Air Force Museum Blog
Piecing together the history of Vildebeest NZ102
The service history of our Vickers Vildebeest is punctuated by some remarkable stories, but uncovering them can be a research challenge. This is some of what has been found so far and how it was done.
‘Through Adversity to the Stars’
In this guest blog, Otago University postgraduate student Stacey Fraser discusses her experience using the Air Force Museum of New Zealand archives for her research into the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.
Canberra WT346 heads to a new home
We’re really thrilled to share that our Trust Board has signed an agreement, loaning ex-RAF Canberra B(I)8 WT346 to NZ Warbirds Association Inc. at Ardmore for restoration to static display.
50 Years On: RNZAF Skyhawk Purchase and Arrival
It has been 50 years since the McDonnell Douglas A4-K Skyhawk, one of the most iconic and longest-serving aircraft in the history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), first arrived in New Zealand
Highlights from the Memorabilia Project
75 years ago, in April and May 1945, one of the first major humanitarian operations carried out by air forces took place over Holland.
Remembering Operation “Manna”, 1945
75 years ago, in April and May 1945, one of the first major humanitarian operations carried out by air forces took place over Holland.
Avro 626 NZ203: fast facts on a unique aircraft
The Avro 626 on display at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand is a very unique aircraft with an interesting story: it is the only fully-intact surviving aircraft operated by the RNZAF before World War Two.
Researching your family history online
Whakapapa connections – who we are, and where we come from – are how we relate to our families and our own place in the world. Whether you’re researching a military or civilian ancestor, this blog will help begin your journey into exploring your family history – a journey you can start online.
Origins of the Royal New Zealand Air Force
On 1 April 1937, following the passing of the Air Force Act, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) was established as an independent service.
Let’s Talk Research: The Heavy and Continuous Sacrifice Conference
Over 13-15 February 2020, a major international conference on World War Two was held at Massey University campus in Wellington. Entitled ‘Heavy and Continuous Sacrifice’, it focused on New Zealand and international aspects of the conflict.
Handle with care
Every day, objects in our collection present our team with unique challenges to overcome if we are to look after them in the best possible way. Find out more about individual storage solutions.
My time at the Museum
The past three months I had the opportunity to work with the collections team and have discovered that there is so much more to the Museum than what is on public display.
‘Women Aviators’ by Karen Bush Gibson
This relatively small hard-backed publication, with just over 230 pages, is a little gem box of a book. Containing ‘26 Stories of Pioneer Flights, Daring Missions, and Record-Setting Journeys’, it is indeed a celebration of the dramatic, pragmatic, and often hard fought for, achievements of women throughout the history of aviation.
Within the Glass Case: The Red Baron
So, who was this Baron von Richthofen and who was A.V. Barrow? Why and how did Barrow collect these souvenirs and what is their significance?
Air Force Museum Photo Archives go online
We are really thrilled to announce that for the first time ever, researchers will be able to browse digitised parts of our photograph collection, online.