Tim Wallis: Warbirds over Wānaka founder dies aged 85

Remembering Sir Tim Wallis: A Pioneer in Aviation and Deer Farming

Introduction:

New Zealand mourns the loss of a true visionary and pioneer, Sir Timothy William Wallis, who passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 85. Sir Tim Wallis was a remarkable figure known for his groundbreaking contributions to both the aviation and deer farming industries in New Zealand. His legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments; it has left an indelible mark on the nation and the world. In this article, we celebrate the life and achievements of this extraordinary individual.

Early Life and Beginnings:

Tim Wallis was born on September 9, 1938, in Greymouth, New Zealand, to Arthur Trevor and Janice Mildred Wallis. His family’s business interests in the timber and sawmilling industry provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors. Tim’s early education included time at Grey Main School, and he later attended Christ’s College in Christchurch from 1952 to 1956. Following a brief period of medical studies at the University of Canterbury, he embarked on a different path, taking a job at the Kopara Sawmilling Company’s Haupiri mill.

Pioneering Live Deer Capture and Farming:

One of Wallis’s most notable contributions to New Zealand was his pioneering work in the live deer capture industry. He recognized the potential of using helicopters for capturing valuable animals from the rugged high country, ultimately building an aviation empire around this concept. For many years, he held a monopoly over the rights to commercial hunting in Fiordland National Park. Wallis’s foresight also led him to embrace deer farming in the 1970s, seeing the industry’s potential for high-quality genetics. His farm, Criffel, became a beacon of excellence and served as a model for other farmers. The world’s first deer auction took place on his farm in 1977, marking a significant milestone.

Wallis’s company, the Alpine Deer Group, established crucial trade relationships with nations like Russia, Korea, and Hong Kong, resulting in the export of velvet, antler, and pizzle to Asian markets. In 1974, he made history by pioneering the first exports of live deer to Taiwan, followed by exports to Korea in 1975. Wallis’s contributions were not limited to the deer industry; his efforts extended to aviation, making him an influential figure in that field as well.

A Life in Aviation:

Tim Wallis’s passion for aviation was evident throughout his life. In 1965, he acquired his first helicopter, marking the beginning of his aviation journey. He later purchased and restored numerous World War II-era fighter aircraft, establishing the Alpine Fighter Collection and the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum. Wallis’s commitment to aviation was evident in the risks he took and the challenges he overcame. His resilience was exemplified by his ability to continue his flying career after a devastating helicopter crash in 1968, despite being partially paralyzed.

Wallis’s impact on New Zealand’s aviation scene extended beyond his personal endeavors. He brought attention to the country’s aviation heritage by purchasing and restoring iconic aircraft like the North American P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI. These aircraft became symbols of his dedication to preserving aviation history and drew widespread attention.

Warbirds over Wanaka:

One of Tim Wallis’s most enduring legacies is the Warbirds over Wanaka airshow, which he initiated in 1988. This biennial event has attracted crowds of up to 50,000 aviation enthusiasts and has become an integral part of New Zealand’s cultural landscape. Wallis’s dedication to the airshow continued until 2006 when he passed the torch to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, ensuring that the event would persist for generations to come.

Family and Honors:

Sir Tim Wallis was more than an aviation and deer farming icon; he was a family man. He married Prue Hazledine in 1974, and they had four children. Tragically, in 2018, the Wallis family suffered the loss of two of their four sons, Matt and Nick, in separate helicopter crashes.

Throughout his life, Sir Tim Wallis received numerous honors and awards, recognizing his contributions to various fields. These accolades included being appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 1994 New Year Honors for his services to deer farming, export, and the community.

Sir Tim Wallis’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His unwavering commitment to the deer farming industry, his passion for aviation, and the creation of the Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow are testaments to his extraordinary achievements. As New Zealand reflects on the life and contributions of Sir Tim Wallis, we remember a man who left an indelible mark on the nation and the world, and whose legacy will continue to soar to new heights.