: AVM Stockwell is interviewed by TV3 

chaplain Hight blesses 

the new helicopter 

The first all-NZ crew: SQNldR chris 

Andrew, FlTlT Mike Garrett, F/S 

chris Jowsey & F/S chris Mitchell 

The NH90’s first flight in New Zealand took place on 

14 February from ohakea. That flight, and a number of 

subsequent ones, each had an NHI company pilot on board, 

as the RNZAF transition aircrew underwent re-familiarisation 

training. It had been eight months since the RNZAF team 

completed their NH90 conversion-to-type training in France. 

SQNldR Andrew commented that, “The first all-RNZAF 

flight was the first in a series to develop our Standard 

operating Procedures as well as increase our proficiency and 

experience with the new aircraft.” 

w/o Pete barker is the Maintenance w/o for the NH90. He 

explained that two RNZAF Training officers went to France 

last year to assess the NH90 training courses and adapt them 

for the RNZAF. All the training manuals are electronic and, as 

well, there are NHI Field service representatives working with 

the Helicopter Transition Unit, w/o barker explained. “we 

ask lots of questions and, with the time difference, we get an 

overnight service from NHI in France. The helicopter is proving 

to be reliable; in less than a month we have achieved over 30 

hours flying time. but we are still in the crawl phase, before we 

can learn to walk or run with it,” w/o barker says. “It’s really 

enjoyable—it’s still like christmas!” 

“Ka pu te Ruha, ka hao te Rangatahi” 

“As the old net retires, the new net goes out fishing” 

NH90 TECH SPECS 

Nato Helicopter Industries (NHI) was formed in 1992 

through an inter-company agreement between four partner 

companies: eurocopter (France), eurocopter deutschland 

(Germany), Agusta westland (Italy) and Stork Fokker 

(Netherlands). other nations flying the NH90 are: Australia, 

belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the 

Netherlands, Norway, oman, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. 

Dimensions: 19.56m (rotors turning) x 4.62m (width) 

x 5.23m (height) 

Crew: Two pilots and one or two helicopter 

crewmen 

Capacity: 18 passengers, 12 troops with 

equipment, or 

9 stretchers plus medical staff. 

3,200 kg cargo 

Engines: Two Rolls-Royce Turbomecca RTM 

322-01/9 turbine engines, 2,227shp each 

Max speed 300kph (164 kts) 

Range 780km (420 nm) 

Endurance 4.45 hours. 

Armament Two MAG 58 machine guns (7.62mm). 

Specialised equipment Goodrich twin electric rescue hoist 

Cargo hook 

Fast roping/rappelling system. 

Removable ballistic armour 

The most advanced helicopter the Air Force has ever 

had, the NH90 will considerably improve our defence 

Force’s capability to conduct military, counter-terrorism, 

disaster relief, search and rescue, and tasks in support of 

Government agencies (Police, customs, Maritime NZ, civil 

defence, and the department of conservation). 

our fleet of eight NH90s is being acquired with a logistics 

and support package comprising training, software, 

publications support and equipment. The package includes 

a ninth airframe, purchased for replacement parts, and 

ongoing provision for spare parts. The total cost of eight 

NH90s and the full support and logistics package is 

$771million. The support and logistics costs represent over 

a third of this total. The budget has been allocated through 

the ten-year defence long Term development Plan. 

New infrastructure has been built at ohakea under 

Project TAkITINI to enable the NH90 to be supported 

effectively. This has provided facilities that are second to 

none and are the start of a first-class synthetic training 

capability for the helicopter force. 


Maritime surveillance 

No 5 SQUAdRoN 

deTAcHMeNT To JoIN 

2012 RIMPAc eXeRcISe 

the rim of the Pacific (rIMPaC) multinational, 

complex, conventional warfare 

exercise, will be held in the exercise areas 

around hawaii from July to august this year. 

For the first time in over 25 years, the NZdF will participate 

in RIMPAc, alongside several other nations, including Russia, 

Australia, Japan, Tonga, Singapore, Mexico, chile, India and 

columbia. 

RIMPAc is the largest exercise of its type, spanning all 

maritime-based warfare disciplines. It is set in a coalition 

environment that includes live firing, specialist serials such as 

amphibious training, and integration of littoral capabilities such 

as mine hunting and naval gunfire. 

The NZdF contingent will include a P-3k from No. 5 Sqn, 

HMNZS Te kAHA with a Seasprite Flight from No. 6 Sqn 

embarked, HMNZS eNdeAVoUR, diving and Mine counter 

Measures Teams, a Rifle Platoon from 1 RNZIR, Tactical Air 

control teams, and staff to augment the exercise HQ. 

The orion detachment will deploy to kanehoe bay Naval 


Two of No. 5 Sqn orions 

in this blended image of 

58 minutes of 15 second 

exposures taken on 3/4 

March. The celestial south 

pole is at top right, around 

which the stars appear 

to rotate. Photo by Rod 

Mackenzie, base Auckland 

Photo Flight 

Air Station, to work alongside US Navy and other partner P-3 

detachments. our aircraft and crews will undertake both antisubmarine 

warfare and anti-surface warfare missions during 

the exercise, flying planned and reactive sorties intended to 

meet the RNZAF’s training objectives. 

The ground combat element will integrate the platoon from 

1 RNZIR with US Marines and other nations’ troops, operating 

off a large US Navy amphibious ship. 

Te kAHA and eNdeAVoUR will be among 42 surface ships, 

and our frigate and its embarked Seasprite—from No.6 

Sqn—will have the opportunity to exercise against up to six 

submarines. All told 25,000 personnel; a US aircraft carrier 

Strike Group and over 200 land- and ship-based aircraft will be 

involved. 

MAJ Mark walters, Joint Training and International 

engagement officer, says RIMPAc will be a great opportunity 

for the NZdF. “our relationships with our coalition partners 

are developed by such major exercises, which assist with 

interoperability when we’re called to stand with them on 

operations.”

SECoND P-3K2 

ACCEPTED 

on 16 March P-3k2 orion NZ 4201, the second upgraded 

orion was accepted by the Ministry of defence from the 

prime contractor, l-3 Integrated Systems, and delivered to 

whenuapai. NZ4201 is the first aircraft to be upgraded in 

New Zealand following on from the delivery in April last year 

of the prototype upgraded in Texas [see AFN 125 May 2011]. 

The Minister of defence, Hon Jonathan coleman, said the project had achieved 

an important milestone with the delivery of the second aircraft—not only did the 

delivery represent a further platform with advanced technology for the RNZAF, 

it also demonstrated the skills and technical abilities of New Zealand’s aviation 

industry, with the work being done by Air New Zealand subsidiary Safe Air limited in 

blenheim under sub-contract to l-3. 

“The return of the second upgraded P-3k2 orion to the RNZAF allows No.5 

Squadron to continue its transition from the traditional role as a Maritime Patrol 

Force to an Airborne Surveillance and Response Force.” 

The Minister commented that work is well advanced on the third aircraft to be 

upgraded, and that upgrade work has now commenced on the fourth aircraft in the 

RNZAF fleet. “The remaining two aircraft of our fleet will also be upgraded by Safe 

Air ltd in blenheim. Given the challenges involved in undertaking aircraft and mission 

system upgrades of the scale and complexity of the P-3k2 project, I am pleased that 

this work was done successfully in New Zealand,” Mr coleman said. 

The P-3k2 orion Upgrade Project 

• Upgrades to the aircraft’s communication, navigation, surveillance and 

data management systems, 

• A state-of-the-art flight deck, 

• Mission preparation and analysis systems, 

• crew training facilities, and 

• Software testing and integration tools. 

The first two upgraded aircraft will be used for transition training, and to 

conduct operational Testing and evaluation (oT&e) allowing our crews to develop 

the procedures to maximise the capability of the upgraded fleet. 

Maritime surveillance 

The kiribati fisherman 

waves to the orion 

kIRIbATI 

SeARcH 

ANd 

ReScUe 

An RNZAF P-3 orion successfully 

located a missing 15ft (4.5m) vessel 

in the kiribati region on 5 March. 

SQNldR Alan brown said “The New 

Zealand Rescue coordination centre 

received a request for assistance from 

the Republic of kiribati on the evening 

of 04 March, after a search conducted 

by local authorities resulted in no 

sightings. 

“The orion launched from RNZAF 

base whenuapai at 0700hrs on 

Monday 5 March, transited to kiribati 

waters and located the missing vessel 

within 20 minutes of arriving in the 

search area. one man was onboard 

the overdue vessel, which had been 

reported missing west of banaba 

Island, within the local fishing ground. 

“when located, the fisherman 

was standing up and waving at the 

orion crew. The vessel had drifted 

approximately 52 nautical miles from 

the fishing ground. The crew were 

able to drop supplies, including food, 

water and a radio, to the man. They 

then located and provided guidance to 

a nearby fishing vessel to enable it to 

divert to locate the survivor. 

“This was a great result, and the 

survivor was extremely relieved to 

receive our assistance,” SQNldR 

brown said. 



the 75th aNNIversary 

AiRCRAFT 

LivERy 

PRojECT 

By D.A. Bacon, Project Officer, 

Directorate of systems evaluation 

Many plastic model makers will 

be familiar with applying decals 

to model aircraft; however, it’s 

not often we get to apply decals 

to the real thing! 


The ‘Air Force’ decal is revealed on the underside of the b757 

This year has allowed us to do just that—the 75th 

Anniversary is a major milestone and to celebrate 

we developed a highly visible aircraft livery. After 

extensive research, decals were chosen as the most effective 

way to do the job. 

The project had a secondary goal of attaining maximum 

public exposure throughout our anniversary year, so we 

developed the project to include a b757, c-130 and a cT4-e 

Airtrainer. 

The c-130 (NZ 7004), is scheduled to attend the 

international exercises cRoIX dU SUd in New caledonia, 

TRoPIc ASTRA in the South Pacific, MAPle FlAG in canada 

and RIMPAc in Hawaii. Along with this busy exercise schedule 

the c-130 will be conducting displays in New Zealand. 

Similarly, the b757 (NZ7571), is planned to fly to exercise 

SeA lIoN in Australia, take the longlook deployment to 

the Uk, attend exercises beRSAMA SHIeld in Malaysia and 

RIMPAc in Hawaii. To cap things off the b757 will fly our 

veterans to the dedication of the bomber command Memorial 

in london as well fly a number of operational deployments and 

take part in our own Anniversary Air Show. 

Red checker 1, the lead cT4-e Air Trainer (NZ 1994), has 

also been given Anniversary livery; it will be seen during 

the extensive Red checkers’ tour throughout NZ and at the 

RNZAF Anniversary and wanaka Air Shows. 

decals are relatively easy to install and remove, are low risk 

in terms of paint scheme damage and are very cost-effective. 

The project team put together three design options and sent 

the options to the chief of Air Force.

The tail of Hercules NZ7004 

checkers 1, the lead Airtrainer of our aerobatic team 

boeing 757 in the new livery 


The decal designs were subject to the following design 

constraints: 

• Use of standard RNZAF insignia, 

• Use of RNZAF tri-colours, 

• Use of 75th anniversary colour in design (diamond 

white and/or Gold), and, 

• complied with the RNZAF’s 75th Anniversary ‘brand’. 

The cAF’s chosen design concept was put together by F/S 

Trent wyatt, an Air engineer at No. 5 Sqn. well known for his 

artistry, F/S wyatt’s design incorporates: 

• Four contrails made up of the Air Force tri-colours and 

gold—which represents 75 years of RNZAF service. 

• Four symbolic strike aircraft representing a link to our 

past and the four force elements of Maritime, Fixed wing 

transport, Rotary wing transport, and Training aircraft. 

• The Southern cross, to represent New Zealand and our 

flag. 

david Sherriff at the Auckland drawing office then applied 

the design concept to each aircraft type. david’s expertise 

as a former Safety and Surface technician and now as a 

Technical drawer was invaluable in translating F/S wyatt’s 

design concept to each aircraft. 

The team had to take into consideration a number of 

constraints. The designs could not utilise primary flight 

control surfaces; the decals could not impinge on anti-icing 

systems or instrument and sensor components; while we also 

needed to avoid areas of oil, soot or dirt accumulation and 

areas requiring regular inspection. 

decal quality is extremely important and installed on 

RNZAF aircraft they have to withstand the full range of 

environmental factors: 

• Altitudes up to and including 42,000 feet. 

• Speeds up to and including Mach 0.86. 

• Temperatures ranging from -56° to +55°c. 

• Good resistance to water, Mil-l-7808 oil, and Jet A and 

AVGAS fuels. 

The preferred commercial provider was Admark Visual 

Imaging ltd, a New Zealand firm which is an authorised 

3M product applicator and is recognised internationally as 

specialists in the printing and application of aircraft graphics 

and signage. Admark provides decal products to Air New 

Zealand and are original equipment Manufacturers to boeing. 

The installation was undertaken by Admark technicians 

under the supervision and assistance of No. 40 Sqn 

Maintenance Flight (for the b757 and c-130) and Pilot 

Training Squadron Maintenance Flight (for the Airtrainer). 

The directorate of continued Airworthiness Management 

in both Auckland and ohakea provided important specialist 

engineering advice and the required technical approvals to 

install the decals on the aircraft. 

The newly-liveried b757 was quickly observed in 

christchurch and in the Antarctic, while the lead Red checker 

was soon turning heads around the South Island. The 

Anniversary aircraft livery project is a simple but eye-catching 

and cost effective means of communicating the RNZAF’s 75th 

Anniversary year to the public, both in NZ and internationally. 


operational capability 

TACTiCAL 

TEST! 

a series of big military transports, flying low and dropping carefully cushioned loads by 

parachute, is a rare sight in the auckland region. But in recent weeks, during exercise KIwI 

Flag, american, French, singaporean and australian transport crews joined rNZaF personnel 

in testing their tactical skills. 

dropping cargo from the back of a low flying c-130 

Hercules or a big c-17 for troops on the ground 

is a necessary skill relevant to operations in 

Afghanistan—and even to scientists at the South Pole (where 

snow conditions can prevent an aircraft landing). on this 

exercise, however, a variety of practice loads were dropped, 

ranging from large drums strapped to a pallet, to tractor tyres 

and water ballast. 

exercise kIwIFlAG 2012 was a tactical training exercise for 

fixed wing air transports, held at RNZAF base Auckland and 

conducted from 24 March to 05 April. The exercise scenario 

was designed to provide tactical-qualified aircrew with 

realistic exercises, in a deployed operational environment 

and emphasising coalition operations. The exercise tested 

intra-theatre air mobility techniques, including low level flying, 

simulated airdrop, cargo and personnel airdrop, and airlandings 

for insertion, or extraction, of personnel and cargo. 

The New Zealand crews came to kIwI FlAG fresh from 

exercise SkYTRAIN, which had been centred on the grass 

airfield at Alexandra during February and early March. SQN 

ldR Andy Scott (the detachment commander for SkYTRAIN) 


said the earlier exercise was for ‘currency training’; keeping 

personnel up to date with their training targets. The exercise 

developed aircrew skills in map reading, low-level flying and 

accurate timekeeping to ensure that the parachute loads were 

dropped in the designated drop zone. 

“we also conduct training for the support trades down 

here such as parachute riggers and medics. on one day we did 

training for aero-medical evacuation flights.” 

The mock evacuation scenario included ‘injured’ people 

on the camp who had to be transported in the Hercules. This 

situation provided the opportunity for the medics to practice 

their procedures away from base in an environment that 

mirrors the real thing, in real time. 

For personnel assigned on exercise for training purposes, 

there’s very little downtime. It’s a gruelling day with three, 

three hour flights. The preparation that goes into each flight, 

and making sure all the training objectives are met, is immense. 

each flight involves the standard aircrew of a Hercules — 

pilot, co-pilot, engineer, navigator/air warfare officer and two 

loadmasters. In addition to this team, the aircraft will carry 

other personnel under training. overall nearly 30 flights were

Air Movements personnel at work: lAc Pip bedlington, lAc Andre 

lambrecht and, in the cab, PTe luca Godinich 

leFT: The scene at Alexandra airfield 

“we also conduct training for the 

support trades down here such as 

parachute riggers and medics” 

KIwI Flag: Participating aircraft 

RAAF c-130J 

Singapore c-130 

USAF c-17 

USMc kc-130 

France casa cN 235 

RNZAF c-130H 

conducted over the 10 day period of the exercise 

“our pilots, navigators and all the aircrew work really hard. 

Their day can start at 7.00am and finish at 10.00pm. That 

being said, the parachute packers are regularly working until 

8.00pm,” said SQNldR Scott. He explained that the Army 

chefs work long hours too, feeding the 180 personnel on camp 

three times a day. 

In addition to the training for No. 40 Squadron personnel, 

No. 42 Squadron personnel were also going through their own 

training with their king Air b200s at Alexandra. “It gives them a 

taste of what they will be working towards,” explained SQNldR 

Scott. 

Mission Planning: SQNldR Andrew 

Scott & SGT david bennett 

the regular tactical training was put to use on 15 

March when the rNZaF had to transport the Navy’s 

operational Diving team to Bluff for an urgent 

search for crew from a sunken fishing boat. the 

easy rIDer had been overwhelmed by a rogue wave 

and all but one on board lost. a hercules loaded the 

divers and all their gear for the flight south and at 

Bluff quickly off-loaded into Police vehicles and 

trailers, which took the Divers to the search site. 

of note, the aircraft allocated to the task was 

NZ7004, sporting the new 75th anniversary livery. 


operational capability 

No. 40 

SquADRoN’S 

ANTARCTiC 

SEASoN 

ICE CUB 

The RNZAF’s Hercules have been 

flying to the Antarctic each summer 

since 1965. with the introduction 

of the b757, our big jets have joined 

the annual airlift commitment. This 

summer of 2011/12 was typically busy 

for both the boeing and Hercules 

Flights of No.40 Squadron. 


c-130 Hercules Flight 

by FgoFF Alex Tredrea 

The ice season for our c-130s started in November last 

year. Much planning goes into the season from an early stage 

with regards to the number of flights, aircraft, and crews who 

will be flying. The crews complete many briefings and lectures 

about the ice within the Squadron, as well as hearing the odd 

‘war story’ from the more seasoned operators. Then there is 

the survival training the crews have to be current in, due to 

the potential dangers from the extreme weather that can take 

hold down there. once that is all complete, the aircraft and 

crews were off to christchurch to be based with deep Freeze, 

our aircraft on the apron alongside the United States Antarctic 

Programme. 

A lot of planning goes into every flight to Antarctica, 

involving all crew members and our support units. The amount 

and type of cargo carried, fuel loads, calculating the points 

of no return, revising cold weather procedures and assessing 

weather limits, are all part of the planning process. The night 

before, we run our fuel plans and look at the forecasted 

weather and winds. A usual day will consist of a ‘skeleton 

crew’ for that morning’s flight getting up at around 0430hrs 

to examine the weather and conditions down at the Ice. If it 

is suitable for a ‘go’, the rest of crew will be woken up and our 

push to the aircraft via the pie shop commences soon after. 

once out at the deep Freeze apron the load Masters and Air

Antarctica seen from 

a c-130 cockpit 

E! it 

engineers will be busy loading and pre-flighting the aircraft for 

the trip while the pilots and navigator receive a weather brief 

from an American forecaster via a web cam. The Navigator will 

then start plotting fuel graphs and calculating a point of no 

return based on the winds and cargo/fuel load, while the pilots 

examine airfield conditions and complete flight plans. 

This is a critical part of the planning stage as the c-130 

cannot carry enough fuel to make it all the way to Antarctica 

(about an 8 hour flight)—and return home with cargo onboard. 

Thus there is a point along the way that if we proceed past, 

there is no turning back! As there are minimal options, if the 

weather turns for the worse or the runway becomes unusable 

for any reason, it is important that the decision to continue 

is well thought out and made with as much information as 

possible. 

It is for this reason that Antarctica flights are considered 

by some to be the most dangerous flying No. 40 Sqn 

undertakes—Antarctic weather can be extremely fickle. 

Some trips will be conducted as a ‘down and back’. At 

McMurdo we remain on the ground only for as long as it takes 

to offload and refuel. These can be long days for all involved, 

when you take into account getting up at 0430, fly for 8 hours, 

add turn around times, fly for 8 hours more, and then clear 

customs once home. 

crew duty limitations often play a large part in planning the 

day. on some trips the crew will stay the night down there, 

usually in the American base at McMurdo. This provides other 

challenges that come from leaving the aircraft exposed for 

is an amazing experience to be 

able to fly to the most remote 

continent on earth 

Pre-flight preparations at McMurdo, note 

the hot air being piped into No. 3 engine 

an extended period in sub-zero temperatures. we operate a 

cold weather checklist and change our procedures to reduce 

damage to the aircraft from thermal shock [ie. rapid changes 

of temperature on the aircrafts systems] and to conserve the 

fragile ice runway. You can appreciate that the pre-flight takes 

a bit longer, when you have to carve massive chunks of ice off 

the aircraft! 

There are many challenges with flying to the ice, and the 

conditions for landing can change quickly. Some days it is 

absolutely breathtaking—clear blue skies, pristine snowcovered 

mountains, and not a breath of wind. other times 

there are strong winds kicking up snow and reducing visibility. 

That makes things tricky for a crosswind landing on a runway 

made of ice! 

we conduct our ice flights each year to not only help out 

with the delivery of supplies and equipment to the scientific 

teams down there, but also to keep up our training and 

procedures for when they are needed in a hurry. This could be 

in the form of a medical evacuation or a rescue mission, such 

as the airdrop of pumps and equipment to the damaged fishing 

vessel SPARTA [see AFN 133 February]. This year we made five 

scheduled flights to McMurdo, plus two to assist the SPARTA. 

I know that anyone’s first trip to Antarctica is memorable; 

mine certainly was. It is a wonderful experience to stand and 

see this so-untouched land. Although the days are long and the 

conditions sometimes tricky it is an amazing experience to be 

able to fly to the most remote continent on earth. 


The ice runway; note that 

a cross wind is blowing! 

boeing Flight 

by FlTlT Nathan barrack 

The boeings’ ice season finished successfully with their last 

flight of three to the Ice, in early March. our last flight to and 

from Pegasus (one of the Ice runways) this summer season 

was done during a small window of forecast good weather. 

The crew had to manage their available crew duty time while 

also taking into consideration the impending Antarctic night, 

the dwindling support on the ice, and forecast bad weather on 

the horizon. everything aligned however, and the mission was 

completed. 

our boeing Ice operations start with high-level meetings 

months before, to sort out the number of flights and available 

flying hours for supporting the US Antarctic Program and 

Antarctic New Zealand. our ice and cold weather survival 

training, along with weather and procedures briefs has to 

be fitted in, while the Squadron’s other commitments are 

met—No. 40 is a busy squadron that always seems to have 

many tasks on the go. 

A few clever individuals within boeing Flight have created a 

rigid planning cycle worksheet, to minimise possible errors on 

the day of each ice flight. Flight plans are run the night before 

a flight, so that only a re-run is required at 0500 in the morning 

when heads may be groggy. our planning spreadsheets are 

then combined with Jeppesens ‘jetplans’ to provide us with 

a fuel graph based on forecast winds. This graph is then used 

to plot the actual fuel burns against the predicted burn, and 

allows us to come up with the all important Point of Safe 

Return (PSR). 

Antarctic weather is notoriously difficult to predict, and this 


NZ7571 and its crew bring the 75th 

Anniversary message to the Ice 

The b757 is still new 

to ice operations; 

we first proved 

the boeing could 

operate there in 

2009... however, 

there are many 

rules and limits in 

place to ensure we 

are operating safely 

and as efficiently as 

possible. 

is one of the reasons for our weather limits. Not meeting our 

weather criteria approaching PSR is the most common reason 

for turning around and flying all the way home (which is a 7 hour 

round trip using approximately 24 tonnes of fuel on the b757). 

Flying to the ice with no alternate runway or airfield 

available, often feels like the forecasters are trying to lure 

us into some kind of a trap! but of course the forecasters are 

trying hard too, yet the fact is that the weather can change 

rapidly with little warning. 

The b757 is still new to ice operations; we first proved the 

boeing could operate there in 2009. but many had thought 

sending a civilian-type airliner to Antarctica was ridiculous. 

However, there are many rules and limits in place to ensure we 

are operating safely and as efficiently as possible. 

even though we have an auto pilot, unlimited coffee and 

delicious treats being passed forward by the flight stewards at 

all times—being awake for such long days takes its toll. early 

morning planning, monitoring the weather, the fuel and the 

flight’s progress, all combine to be very tiring. we have rest 

facilities onboard which extend our crew duty period out to 20 

hours. This enables us to delay in the morning, if the weather 

isn’t looking great, and attempt a take off later in the day. 

cross winds combined with a slippery ice runway at -15ºc 

can make for challenging landings. However the aircraft seems 

to enjoy the cold turnarounds, but I imagine an overnight stop 

for the b757 with blowing snow would be different! 

we don’t have as many years of experience with the b757 as 

we have with the Hercules—and we don’t have as many engines 

either! Yet I have no doubt that we are likely to see more use of 

the boeings in this role after another successful season for us 

down to “The Ice”.


LAuncHinG our Air 

Force AnniVersArY 

A 

special event was held at Parliament 

on 14 March, to officially recognise 

the Air Force’s 75th Anniversary, and 

launch the series of events that are being 

held to celebrate this. The evening included 

a video message from our Air commodore 

in chief, His Royal Highness the Prince of 

wales, an opening speech from the Minister 

of defence, remarks by the chief of Air 

Force and the launch of the new stamp 

collection, the specially minted silver coin, 

and our new official history. 

A fanfare, by the trumpeters of the central band of the RNZAF, 

announced the arrival of the official party. 

First, was the video message from our Air commodore in 

chief. His Royal Highness had, just two days before, recorded 

a special message to the men and women of the RNZAF to 

commemorate our 75th Anniversary and this was played at the 

Parliamentary event. 

The Minister of defence, Hon dr Jonathan coleman, and 

the Minister for Arts, culture & Heritage, Hon chris Finlayson, 

were present. In his speech, dr coleman highlighted the new 

purchases for the RNZAF; he noted that he had flown in one of 

our new A109 helicopters for the first time, just the day before. 

He was very complimentary of the history of the RNZAF and 

noted that our Air Force has a bright future. 

Air Vice-Marshal Stockwell said that the night was the 

first major event of our 75th Anniversary celebrations. “we 

are honoured to have so many distinguished guests with us 

tonight. This evening we officially launch the RNZAF 75th 

Anniversary book, as well as the commemorative stamp and 

coin collection.” 

He concluded his remarks by saying that the RNZAF vision 

is we will be ready, resilient and respected. “Not only is this a 

forward-looking vision to guide us into the future, but it has 

also been evident throughout our 75 year history.” 

Margaret Mcclure spoke of the new book, Fighting Spirit: 75 

years of the RNZAF [see page 30]. She mentioned some of the 

heroic deeds of our past, notably SGT James ward Vc, as well 

as remarking on the resilience of the Air Force in the wake of 

organisational and financial challenges in recent decades. 

both the author and the chief of the Air Force acknowledged 

the support of Random House, the publishers, and the RNZAF 

History board, chaired by AVM John Hamilton, who made 

‘sterling efforts’ to facilitate the new history. 

The chief executive of NZ Post, Mr brian Roche, introduced 

the stamp and coin collection, which showcases the Air 

Force’s history from the early Tiger Moths to our most modern 

helicopter, the NH90. The stamp collection vividly illustrates 

the RNZAF’s past, present and immediate future. 

The assembled guests and their hosts enjoyed a lively and 

fulfilling evening; it was an auspicious start to our anniversary 

celebrations. 

AVM Stockwell with dr coleman, 

Margaret Mcclure and brian Roche 


The day-long air display, featuring nearly 300 aircraft and 

including ground displays of all aspects of Air Force life, 

attracted nearly 70,000 visitors on Saturday 31 March. 

It was a great day and a spectacular way to celebrate the 

RNZAF’s 75 years of service to our nation. 

The flying displays were impressive, featuring wwI and 

wwII aircraft, jets from the fifties and the spectacular displays 

by the RAAF’s F-18 Hornets. one participant said: “I wasn’t 

going to miss this day for anything. A chance to experience 

the miracle of flight with a crowd of people, who, like me, are 

all there because they acknowledge feeling the little flutter 

in their stomach as they see an aircraft pass close overhead. 

I gave a double fist pump as the F/A-18 roared past! From 

the Sioux to the corsair to the b757 and the c-17, the 75th 

Anniversary Air Show was pure heaven!” 

The Air Force staff were disappointed that the traffic delays 

prevented some from getting to the show; for the most part air 

show visitors accepted the delays and listened to the air show 

commentary on their car radios. 

on the following pages, our Air Force and defence 

photographers capture the air show action. 


The four ship Hornet display 

was dramatic and noisy! 

Aircraft on static display; this photo was taken at 

1000 hours, before the parking areas were full

wwI dogfight; the Fokker dVII ( r) bounces the bristol Fighter (l) 

This F-18 Hornet is in special livery to mark the 

70th anniversary this year of No.77 Sqn RAAF 

FGoFF Mike Adair talks about 

the A109 to air show visitors 

The orion from No.5 Sqn 

attracted much interest 

benjamin burtenshaw from wellington 

takes a look in the NH90 cockpit 

The NH90 flies past the tail of 

the Air NZ ‘All black’ b777 

The RNZAF’s new A109 

(top) and NH90 on display 


lAc Stuart Redrup talks to ben 

Gardiner about an engine 

The French casa cN 235 from New caledonia 


The warbirds c-47 dakota is painted as a 

No.42 Sqn VIP aircraft of the 50’s and 60’s 

A Storm Trooper tries out some 20th 

century weaponry in the Iroquois 

Two Hornets break left and right from the 

formation during their morning display 

looking up—some 

of the crowd in 

mid-afternoon; the 

orion on static display 

is in the background.

The c-17 on a slow pass with flaps and landing gear down 

Future pilot? A youngster in the 

cockpit of the RSAF Hercules 

dee bond, of the catalina club, 

with Jenny Scott author of 

dumbo diary (see also p 30) 

Fran Hanson, with her son Ryan, 

with the NH90 in the background. 

Air Force communications on show (l to r): SGT 

Rory Quinn, FlTlT Jen Ross & F/S bruce Madeley 


Members of the public look over the Air 

Force’s newest helicopter, the NH90. 

An RNZAF Refueller waits in 

front of the FG-1d corsair 


Victor kazaroho and Anne dubray 

photographing an aerial display 

The crowd walk along the static line of transports 

Henry wagstaff from wellington 

is shown a c9 Machine Gun by 

Armourer cPl Hamish McAlpine 

The F/A-18 Hornets in the 

operational area; a civilianowned 

ex-RNZAF Strikemaster 

‘blunty’ is in the foreground

A No.3 Sqn Iroquois is 

crowded with future 

aviators 

The Mustang’s display 

Renata Pouwhare, Selena Hanson Purdue & Justus 

Smith from levin try on various Air Force uniforms 

at the logistics display 

The beech T-6c Texan demonstrator was on show 

alongside the USAF c-17. 

After the show, Ac Jared 

Rudsdale with miltary working 

dog Piper patrols the flightline 



MATES ACRoSS ThE 

DiTCh—ThE RoyAL 

AuSTRALiAn AiR 

FoRCE 

The links between the RNZAF 

and RAAF go back to the First 

world war when a number of 

kiwis joined the Australian 

Flying corps. 

The two air forces were further 

linked during wwII with our 

shared commitment to the british 

commonwealth Air Training Plan. From 

1949 our commitments under ANZAM 

and, later, the commonwealth Strategic 

Reserve, ensured the two air forces 

deployed side by side for collective 

defence in our region. Today our air 

forces share a number of facilities and 

undertake personnel exchanges, as well 

as join in regular combined exercises. 

The two air forces share an exchange 

posting for Qualified Flying Instructors 

– the kiwi at RAAF Pearce western 

Australia, the Australian at ohakea with 

No. 42 Sqn. 

No.5 Sqn personnel undertake P-3 

Simulator Training at RAAF edinburgh 

near Adelaide, for three Instructors and 

about 5 students each year. Similarly 

No.40 Sqn personnel have access to 

the RAAF c-130 simulator at RAAF 

Richmond, west of Sydney. 


A d 

b c 

with the new NH90 tactical helicopter 

entering New Zealand service, we have 

pilots and technicians on secondment 

to the Australian Army (which flies the 

AdF’s land-based helicopters) 

In addition, two RNZAF personnel 

undertake the AdF senior staff course 

each year, while one other is conducting 

a fellowship year there. An RNZAF officer 

is appointed to the Joint operations 

centre in canberra and other RNZAF 

personnel are working at the RAAF base 

in darwin, in support of operations in 

Timor leste. 

with such close links, the RAAF— 

which was formed in 1921— sent 

a strong contingent to the RNZAF 

Anniversary air show. 

A: F/A-18A hoRnET 

The Hornet is a multi-role fighter 

designed for both air-to-air and air-toground 

missions. The Hornet was 

developed for the US Navy and Marine 

corps and is also used by canada, 

Finland, kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and 

Switzerland. The RAAF’s fleet has just 

undergone a major avionics upgrade 

equipping them for the next 10 to 15 

years. 

B: C-17 GLoBEMASTER iii 

The RAAF operates five c-17 

Globemaster heavy transport aircraft, 

operated by No. 36 Sqn from RAAF base 

Amberley, near brisbane. 

The c-17 has three times the carrying 

capacity of the c-130 Hercules, allowing 

Australia to rapidly deploy troops, 

combat vehicles, heavy equipment and 

helicopters anywhere in the world. It 

significantly enhances the RAAF’s ability 

to support national and international 

operations, and major disaster relief 

efforts. 

C: B737 WEDGETAiL 

The boeing wedgetail airborne early 

warning and control (Aew&c) aircraft 

entered RAAF service in 2010. Six 

are being acquired, equipped with 

sophisticated mission systems and an 

advanced radar to increase Australia’s 

surveillance and air combat capability, 

and assist in civil operations such 

as border protection or search and 

rescue. The key sensor is a multi-role 

electronically scanned phased array 

(MeSA) radar with range in excess of 

400 km. 

The wedgetail Aew&c aircraft are 

operated by No. 2 Squadron from RAAF 

base williamtown, near Newcastle. The 

first two were modified by boeing in the 

USA, with the remaining four modified at 

RAAF base Amberley, near brisbane. 

The wedgetail eagle is a native of 

Australia, and is one of the largest 

eagles in the world. It has extremely 

acute vision, ranges widely in search 

of prey, protects its territory without 

compromise and stays aloft for long 

periods of time. 

D: C-130 hERCuLES 

No.37 Squadron RAAF operates two 

models of the ubiquitous Hercules, 

the c-130H and the c-130J, based at 

RAAF base Richmond, near Sydney. The 

Hercules provides medium to long range 

transport capabilities with an excellent 

short dirt runway capability. 

The c-130H, introduced in 1978, is 

recognised by its four-blade propellers. 

The c-130J Hercules, introduced in 

1999, has a longer, stretched, cargo 

area and the engines power six-blade 

propellers. The J needs only three crew 

– two pilots and a loadmaster.

one of the warbird stars of the RNZAF 75th 

Anniversary air show was the Grumman 

Avenger, which has recently returned to 

New Zealand and is now owned by brendon 

deere and based at ohakea. 

The Grumman Avenger was developed by the Grumman 

company, of long Island, New York, in response to a US Navy 

request for a torpedo bomber to operate from their aircraft 

carriers. Powered by a big 1900 hp radial engine, the Avenger 

had three crew—pilot, radio operator/bombardier and turret 

gunner—and carried a torpedo or four 500 lbs (220kg) bombs in 

a roomy internal bomb-bay. Most importantly it had a relatively 

low landing speed, necessary to constrain the stress on an 

aircraft carrier’s arrestor gear. 

Grumman were holding a public launch for the new aircraft, 

the TbF, on 7 december 1941, when news of the Pearl Harbour 

attack came through. The name Avenger was thus appropriate. 

The aircraft was rushed into service, first seeing action from 

Midway Island, during the battle of Midway. General Motors 

took over production so that Grumman could concentrate 

on the new Hellcat fighter; the GM-built Avengers were 

designated TbM. by August 1942 the Avenger was the standard 

torpedo bomber on US aircraft carriers, and it played a full part 

in the naval victories in the Pacific. From 1943 it was in service 

in the british Fleet Air Arm, where a number of New Zealanders 

flew the type. 

The RNZAF was allocated Avengers during late 1943 and 

they saw active service in bougainville with No. 30 and 31 

Squadrons, March- July 1944. during 1945 some of the RNZAF 

Avengers were re-allocated to the british Pacific Fleet to make 

up for losses in action from the british carriers. 

brendon deere’s aircraft is a TbM, bu. No. 91110 built by 


ThE GRuMMAn 

AvEnGER 

the eastern Aircraft division of General Motors at their plant 

at Trenton New Jersey. It flew for the first time on 5 July 1945 

before delivery to the USN. It is now registered in New Zealand 

as Zk-Tbe. brendon and his pilot, Guy Stevenson, flew the 

Avenger from Queensland via lord Howe Island and Norfolk 

Island to kerikeri. After customs and MAF processing they flew 

direct to Taihape where the Harvard from the RNZAF Historic 

Flight met the TbM and escorted the historic bomber into 

RNZAF ohakea. brendon appreciates that not many people 

cross the Tasman in a single-engine aircraft: “The adventure 

had taken us 3,200 kms over the Tasman Sea and 9.5 hours 

flying time.” 

The Avenger was displayed at the RNZAF air show in its 

current colour scheme, representing an aircraft of US Navy 

squadron VT 83, based on the USS eSSeX (cV9, the ninth 

US aircraft carrier). After the ohakea air show it was due to 

appear at warbirds over wanaka. brendon now plans to have 

the Avenger repainted as NZ2518 ‘Plonky’ of No. 30 Squadron, 

which was piloted during the war by Fred ladd, who became a 

famous aviation personality in post-war New Zealand. 

Guy Stevenson & brendon deere after 

arriving at ohakea, 24 February 



Two Spitfires were on show at Anniversary air show. The 

Spitfire has become an icon of wwII and a symbol of britain’s 

war effort*. Its distinctive wing shape and the smooth sound 

of the mighty Merlin engine re-create for air show crowds the 

atmosphere from over 70 years ago when Spitfires, together 

with Hawker Hurricanes, fought for freedom against the Nazi 

menace. 

TWo SPiTFiRES 

After wwII, Supermarine developed a two-seat trainer version 

of the Spitfire Mark IX known as a Spitfire Tr IX and the type 

was used by the Israeli and Irish Air Forces. This Spitfire’s 

owner, doug brooker of Auckland, imported the fighter from 

the USA in 2007. His two seater, Fl-A, is painted in desert 

colours and commemorates colin Gray, who became New 

Zealand’s highest scoring fighter pilot of wwII. 

CoLin GRAy. 

colin Gray left NZ to join the RAF in 1938. He fought in the 

battle of britain and was soon recognised for his leadership. 

while in the Uk he shot down 17 enemy aircraft and in late 

1942 he was posted to North Africa to take command of No.81 

Sqn, the first unit to fly the Spitfire Mk IX in the Mediterranean 

Theatre. 

by the time the North African campaign ended in May 1943 

colin Gray had destroyed a further five enemy aircraft and 

was awarded the dSo. Promoted to wing commander, he was 

appointed to lead 322 wing for the invasion of Sicily. In that 

campaign he shot down 5 more aircraft, bringing his total to 

27, with one more shared and a further 22 probably destroyed 

or damaged. once back in england he held two successive 

commands in training units before being appointed wing 

commander Flying of the detling wing in late July 1944. The 

wing flew in support of the Army in europe and sorties against 

the V-1 flying bombs. 

colin Gray retired from the RAF in March 1961 as a Group 

captain; he returned to NZ and retired at waikanae, where he 

died in 1995. 

ALAn DEERE. 

The other Spitfire is a Mk IX in the grey/green camouflage 

of the european theatre and coded Al, the markings of the 

Spitfire flown by wing commander Alan deere. 

A New Zealander, Alan deere passed selection for the RAF 

in 1937 and sailed for england. He began flying training in 

october 1937 and early in 1938 he was granted a short service 


commission in the RAF. Alan was posted to No. 54 Sqn and at 

the beginning of 1940 they converted from Gladiators to the 

Spitfire Mk 1. like many other pilots, deere was delighted 

with the Spitfire, describing it as “the most beautiful and easy 

aircraft to fly.” 

before the battle of britain opened he had already claimed 

6 enemy aircraft, had been shot down once and been awarded 

the dFc. during the battle he claimed another 5, with several 

probables. However, he was forced down three times, including 

being bombed on take off from Hornchurch airfield. In early 

September 1940 No.54 Sqn was rotated to Northern england 

to rest and regroup; deere was awarded a bar to his dFc. 

Subsequently Alan deere rose to command the biggin Hill 

wing, was awarded the dSo and by d-day was commanding 

a Free French fighter wing. by the end of the war he had 

shot down 22 enemy aircraft. He was given a permanent 

commission in the RAF and served until 1977 reaching the rank 

of Group captain. He died in the Uk in 1995. 

Spitfire ‘Al’ has been fully restored by brendon deere of 

Feilding, a nephew of Alan. bought from the burmese Air 

Force, this airframe was painstakingly stripped down and fully 

restored, and is painted as Alan deere’s personal aircraft when 

he was leading the biggin Hill wing. This Spitfire is usually 

based at ohakea, by arrangement with the RNZAF. 

no. 485(nZ) SquADRon 

during February, both Spitfires had also been on show for 

a reunion at whenuapai of No.485 (NZ) Squadron, the wwII 

unit that flew Spitfires in Fighter command and with the 

2nd Tactical Air Force for the invasion of Normandy and the 

advance through France to Germany in 1944-45. The veterans 

were pleased to see ‘their’ aircraft and to sit in the cockpit 

one more time. Today, No.485 wing at RNZAF base Auckland 

maintains the link to the original squadron in recognition of our 

Air Force’s rich heritage. 

*See also AFN 105, July 2009.

y simon gault 

ThunDER 

MuSTAnG! 

why does a chef want a hot rod toy 

like the P-51 Mustang? My dad, an 

ex-rNZaF instructor [see sidebar] 

always insisted that, because of 

the uncertainties of medicals and 

therefore livelihood, I should focus on 

some other career and fly as a hobby. 

I first began to fly gliders and later gained an instructor rating in that role. My 

dad relented at that point and taught me to fly powered aircraft—as I progressed 

he converted me to the Harvard. The particular aircraft in which we both owned 

syndicate shares was one that he had last flown 40 years previously at wigram as an 

FTS instructor. 

Never one to do things by halves, and having seen a Thunder Mustang at oshkosh 

(USA), I decided that I would own one of these 2/3rds scale P-51 replicas. we found 

one in South Africa which had flown only two hours; the test flight program had come 

to a halt and the project was going nowhere. we talked the owner into selling the 

aircraft and it was disassembled and shipped to New Zealand. 

AvSpecs, a highly regarded aircraft restoration company, reassembled what was 

now Zk-TMG and my father obtained a test pilot approval on the basis of his (long 

ago) P-51 flying in the RNZAF. The test flight program was completed and our small 

syndicate of three owners each converted onto the type by my dad. 

display flying remained my father’s domain but over time and after intensive 

training with him, I now fly all the display sorties at the various airshows. with a 

power to weight ratio of 1hp: 2.25kg, and a rate of climb at sea level of almost twice 

that of the original P-51, what chef wouldn’t want one? 

Take a look at www.kiwithunder.com/tigers blood 


Photo: bob dedekind 

FlT lT bRYAN 

GAUlT RNZAF 

bryan Gault served in the RNZAF 

1954-1958, enlisting on 02 January 

1954. He did his basic training at RNZAF 

Station Taieri before undertaking his 

pilot training at wigram with No. 16 

Pilots course. He was awarded his flying 

badge on 17 december, 1954. bryan 

attained the rank of Flight lieutenant 

before being posted to the Active 

Reserve on october 1958. He joined 

Tasman empire Airways ltd (TeAl— 

which was later renamed Air New 

Zealand) first flying l188 electras and 

subsequently captaining most long-haul 

types in Air NZ’s fleet, including b747s. 


our People 

The Anniversary Air Show at Ohakea was put together by a hard-working committee on the 

base, led by WGCDR Phil Bedford. Most of the committee are seen in the attached photo. As 

well, personnel in Air Staff, HQ Joint Forces NZ, and at Base Auckland also played key roles; 

an air show on this scale is a ‘whole of Air Force’ event. Two of the Air Show Committee were 

interviewed by Vivienne Sanders, Air Force Senior Communications Adviser. 

THe AIR SHow— 

beHINdTHe SceNeS 

FGoFF kirsty calman applies 

camouflage face paint to Jacob 

McMillan of Feilding 

Fltlt lara Blackmore air show logistician 

on the day of the Air Show FlTlT lara blackmore wore her PR 

hat in the Information centre. 

“we had a team of Air Force personnel there, ready 

to assist the public. I took on the role to engage with the 

Manawatu community about the Air Show, so that we could 

put on the best show possible. I have learned new skills in 

communications and media engagement and have really 

enjoyed it. 

“Throughout my Air Force career my primary employment 

has been in health care management, policy development 

and aviation medicine. what I enjoy most is the ability to get 

involved in all sorts of things. Juggling roles is something I’m 

becoming quite good at.” 

originally from lower Hutt, lara joined the Air Force in 

2003 as a civilian physiologist working in the Aviation Medicine 

Unit. “during my first few months in the Air Force I developed 

a greater understanding of what the Air Force did and an 

appreciation of our role in national security. I admired the 

work my military colleagues were involved in—at home and 

overseas. I wanted the chance to pursue all the opportunities 

that the Air Force offers, so I went through the recruitment 

process and was accepted in 2004. 

“It’s quite difficult to keep up outside interests, there is 

just so much going on in the Air Force. last year I started 

running—I completed two half marathons in 2011 and am 

about to sign up for them again! I’m also studying for a Masters 

of Strategic Studies at Victoria University. looking past the 

Air Show I am assisting with the development of a Professional 

development centre on base ohakea. The Air Force provides 

a huge number of opportunities for its people to develop 

as leaders; with the development of this centre we hope to 

continue strengthening leadership and professionalism.” 


Among the team arranging the logistics for the visiting 

international aircraft was former whanganui collegiate 

student Flying officer kirsty calman. logistical support 

includes all movement of personnel and equipment, 

accommodation, food, resupply and anything else which needs 

to be organized, kirsty explained. 

“being a Supply officer in the RNZAF means I have been 

involved in a variety of areas, from Air Movements to Supply 

chain. The RAAF brought four types of aircraft with different 

crew and maintenance requirements, all of which needed 

to be met. but I also assisted with the arrangement of other 

amenities for the Air Show—and helped out at the logistics 

display stand on the day. 

“The Air Force attracted me because of the variety, the 

opportunity to travel and work, taking part in sports, and, 

having my degree paid for!” said kirsty. “I’ve always been an 

active person and spent many years rowing at both whanganui 

collegiate and Union boat club. I guess this led onto my 

current interest in Ironman!” 

The 26-year-old trained for her first Ironman competition 

at Taupo this year. “I also decided to fundraise money for 

‘breath4cF’, the official charity of Ironman which supports 

those people who suffer from cystic Fibrosis. For that event 

my buddy was a young boy with the disease, lockie Jones, a 

12-year-old from whanganui Intermediate School.” 

In the event the full Ironman competition in Taupo was 

cancelled due to the fierce storm across the North Island that 

day; however kirsty competed in the Half Marathon that was 

run the following day. “lockie, my cF buddy, came to support 

me which made the day all the more special.”

Air Force Photographers corporals brad Hanson and Sam Shepherd 

with some of the cameras and lenses used to record the Air Show. 

The Anniversary aircraft decal design team: F/S Trent wyatt (Air 

engineer, No.5 Sqn) decal draughtsman Mr david Sherriff (middle), 

and project manager david bacon (485 wing) in front of the b757. 

The Helicopter Transistion Unit pose with two of the A109s; the HTU and its 

new helicopters were of high interest to many of the visitors to the air show. 

our People 

SQNldR kate bint and Russell Harris at the commentary desk. 

Their commentary was broadcast by PA system and over 88FM. 

wGcdR brett Marshall explains the role of the YdU at burnham, to 

the visiting Australian Governor-General Her excellency Ms Quentin 

bryce on 29 February [See story p34]. 


Book reviews 

FiGhTinG SPiRiT: 

75 yEARS oF ThE RnZAF 

by Margaret Mcclure; 

Ministry for culture and Heritage 

with Random House NZ, 2012 

This new official history covers the origins 

and growth of the RNZAF. our Air Force 

is 75 years old as an independent service, 

but New Zealand’s involvement in military 

flying extends back to 1912. Margaret 

Mcclure takes us through those early, 

tenuous days, when flying machines were 

fragile and sceptics were many. 

The author spends only two of the 

chapters in Fighting Spirit covering the 

RNZAF war effort in wwII—a chapter each 

for the european and the Pacific theatres. 

of course many books exist covering 

New Zealanders’ part in the air battles of 

that war; Margaret presents a lively and 

concise summary that introduces the 

reader to some of the personalities and 

touches on the strategies behind the key 

decisions of where our people and units 

were deployed. 

The main part of the book, and its 

special value, is in the six chapters which 

cover the years from 1946 until today; the 

years in which the RNZAF was clearly a 

national air force undertaking tasks at the 

direction of our government in wellington. 

Few New Zealanders know much of the 

cold war nor do many understand the 

strategy of the western allies; this book 

throws fresh light on the RNZAF’s part in 

the events of 1948-1990, including the 

berlin Airlift, the deployment of No.14 

Squadron to cyprus and later Singapore, 

and our commitment to Malaysia and 

Singapore. even our on-going commitment to the Antarctic 

had its origins influenced by cold war rivalries. 

In the final chapter, Margaret has clearly had frank 

interviews with senior officers who guided the RNZAF through 

the turbulent years since the ANZUS rift of 1984. The winding 

up of the Air combat Force in 2001 is a scar that is only slowly 

healing, but the book reveals how the RNZAF leadership sat 

down and rethought the raison d’etre of the RNZAF. That they 

were successful is revealed in the final pages, which discuss the 

acquisition of new helicopters and the upgrading of the orions 

and Hercules. At the same time the RNZAF was playing a full 

part in New Zealand’s response to a new world of terrorism and 


‘asymmetric’ conflict. 

The RNZAF commissioned (and funded) the History Group 

of the Ministry for culture and Heritage to produce this history. 

The History Group approached Margaret Mcclure to write the 

book; she was then assisted in her research and assessments 

by the RNZAF History board, chaired by former cAF, AVM John 

Hamilton. The board provided a guiding hand to the author for 

this fresh and up to date history. 

Random House have created an excellent and wellillustrated 

publication. The book is recommended not only to 

all in the Air Force past or present, but to military professionals 

and scholars generally.

dUMbo dIARY, RoYAl 

New ZeAlANd AIR FoRce 

No.6 (FlYING boAT) 

SQUAdRoN 1943-1945. 

by Jenny Scott; 

published by the author via lulu, 2012 

Dumbo Diary is the story of No.6 Squadron RNZAF during the 

Pacific war, when air-sea rescue catalinas were known by the 

callsign dumbo (after the walt disney flying elephant). 

Jenny Scott, daughter of the late wGcdR Alastair Scott who 

was Adjutant of the Squadron, spent many years researching 

the Squadron’s activities—and this is a definitive history. 

The author draws on the archival records in private and public 

collections, for the experiences of the New Zealand airmen 

flying long missions over the south west Pacific patrolling for 

THe elePHANT oN MY wING. 

by Peter A wright. 

woodfield Publishing, england, 2011 

The wartime experience of New Zealander FlTlT bobby 

campbell during 1939-43, is described ‘as told to’ the author. 

bobby campbell learned to fly in Taranaki and in 1938 went to 

the Uk for a short service commission in the RAF—like so many 

dominion pilots. Flying with No.211 Sqn (blenheims) in support 

of the Greeks against the Italians during 1940-41, bobby and 

his crew were shot down and taken prisoner, dumped in a 

concentration camp for Albanians and treated abominably. 

They were rescued by the Red cross and transferred 

to an official Pow camp in Italy. when Italy surrendered in 

1943—and minutes before the Germans took over the Pow 

AnZAC 

ExChAnGE 

by FlTlT dan hayward 

Communications and Information systems officer 

each year, the NZ defence Force engages in a series of 

personnel exchanges with the Australian defence Force 

(AdF). This programme, known as exchange Programme 

ANZAc (eXPANZAc) is a reciprocal exchange where NZdF and 

AdF personnel swap jobs for roughly three months with the 

aim of broadening the professional knowledge of exchange 

participants and promoting a closer relationship between our 

two defence forces. 

last year, among the 22 NZdF personnel who ‘crossed the 

ditch’ to work with the AdF, six RNZAF personnel were chosen 

to go, including one spot for an RNZAF cISo, me. 

I was fortunate enough to take an exchange post with 

No.1 combat communications Squadron (1ccS) at RAAF 

base Richmond west of Sydney. 1ccS is a busy, operationally 

camp—bobby escaped. He tells an 

exciting story of his travels down Italy 

to Allied lines. The book is worthwhile 

reading, reminding us all of the need for 

escape and evasion training for aircrew. 

bobby came home to fly with the 

RNZAF in the Pacific during remainder 

of the war, and later, in 1965, became 

the first Adjutant of No. 3 (battlefield 

Support) Squadron. Sadly for the NZ 

reader, this story is not included. but 

‘The Elephant on my Wing’ is a reminder 

of all the kiwis who joined the RAF and had many unexpected 

adventures. 

focused, squadron 

and is very similar 

to Air cIS in the 

way it contributes 

to the wider AdF. 

during my time 

at Richmond, I 

was able to take 

part in a tactical 

communication 

international 

enemy submarines and looking for 

downed airmen. 

The book, in a detailed diary format, 

includes the experience of many of the 

hundreds of airmen—cooks and clerks, 

wireless mechanics and beaching 

crew—who were needed to run an 

effective and efficient flying boat 

squadron. 

The author was present at the 

Air Show and her book was formally 

launched at Artel Gallery, lindale 

centre, on the kapiti coast, the day after the Air Show. 

website: www.lulu.com 

http://www.lulu.com/shop/jenny-scott/dumbo-diaryroyal-new-zealand-air-force-no6-flying-boat-squadron-1943- 

1945/hardcover/product-18929187.html 

A detachment escorting a 6x6 land Rover 

FFR (fitted for radio) during the Tactical 

communications course at the Singleton 

Army Training Area, NSw. 

Photo: AdF 

course that culminated in a field phase, attend RAAF cIS 

conferences and visit some of the other AdF bases. 

Throughout the exchange, there was plenty of opportunity 

to discuss ideas with RAAF personnel and see how the RAAF 

approaches similar day-to-day problems that we encounter 

in New Zealand. I came away with a new appreciation of how 

our closest defence neighbours operate and how we can work 

together on exercises and potential deployments. 

eXPANZAc is a lot of fun and very fulfilling. It is open to a 

wide variety of trades across all ranks from Ac – FlTlT. It is a 

reflection of the close working relationship between the NZdF 

and AdF and anyone taking part will find it well worthwhile. 


nZAF Peacekeepers 

FlTlT wing with his Afghan 

colleague take tea with a family 

MeNtorINg aND 

CaPaCIty BuIlDINg 

IN BaMyaN ProvINCe 

by FlTlT mark wing 

‘change’ is a word we’ve come to know only too well within 

defence! For the Afghan people this is somewhat different 

and bringing change to their country is a slow and painstaking 

process. 

My deployment to bamyan Province is as the Field 

development Advisor (engineer) within the NZPRT. bamyan is a 

beautiful, harsh province nestled in the mountains of the Hindu 

kush, directly on the route of the original Silk Road. 

My role within the NZ PRT is a new role. Since we have moved 

from a purely security model for bamyan into Transition (the 

first province in Afghanistan to do so) a wider emphasis is now 

placed on development and Governmental capacity building. 

The Field development Advisor’s role is focused on technical 

capacity building and mentoring in the ‘line ministries’ of the 

provincial government. 

on guidance from the Provincial Governor, Habiba Sarabi 

(Afghan’s first woman governor), my initial focus has been on 

the department of Public works. It is a challenge to change 

the mindset of the senior officials and managers, who are 

reactive in nature. The years of communist rule had shaped 

the operations of the departments and ministries, based on 

autocratic rule, bureaucracy and tight control at all levels. This 

influence very much stands to this day. 

Their systems are hampered by the lack of the basics 

such as good filing systems or electronic equipment—or 

even reliable electricity to run their meagre, aid-provided, 

computers. 


The view over bamiyan 

I’ve recently partnered with the lead UN agency in bamyan, 

UNAMA, and together we’re rolling out basic training in 

financial forecasting, operational planning, and office 

management (ie. running a meeting, staff management, file 

management). After five long months I’m just starting to see 

a glimpse of some change coming and this is only through 

patience, perseverance, trust, and a long-term view. 

I now understand why my deployment is for longer than the 

standard cRIb posting. Trust and perseverance are the keys 

here. we cannot make the Afghanis implement our methods 

and processes but instead we need to discover, map and 

understand their methods and then find ways to help them 

improve them. 

The Afghan people are stoic, proud, feudal and strongly 

religious. Their nation that has been invaded by many armies 

over past centuries. The invasions were largely because 

Afghanistan was seen as a gateway from europe to east and 

South east Asia. Also, bamyan was used as a stopping-off 

point, a fertile valley in which to rest and recuperate before 

troops headed north east into china or India. The likes of 

Alexander the Great and Genghis khan both rested their 

armies here. of course in 1979 the (then) Soviet Union invaded 

and that event has greatly influenced the country too. 

As a mentor my role is to persevere to gain trust and build 

relationships. It’s a very different experience from my normal 

Air Force (and defence Shared Services) role, but a challenge 

that I am fully committed to.

y FlTlT lee bradford 

RNZAF personnel are being 

informed via a Roadshow to the bases 

this month, of the opportunities 

available to personnel who become 

Field Humint (FH) operators. 

Nominations opened this month too, 

for entry into the selection courses, 

with the selections to be made in June. 

However, if you’re interested in 

becoming a FH operator, the first step 

is to talk to your career Manager (this 

is important!) and also through your 

chain of command to your commander. 

They will need to agree to you being 

released from your branch or trade 

prior to attending selection. 

operators who make it through 

selection and complete the course will 

be posted to 1 (NZ) Military Intelligence 

company in Trentham for a 2 – 3 year 

period, where they will further develop 

their skills, and deploy or attend 

various courses or exercises overseas. 

WhAT iS huMinT? 

HUMINT is the category of 

intelligence collected from and 

provided by human sources. This is 

done by talking to appropriate people 

with the aim of finding out information 

of intelligence value. 

Imagine when a patrol walks into a 

village. A patrol member is introduced 

and talks to a village elder; through 

conversation he learns that there were 

six men armed with Ak47s headed 

in an easterly direction less than 24 

hours ago … The intelligence value of 

the information is obvious; the patrol 

member takes down the contact 

details of the elder and arranges for 

another meeting. 

This scenario contains the basics 

of HUMINT operations—that is simply 

talking to people to elicit information 

from them. 

Force Protection 

huMAn inTELLiGEnCE 

FIeld HUMINT courses in the NZdF 

ThE nZDF TACTiCAL DEBRiEFinG CouRSE 

This is a five day Tri-service course that teaches the principles of gaining 

information from a willing subject using trained questioning techniques. 

This course is ideal for deploying Patrol commanders and key staff posted to 

operational units, or for personnel considering pursuing a career as a FH operator. 

FiELD huMinT oPERAToR SELECTion CouRSE 

The FH Selection course is designed to assess a candidate’s suitability for 

further FH training, and runs for four days. during the course candidates should 

expect to be conditioned physically and mentally before being placed into a 

number of scenarios to test their ability to communicate, problem solve and think 

quickly on their feet. 

Selection is designed to find the right people to be an FH operator. Unlike other 

courses, selection is not a pass/fail. You will be selected based on your personal 

attributes, yet not everyone will fit the mould. 

The person we are looking for: 

• loves talking to others 

• Has a mature outlook 

• Self thinker 

• Able to listen and process information quickly 

• Remain calm in stressful situations and function effectively when tired 

• confident in their own abilities 

Successful candidates will be eligible to attend the 12 week FH course. 

BASiC FiELD huMinT oPERAToRS (Fh) CouRSE 

This is a 12 week Tri-service course open to all ranks up to and including Army 

captain [equivalent] who have successfully completed selection. The course is in 

phases, with candidates required to pass each phase before advancing to the next. 

(If unsuccessful, students will be given formal qualifications in the phases they 

have completed.) 

The course phases are: 

1. Tactical debriefing course (qualified as a tactical debriefer), 

2. close Quarter battle (cQb) and shooting package, 

3. Source handling (advanced debriefing), 

4. Source operations / security and survivability. 

on successfully completing this course, FH operators would be posted to 1 

(NZ) Military Intelligence company in Trentham for two or three years. 

hoW To APPLy. If you’re interested in becoming a FH operator, the important 

first step is to talk to your career Manager and to your commander, who will need 

to agree to you being released from your branch or trade. 

If this is obtained, you should email us and register your interest: 1nzmicoy@ 

nzdf.mil.nz 

A pre-selection pack will be sent to you for completion. Then, put your 

nomination in through your chain of command. 

BEnEFiTS. Although you will be out of your parent trade for a number of years, you 

will return to your trade with improved communication skills, greater confidence, 

the ability to plan and give orders as well as a greatly increased ability to function 

effectively under pressure. being an FH operator is hard work, but you will be doing 

a job like no other in the NZdF! 



by wing Commander brett marshall, 

Commanding officer yDu, Burnham Military Camp 

YouTh DEVElopMENT 

– noT A RoLE FoR DEFEnCE? 

IT wAS AT A FUNcTIoN oNe THURSdAY NIGHT wHeN I FoUNd 

MYSelF beING “cHeST Poked” bY A YoUNG oFFIceR. He wAS 

ASkING Me wHY, wITH All MY AIRcRew TRAINING, I wAS 

woRkING AT THe NZdF YoUTH deVeloPMeNT UNIT (YdU). 

“SIR, YoU’Ve GoT All THIS eXPeRIeNce ANd THe AIR FoRce HAS 

INVeSTed A loT oF TIMe ANd MoNeY GIVING IT To YoU, bUT 

YoU’Re NoT USING IT”. 

I 

was surprised at his view and replied 

that I was a military officer first and 

it was my generic military skills that 

were being used, just like any other 

member of NZdF who finds themselves 

in a role out of their core trade. I realised 

he seemed to have more of an issue 

with NZdF being involved in Youth 

development … 

“why Sir, when the NZdF has 

significant financial and personnel issues 

are we spending money on, and posting 

people to, YdU?” 

I explained that the lSV company had 

been tripled in size by the government 

three years ago, and YdU formed, due to 

the success of the programme. And the 

reason it is a success is because of the 

skill set that only military people bring. 

Getting individuals to work together 

and reach their potential inside a very 

structured environment is what the 


military does so well and why we, and not 

a civilian organisation, are doing it. 

“but surely civilians could do it?” he 

said. 

I reiterated that it was our military 

skill set, and the environment we create, 

that make the difference for the type of 

young people we run courses for. I tried 

changing tack and asked him why we 

were in Afghanistan, east Timor and the 

Solomons? 

“because the government wants us to 

be,” he said. 

“Same reason we are involved in youth 

development,” I replied. I then went on 

to say that in Afghanistan, east Timor 

and the Solomons, as well as the many 

other places we are posted to around 

the world, we apply our military skills to 

make a better future for the people that 

live there. The difference with YdU is 

that we, the NZdF, are using our military 

skills to make a better future for our own 

young people. 

The young officer came back with: 

“but what about all the money we are 

taking from the front line to fund YdU?” 

I then made him aware that 80% of 

the funding for YdU (including wages) 

comes from the Ministry of Social 

development and the Ministry of 

education, something he was unaware 

of. 

There was much more I wanted to 

tell him about YdU—it’s making an 

awesome difference to the lives of 

thousands of young New Zealanders. 

Young people who have not had the 

choices in life that many of us have had 

(and we often take for granted). In fact, 

for many, circumstances outside their 

control have forced them down difficult 

and painful pathways. 

I can tell some amazing stories of lives 

turned around, whether it be through 

the lSV programme, or via YdU’s 

Youth life Skills teams—which provide 

support to the 27 Service Academies in 

High Schools throughout the country, 

run courses for Police blue light for 

youth at risk, and support child Youth 

and Family in running the Military style

Activity camps for young offenders. 

There is the story of Tania*, a young 

woman on an lSV course who confided 

to staff about serious abuse she and her 

siblings were suffering in their home 

environment. Through our contacts with 

Police and cYF, intervention occurred 

and the young woman and her siblings 

were removed from that heart-breaking 

environment. The fact that it was only 

on an lSV course she felt safe enough 

to confide to someone speaks volumes 

for those who work here. Unfortunately 

Tania’s story is not that uncommon. 

Then there was Aroha*, a young 

woman who arrived at an lSV course 

in her gang colours. She was incredibly 

negative with a hostile attitude towards 

authority, especially police, and she 

would often use very colourful language 

to describe them—as our police mentor 

discovered (a police mentor is employed 

for the last three weeks of every lSV 

course). Aroha changed amazingly and 

the day before she graduated she went 

shopping with the female police mentor, 

because she didn’t want to go back home 

wearing her gang colours. 

what about Sam? He attended an 

lSV course in 2010 and even wrote to the 

Prime Minister about his experience [see 

sidebar]. 

working at YdU is one of the most 

rewarding postings I have ever had. 

The opportunity to make a significant 

difference in a young persons life, 

which means not only their future, but 

their children’s future, will be so much 

better than they could have imagined, 

is incredibly satisfying. This year over 

1500 young New Zealanders will attend 

an lSV course, and well in excess of 

1000 will attend one of the courses 

run by our Youth life Skills teams. I am 

incredibly proud of the work the NZdF is 

doing through YdU and I have seen the 

changes it makes first-hand. 

I know that there are many who are 

doubtful of defence’s involvement in 

Youth development. I challenge the 

doubters to visit a unit and see first 

hand the work of the staff—and of the 

changes being made for so many young 

New Zealanders. better still, volunteer 

for a posting to YdU! but if you are still 

not sure, then I’d be happy to discuss it 

with you! 

* Not her real name 

Indoor rock climbing provides a 

good team-building challenge 


ExTRAcT FRoM A 

lETTER To ThE 

PRiME MiNiSTER * 

kia ora John, 

This year [2010] I participated in 

the limited Service Volunteer (Two 

Platoon). This experience changed 

me from a negative statistic to a 

focussed individual who wants to 

contribute. 

I started smoking drugs when I 

was 13 and involved in a lifestyle that 

was disengaged. I walked away from 

education with little qualification. 

The re-occurring story was lack of 

desire and responsibility in my life. 

I also started a young family and 

things were rocky at home. 

From whanau I heard about 

[the lSV scheme]—I started the 

programme in July 2010. The first day 

was a shock. 

Sergeant Major wallance [and 

the others] provided a real turning 

point in how I saw myself. I gave up 

smoking, focussed my thinking and 

actually got myself motivated…. 

The best thing is that this change 

is here for good. I have taken the 

habits and motivation in chasing 

job opportunities… but the biggest 

change is how I feel about myself and 

my role as husband and father. 

limited Service Volunteer made a 

real difference in my life. 

cheers, 

Sam Henry 

* Reproduced with permission. 

in Afghanistan, East 

Timor and the Solomons 

... we apply our military 

skills to make a better 

future for the people that 

live there. The difference 

with YDU is that we 

...make a better future for 

our own young people 


sport 

ohAkEA’S ‘RounD ThE 

WoRLD’ RAFT RACE 

by Ash Foote, pT Flight 

on a typically beautiful Manawatu day earlier in the year, five 

teams set out on the ohakea ‘Round the world’ raft race at 

lake william. Teams had designed and made their own rafts, 

with everything from the simple combination of tyre tubes 

and planks, through to more elaborate—but possibly less 

successful—creations. 

Teams had two paddling crews who had to complete two 

laps of the track each; this was not as easy as it seemed! 

within the first five minutes team ‘Avionics Somali Pirates’ 

had major equipment failure and spent the majority of their 

first lap swimming instead of paddling! 

Team ‘S&S NZ’ had high spirits, even though their raft was 

not visible above the water, after lap number one! 

The slow but steady ‘lSS Ninja’s’ and ‘cIS/Medical Indians’ 


proved that sticking with the good ol’ tyre tubes and planks 

was the way to go. 

but, the team that powered ahead from the start was the 

‘Mexican Armourers’ with their plastic-wrapped tyre tube 

creation. 

by the end of the race there were broken paddles, 

submerged rafts, and soaked team members, but spirits were 

still high and everyone managed to have a laugh. ‘S&S NZ’ and 

‘Avionics Somali Pirates’ didn’t quite make it to the finish but 

provided some good entertainment for the crowd. Thanks to 

all those who participated! 

results: 

winners: Mexican Armourers 

Second & best Raft: lSS Ninjas 

Third: ‘cIS/Medical Indians’ 

wooden Spoon: Avionics Somali Pirates 

The Mexican Armourers

Avionics Pirates meet a watery end 

The ‘blue drum team’ in action 

The lSS Ninjas 

S&S NZ slowly submerge 

sport 


notices 

no. 3 Sqn ASSoCiATion 

FunCTion 2012 

16 June 2012 at RNZAF base ohakea 

Have you worked on, or been deployed with No. 3 Squadron 

RNZAF? Join us for an afternoon and evening catching up with 

old friends, make a few new ones and view the new No. 3 Sqn 

facilities, Iroquois, Sioux, A109 and NH90. 

The function will include unveiling the new No.3 Sqn window 

in the base ohakea chapel. 

register interest: 3sqnassociation@nzdf.mil.nz 

NZdF personnel wanting to join, please also 

complete the form found at https://forms.nzdf.mil.nz/ 

airforce/3SQNAssnMember.html 

NoMINATIoNS oPeN 

FoR Mod AwARdS oF 

eXcelleNce To INdUSTRY 

defence logistics command is urging defence Force 

personnel to nominate vendors and contractors for the 

Minister of defence Awards of excellence to Industry. 

Nominations may be submitted no later than 11 May 2012 to: 

Mr bruce wooller: bruce.wooller@nzdf.mil.nz 

SQNldR Michelle Goulden: 

michelle.goulden@nzdf.mil.nz 

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Ministry of 

defence’s website www.defence.govt.nz. 

The Defence industry Advisory council established the Minister 

of Defence Awards of Excellence to industry in 1998 to highlight 

and recognise the contribution made by industry to Defence. 

The Awards are presented annually by the Minister of Defence 

during the NZ Defence industry Association Forum in Wellington 

in october. 

Hobsonville old boys Association 

Reunion and Hobsonville Memorial 

dedication—28 April 2012. 

A permanent memorial to “All who have passed this way” 

will be dedicated at the ex RNZAF Station Headquarters 

Hobsonville on Saturday 28 April 2012. 

This ceremony will be conducted in conjunction with the 

Hobsonville old boys 67th Reunion and the RNZAF 75th 

celebrations. 

All ex-Hobsonville Military Personnel and Families welcome. 

For more information and registration details contact;- 

Ian Ronalds (chairman HobA) 

ironalds@ihug.co.nz 

or 

Mr P. burch 

P.o. box 58170 

botany 

Auckland 2163 


CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND 

ANNIVERSARY 

TOUR 

CENTRAL BAND OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE 

THE AIR FORCE IN CONCERT 

NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST SYMPHONIC BAND 

EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2:00PM 

THE AIR FORCE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND 

45 Harvard Ave, Wigram, Christchurch 

Tickets $15 / $5 available from the museum shop 

Ph: 03 343 9544 for bookings 

Free parking on site! 

LoST & FounD: 

cHoPPeR IN cHoPPeR 

The Massyn family from Auckland were viewing the NH90 at 

the air show, when they noticed a fresh tooth lying on the floor. 

They don’t know if anybody claimed it, or if the tooth fairy had 

needed the help of a helicopter, but they and Air Force News 

would like to know more!

The 75 Years of the RNZAF stamp issue is made up of 15 x 

60c large stamps – each portraying a different aspect of the 

RNZAF. From the beginning of the Air Force to the future, a 

broad range of services are portrayed and each stamp tells a 

story about the vast array of duties carried out by the RNZAF. 

All 15 stamps are displayed together on the 75 Years of the 

RNZAF stamp sheet. 

The 75 Years of the RNZAF coin is the only New Zealand 

legal tender coin that has been officially authorised by the 

RNZAF to commemorate 75 years of military air operations in 


New Zealand. with a worldwide mintage of only 2,000 coins, it 

won’t last long! This limited edition 1oz, 0.999 pure silver proof 

coin combines a number of graphic elements that are of great 

significance to the RNZAF in celebrating its 75th anniversary. 

The 75 Years of the RNZAF coin and stamp range are 

available for purchase from 15 March 2012 at all New Zealand 

PostShops, ReAl Aotearoa stores in wellington and Auckland, 

the whanganui collectables and Solutions centre and 

online at www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps and www.nzcoins.co.nz 



ceLeBrATinG 75 YeArs OF SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND

ANNIVeRSARY AIR SHow! - Royal New Zealand Air Force

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