Sir Tim Wallis: A Beacon in NZ Aviation History, Dies Aged 85

Sir Tim Wallis, celebrated aviation entrepreneur and founder of the renowned Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow, passed away at the age of 85. Wallis, who pioneered New Zealand’s deer farming industry with the innovative use of helicopters for live captures, left an indelible mark on the world of aviation.

 Founded in 1988, the Warbirds Over Wanaka event was Wallis’s passion project, born from his desire to share his collection of WWII aircraft with the public. With humble beginnings, the first airshow attracted 14,000 visitors, eventually growing to host 50,000 attendees. The event’s significance can be underscored by its economic contribution, injecting $42 million into the regional economy over its three-day duration.

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Beyond the world of aviation, Sir Tim was also an influential figure in New Zealand’s venison industry and held directorships in over two dozen companies. His leadership at the Wanaka-based Alpine Group remained steadfast until his demise.

Family and friends remember Wallis as a resilient and devoted individual. “He was a tough aviator, he loved his family and his sons,” remarked his wife, Prue, Lady Wallis. His love for aviation was palpable, with a favorite helicopter parked by his window as he departed this world surrounded by family.

However, the skies weren’t always kind to the Wallis family. The tragic loss of two sons, Nick and Matt Wallis, in separate helicopter crashes in 2018 marked a somber period. Sir Tim himself had experienced his fair share of close calls, having survived 15 air crashes. An unfortunate Spitfire crash in 1996 restricted him to a wheelchair, halting his flying days.

While the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow stands as a testament to his aviation legacy, it is his enduring spirit and passion that those who knew him will remember most fondly. Ed Taylor, Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager, shared, “Sir Tim was a regular out at his airport office and I loved nothing more than having chats with him. He loved nothing more than talking about aircraft and the airshow.”

Wallis’s impact in the aviation community is further emphasized by the reverence with which his name is held internationally. Pilots from as far as the US and Europe recognized and respected his contributions.

Sir Tim Wallis’s life was a tapestry of risks, innovation, and unwavering passion. A memorial service to celebrate his legacy will be held at Wānaka Airport next week. He leaves behind a wife and two sons, along with a legacy that will continue to soar in the skies of Wanaka.