Earlier this year the NZ Government allocated Skyhawk 01 to the people of Tauranga via Classic Flyers NZ.
The package included delivery and reassembly to display standards together with appropriate artefacts to complete a major display area for this iconic RNZAF aircraft. To average out the costs between the various museums allocated aircraft the Government charged a $30,000 fee, which in Tauranga's case probably does not meet their full costs.
The Board of Classic Flyers NZ thus went out to the people of Tauranga to ask for donations to enable the acquisition to take place. We are pleased to relate that we are well on the way to meeting this target.
Due to problems of logistics the RNZAF have now informed us that delivery is scheduled for very early February. Whilst we are disappointed to be told about the delay, we have been made aware of the full circumstances behind the decision which we accept. We cannot expect the delivery of redundant aircraft to get in the way of operational tasks. However, we have been told that the Defence Minister, Dr Wayne Mapp, is to make an important announcement about the disposal of other redundant RNZAF assets on 7 November and this may include an exciting additional announcement for our collection.
To all the people who have so far contributed to the acquisition of the Skyhawk we trust you will understand these circumstances which are beyond our control. We do not expect any further movement of the delivery date and we will keep you all informed of progress.

David Love, Chairman
Management Board ClassicFlyersNZ