Making New Zealand - Aviation

This episode of Making New Zealand reminisces on early aviation highs and lows, as New Zealand's air industry evolved. In 1911, brothers Vivian and Leo Walsh made the country's first powered flight. Since then, it's been difficult to keep Kiwis out of the sky. The episode also includes footage of famous flights, including record-breaker Jean Batten returning from her solo flight from the United Kingdom — the first person to achieve this feat. Interviews with airline bosses, pilots, air hostesses and aviation experts shed light on Aotearoa's love for air travel. 

The Tiger Moth, for me, is one of the most special airplanes that I've ever flown. It's that freedom — when you're sitting there, and the sun's on your face, and the air is flying through your hair, some people would say you're closer to god.

– Vintage aircraft expert Peter Hendriks

Key Cast & Crew

Stephen Barnett

Original Concept

Francis Glenday

Editor

Mark Clare

Narrator

Laurie Clarke

Producer

George Murahidy

Cinematographer

Candida Beveridge

Director, Writer, Research