Barnstormer/NZ-AUS

22/07/2025

18 months ago we ‘future proofed’ our new Full Noise range of clothing by including the anticipated new livery. It’s been a bit of a wait but it’s great to see our vision finally take flight with Fighter Flights

Remember we’ve got warm Hoodies, stylish Jackets and cool woolly Beanies to keep you warm in the frosty winter weather.

05/05/2025

Great stories behind these two new additions to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand ✈️

24/04/2025

They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

23/04/2025

Update for ANZAC Day!

Anzac Day!

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand (AFHF) are making final preparations for this Friday's Anzac Day flypasts; please see this link for details of the RNZAF's flypasts as a whole: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BdexGu941/

For the AFHF flypasts, expect to see the modern RNZAF Beechcraft T-6C Texan II from the Central Flying School leading the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, and the North American P-51D Mustang.

We will notify any updates concerning the AFHF right here on this page.

Remember that you can follow us on flight tracking software via our flight ID "HERITAGE"

The Spitfire and Mustang's participation is enabled by the generosity of the Biggin Hill Trust, who operate the aircraft. https://www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

📷 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II (centre) leading Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (on the right) and North American P-51D Mustang. NZDF Official.

23/04/2025

Tauranga your Anzac Day flyover Classic Flyers NZ schedule is below👇

Keep an eye on the skies this Anzac Day, with flyovers planned as part of the commemorations - thanks Classic Flyers NZ ✈

The first flyover is scheduled during the Mount Maunganui Dawn Service. Shortly after, the same aircraft will make their way over the Pāpāmoa and Tauranga Dawn Services.

Later in the morning, additional flyovers are planned for the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service and the Mount Maunganui Civic Memorial Service.

A moving tradition that brings our community together in remembrance. Lest we forget.

👉 www.tauranga.govt.nz/anzacday

23/04/2025

This is the latest schedule from the team at Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand for their ANZAC Day flypasts ✈️

Anzac Flypast Update: Additional points added, Avenger unavailable

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Team continue to plan for one of the most important events on our display calendar: Anzac Day.

The additional flypast locations of Tangimoana School and Hiwinui School have been added; please see full flypast route below. Whilst we are excited to plan for these two new locations, we unfortunately do so without the mighty TBM Avenger; a technical issue is preventing the aircraft from taking part.

We apologise for any disappointment that this will cause, however we look forward to the return of this incredible aircraft in the future.

Flypast route:

Sanson
Rongotea
Tangimoana School
Himatangi Beach (beachfront)
Foxton Beach (beachfront)
Levin (SH1)
Speldhurst Country Estate (former RNZAF Station Levin-Weraroa)
Shannon
Tokomaru
Longburn
Te Marae o Hine-The Square, Palmerston North, 10:00am

From Palmerston North, the flight will continue back to Ōhakea via:

Hiwinui School
Ashhurst
Pohangina
Apiti
Hunterville
Fordell
Aramoho Cemetary
Whanganui War Memorial Centre
Turakina
Marton
Halcombe
Feilding (Clock Tower)
Bulls

The Team plan to utilise the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, North American P-51D Mustang, and modern Beechcraft T-6C Texan II from the Central Flying School.

Those with flight tracking software can follow us via our flight ID HERITAGE.

This year's flypasts are enabled thanks to the generosity of the Biggin Hill Trust.

The Avenger is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust https://www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

📷 Gavin Conroy.

23/04/2025

And for those living in the Auckland area here are the timings for your flyovers on Anzac Day.
For those that are interested you can visit Ardmore on the day to see the aircraft prepare for departure ✈️

23/04/2025

Flyover Alert for Anzac Day.
If you’re in Christchurch head to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, a place where stories of courage and sacrifice live on.
And at 11am, look to the skies for a special flypast by the P-8 Poseidon.
Then 12noon the Anzac Service begins.
Lest we forget.

22/04/2025

Barnstormer is one of the few brands in the world that specialises in aviation apparel with heritage, purpose and serious craftsmanship.
Made to last and made to matter!

Graeme gets up close and personal with The Grace Spitfire OUV at Sywell 2024!

Barnstormer/NZ-AUS clothing available at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and Air Force Museum of New Zealand

21/04/2025

NEW SPITFIRE POLO 🚀

We reckon you’ll love the details that tell the story on our new polo. Spitfire Mk IX code OU-V was the personal aircraft of NZer Johnnie Houlton in 1944. His Mum made for him a magnificent satin pink elephant as a course mascot that he named Butch. It adorned his Spitfire, along with black and white invasion stripes, when he was credited with the first enemy victory on D-day.

This aircraft survived the war and was converted to a two seater. It was restored by Nick Grace in the ‘80s and is still an integral part of the Grace family today having been flown by Nick, his wife Carolyn and their son Richard.

To quote Johnnie Houlton “I believe that the survival of Spitfire ML407 has a historical significance which will long outlive the fighter pilots who flew her into action”

While you might never experience the thrill of sitting in a Spitfire you can be be a part of its history when you wear our Spifire polo.

Wear the legend. Live the story.

Now available at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Air Force Museum of New Zealand, and online Barnstormer/NZ-AUS . When you purchase one of our polos at either museum, Barnstormer proudly makes a donation for every polo sold, supporting the preservation of our aviation heritage ✈️

20/04/2025

We’re proud to announce that our Barnstormer NZ-AUS polos are now stocked at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand It’s an honour to have our aviation-inspired apparel sitting alongside such an important part of Kiwi aviation history.

Next time you’re in Christchurch, head along to the museum, take in the incredible stories—and check out our polos while you’re there!

With every polo purchased through the museum, Barnstormer makes a donation to support their work, helping preserve and share our rich aviation heritage.

Wear the legend. Live the story.
Barnstormer

18/04/2025

NZ2423’s story ✈️

The P-51 Mustang was considered one of the best fighters of WWII. Known for its long-range es**rt capability, the New Zealand Government decided the P-51 was an ideal replacement for its Corsairs. The future NZ2423 arrived by ship in July 1945, but with the war in its final stages, all Mustangs were placed into long-term storage.
Reactivated upon establishing the Territorial Air Force (TAF) Squadrons in 1951, NZ2423 was allocated to No.2 TAF based at Ohakea. However, the Mustang's service with the RNZAF was short-lived with most withdrawn in 1955. NZ2423 remained operational for another three years and was used for target towing. It was the last of the type flown to Woodbourne, where it joined the P-51 fleet awaiting disposal.

Most Mustangs were purchased by an orchard company near Nelson and had their wings gas-axed off for easy transport. This was also the fate of NZ2423, but it was bought by the owners of the racing hydroplane Tru-Jen and moved just down the road to Blenheim. They intended to use the Mustang's Merlin engine and cockpit area on the boat; however, inspection showed this would be too difficult.

John Smith stepped up, and secured the Mustang and moved it to his property at Mapua. It remained in storage until the collection was dismantled after John's passing. Purchased by Brendon Deere, the P-51 was moved to its old base at Ohakea, where it underwent a three-year rebuild to fly. Appropriately finished in its No.2 TAF colours, the fighter made its first flight in over 66 years on Armistice Day 2023.
📸 Classic Aircraft Photography