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Sir Timothy William Wallis (9 September 1938 – 17 October 2023) was a New Zealand businessman and aviation entrepreneur. He pioneered live deer capture from helicopters, which led to a significant industry in New Zealand. He was a leader and international representative of the deer farming industry. Wallis also founded the Alpine Fighter Collection and the Warbirds over Wanaka air show.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

He was born in Greymouth, on the West Coast, to Arthur Trevor and Janice Mildred (née Blunden) Wallis.[1] He was the second of four children, George (March 1935), Adrian and Josephine. His father was a businessman with interests in the timber and sawmilling industry.[1] Wallis's primary education was received at Grey Main School. For his high school education he attended Christ's College, Christchurch from 1952 to 1956 as a boarder. After completing a period of compulsory military training in 1957 he spent 2 terms as a medical student at the University of Canterbury before leaving to take a job at Kopara Sawmilling Company's Haupiri mill.[2]

Deer recovery and farming

[edit]

Pioneer of the live deer recovery industry in New Zealand's South Island, Wallis built an aviation empire around helicopter operations, pulling valuable animals out of the rugged high country.[3] For many years he held monopoly over the rights to commercial hunting in Fiordland National Park. Moving into deer farming during the 1970s, he was among the first to see the potential of the industry in New Zealand and his farm, Criffel, became a centre of excellence for high quality genetics and served as a model for many other farmers. The country's first deer auction was held on his farm in 1977.[4] His company, Alpine Deer Group, forged trade relationships in Russia, Korea and Hong Kong that saw exports of velvet, antler and pizzle to Asia. In 1974 he pioneered the first exports of live deer to Taiwan, which in 1975 was followed by the first live deer exports to Korea.[citation needed] In 1976, Wallis purchased Mararoa station. This was sold in 1987 to Challenge Deer Park.[citation needed]

Involvement in aviation

[edit]

In 1965, Wallis bought his first helicopter, which he used for commercial work.[citation needed]

A long-time enthusiast, Wallis purchased and restored many World war II era fighter aircraft, establishing the Alpine Fighter Collection and the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum.[5]

1968 crash

[edit]

On 7 July 1968 while flying a Hiller UH 12E with passengers Dick Burton and Lin Herron the helicopter hit 33 kV overhead power lines on Queenstown Hill station.[6] As a result of the crash Wallis broke his back which required steel plates to be inserted in his spine.[citation needed] He remained partly paralysed in his left leg, which required him to use a steel (later titanium) calliper extending from the thigh to shoe.[citation needed] Wallis managed to continue his flying career despite the injury.

In 1984, Wallis purchased a North American P-51 Mustang from John Dilley of the USA.[7] Painted in RNZAF colours, it attracted much media attention as the first flying Second World War fighter seen in New Zealand for some years and played a major part in the 1980s and 1990s expansion of the Warbird movement in New Zealand. The purchase of this aircraft caused him to establish the Alpine Fighter Collection.

Spitfire purchase

[edit]

In October 1988, Wallis sold his P-51D Mustang which allowed him to purchase a Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI, RAF serial TB863 from Stephen Grey in England. He obtained his rating on the aircraft at RNZAF Base Whenuapai in Auckland with the help of Stephen Grey. After giving a display at an airshow at Ardmore Airport in January 1989 he headed south to Masterton. While on the way he ran out of fuel after misjudging the Spitfire's fuel consumption. He managed to divert the aircraft to Waipukurau airport but during the final approach the engine failed and he crashed it damaging the undercarriage and propeller. It took nearly a year to restore the aircraft to airworthiness.[8]

In November 1992, Wallis again crashed the Spitfire when he was caught by a wind gust when attempting to land at the RNZAF Base Woodbourne in Blenheim. As a result, the left undercarriage and left wing were damaged.[citation needed]

New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum

[edit]

Wallis was a driving force behind the establishment of the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum, which was built alongside the Alpine Deer Group offices at the Wanaka Airport. It was opened in 1993 by retired Group Captain Colin Gray.[9] In a nearby hangar was located the Alpine Fighter Collection. Its first curator was Ian Brodie.

Restoration of the Polikarpovs

[edit]

After attempting to find in Russia suitable Messerschmitt Bf 109 or Focke Wulf 190 wrecks to restore and after being swindled out of US$12,000 for three non-existent Antonov AN-2 biplanes, Wallis concentrated on obtaining the remains of crashed Polikarpov aircraft. Eventually by 1993 he had purchased sufficient remains to have six Polikarpov I-16s and three Polikarpov I-153s restored by the Soviet Aeronautical Research Institute (SibNIA) in Novosibirsk.[10] The flight of the first restored aircraft (a I-16) took place in 1995. Once restored the aircraft were transported by rail to Vladivostok and from there shipped via Hong Kong to New Zealand. This project was completed in 1999 with the arrival of the final aircraft in New Zealand.[citation needed]

1996 crash

[edit]

On 2 January 1996, Wallis intended to practise formation flying with Brian Hore and his P-51 Mustang in preparation for the upcoming Warbirds over Wanaka show. He decided to take the Spitfire Mk XIV which was owned by the Alpine Fighter Collection. At the time he only had a total of 5½ hours flying time on the type and had only flown it 7 times. His departure was delayed by a problem with the aircraft's radio. Distracted by the need to meet up with Hore flying overhead and a number of people waiting to watch him take off, he overlooked the rudder setting which is different on the Griffon-engined Mk XIV from the Spitfire XVI which has a Merlin engine and which he had flown the previous day. This change in setting is necessary as the propeller of the Griffon engine rotates in the opposite direction to the Merlin. The aircraft slewed to the right on take-off and unable to be corrected in time the aircraft went off the runway and its tailwheel caught on the top two wires of the boundary fence. This stalled the aircraft and it crashed hitting the ground. The right wing was snapped off and the windscreen and cockpit area were badly damaged as the aircraft travelled upside down for about 40 metres before coming to rest. Wallis was badly hurt and was rushed by air to the intensive care unit at Dunedin Public Hospital.[11] His injuries left him medically unfit to fly.[12]

Following Wallis's 1996 accident, the Alpine Fighter Collection was wound down and dissolved with the aircraft being sold overseas. In addition, the NZFPM was closed in early 2011.[13]

Since the crash, the Spitfire (NH799) was restored in time for the Classic Fighters Omaka airshow 2015 after 19 years of work.[citation needed]

Warbirds over Wanaka

[edit]

Wallis started the biennial Warbirds over Wanaka airshow in 1988.[14]

Family

[edit]

Wallis married Prue Hazledine on 22 August 1974 in Pretoria while they were on a trip to South Africa.[15] The couple had four children; Toby Frederick (born September 1975), Jonathan Arthur (born November 1976), Matthew Timothy (3 January 1979[16] – 21 July 2018) and Nicholas Robert (June 1980 – 18 October 2018). In 2018, two of their four sons were killed in helicopter crashes: Matthew (Matt) Wallis (39) on 21 July and Nick (38) on 18 October.[17][18][19]

Death

[edit]

Wallis died on 17 October 2023, at the age of 85.[20]

Honours and awards

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Wallis

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Sir Timothy William Wallis (9 September 1938 – 17 October 2023) was a businessman, aviator, and entrepreneur renowned for pioneering the use of helicopters in live deer recovery during the 1960s, which revolutionized the country's deer farming and export industry, and for founding the Warbirds over international airshow in 1988. Born in on New Zealand's West Coast, Wallis grew up in a family involved in the timber industry and was educated at Christ's College in . In 1961, he established Wanaka Helicopters and shifted focus to deer recovery, developing innovative net-gun techniques from s to capture live deer for farming rather than shooting them for or meat alone. Through his company, the Alpine Deer Group, at its peak he captured around 35,000 deer annually, significantly contributing to establishing New Zealand's deer farming industry, and expanded operations to international markets including , the , and , amassing a fortune estimated at around NZ$70 million by 2011. His efforts transformed deer from pests into a valuable export commodity, with and becoming significant economic contributors. Despite a severe 1968 helicopter crash that broke his spine and left him with a paralyzed leg, Wallis made a remarkable recovery and continued pushing boundaries in the industry. In the 1980s, Wallis turned a personal passion for into a major endeavor, collecting and restoring World War II-era warbirds, including Spitfires and other fighters, through his Alpine Fighter Collection. He founded the biennial Warbirds over Wānaka airshow, which grew into one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest events, attracting up to 50,000 spectators and boosting tourism in the Wānaka region, and established the Fighter Pilots' to preserve heritage. An accomplished pilot himself, he flew many of his restored aircraft, though he survived another near-fatal accident in 1996 when his Spitfire crashed, resulting in severe brain damage and a three-month from which he fully recovered. For his contributions to , tourism, agriculture, and conservation, Wallis was knighted in 1994 as a . Married to Lady Prue Wallis, he had five children, including sons Toby and Jonathan, and daughter ; tragically, two sons, Matthew and , died in separate crashes in 2018. Wallis passed away at his home in after a short illness, leaving a legacy as a bold innovator who bridged business, adventure, and philanthropy.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Family Origins

Tim Wallis was born on 9 September 1938 in , on New Zealand's West Coast. He was the second-eldest of four children born to Arthur Trevor Wallis, a prominent sawmiller and businessman in the local timber industry, and Janice Mildred (née Blunden) Wallis. The family resided in Greymouth during the tail end of the and through , a period marked by economic hardship and wartime rationing on New Zealand's rugged . Growing up amid the timber operations and the wild, forested landscapes of the Grey District, Wallis was immersed in a rural environment that emphasized practical skills and self-sufficiency from an early age. This upbringing in the resource-based economy of the West Coast fostered Wallis's lifelong affinity for outdoor pursuits, including in the surrounding and an interest in influenced by his father's sawmilling work. The area's challenging terrain and isolation contributed to his adventurous spirit, shaping the foundation for his future endeavors in deer recovery and . At of five, Wallis transitioned to formal .

Education and Early Career

Tim Wallis attended Grey Main School in during his early years, before moving to as a boarder at Christ's College from 1952 to 1956. At Christ's College, he developed a keen interest in and , influenced by the school's environment and exposure to aircraft activities. His rural upbringing on New Zealand's West Coast further honed his practical mechanical aptitude, setting the foundation for hands-on technical skills. In 1957, Wallis briefly enrolled in medical studies at the , but he dropped out after one year due to a lack of interest in the field. This led him to return to the West Coast and join the family sawmilling business, where he gained initial professional experience in the timber industry. From the late , Wallis took on early jobs in sawmilling and operations on the West Coast, working at his father's timber mill at Haupiri among other sites. These roles involved practical tasks in machinery operation, , and rural business management, building his expertise in mechanical systems and resource-based enterprises.

Deer Industry Pioneering

Live Deer Recovery Operations

In 1965, Tim Wallis acquired his first helicopter, a Bell 47G-4, which he used for and recovery operations in remote areas of New Zealand's . Drawing on his prior mechanical experience in aviation maintenance, Wallis taught himself to pilot the aircraft, enabling direct involvement in these high-risk endeavors. By 1967, he had secured exclusive commercial hunting rights in , a vast and rugged wilderness that became the epicenter of his operations. Wallis pioneered the "live capture" method in the late 1960s and 1970s, shifting from shooting deer for to herding and netting them alive from helicopters to supply emerging deer farming ventures. This technique involved pilots maneuvering low over steep terrains in the to drive herds into open areas, where ground crews or aerial net guns—early versions deploying nylon nets over fleeing animals—secured the deer for airlifting to holding facilities. Operations targeted inaccessible valleys and fjords in and surrounding regions, where traditional ground access was impossible due to dense bush, sheer cliffs, and swift rivers. By the late 1970s, Wallis's Alpine Helicopters had recovered over 100,000 deer through these methods, establishing his firm as New Zealand's largest such enterprise and peaking at around 35,000 captures annually. The 1970s marked intense expansion amid fierce competition, with up to 50 helicopters operating in the southern , often employing aggressive tactics that heightened dangers in unpredictable weather and narrow gorges. Key operations, such as those in Fiordland's precipitous landscapes, demanded precise low-level flying and rapid coordination, but crashes and close calls were common due to the terrain's hazards. Economically, faced significant risks, with initial years plagued by losses from high operational costs and fluctuating prices; these were gradually offset by growing demand for deer in Asian markets and live animals for farms. By the decade's end, several rival operations folded under financial strain, underscoring the precarious balance Wallis navigated. Wallis's efforts epitomized what became known as "New Zealand's Last Great Adventure," the bold aerial assault on invasive red deer populations that transformed pest control into a viable industry while exploiting the animals' commercial potential.

Establishment of Deer Farming and Exports

Following his pioneering efforts in live deer recovery using helicopters, Tim Wallis transitioned to establishing sustainable farming operations to capitalize on the growing demand for deer products. In the 1970s, he developed Criffel Deer Farm near Wanaka, one of New Zealand's early commercial deer farms under the Alpine Deer Group, which served as a key hub for breeding and stock management. A pivotal moment came in 1977 when Criffel hosted New Zealand's inaugural live deer auction, selling 383 animals with prices ranging from $250 for weaner stags to $750 for mature stags, signaling the viability of deer as a farmed and spurring industry-wide adoption. This event underscored Wallis's role in shifting from wild capture to structured farming infrastructure. Wallis further advanced the sector through international exports, orchestrating New Zealand's first live deer shipment to in 1974 and to Korea in 1975, which established vital trade links and cemented his status as a global deer industry leader. By the 1980s, Wallis expanded the Alpine Deer Group into processing and the velvet antler trade, navigating regulatory challenges including the 1969 legalization of deer farming amid opposition and stringent fencing and health controls that deterred many entrants. These efforts transformed the operation into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, with farms like Criffel and Mararoa Station supporting thousands of deer and contributing to New Zealand's emergence as a dominant exporter.

Aviation Career

Entry into Aviation and Helicopter Use

Wallis's entry into was driven by the practical demands of his burgeoning deer recovery business in New Zealand's challenging terrain, where ground-based methods proved inefficient for extracting animals from remote, steep landscapes. His prior mechanical experience in the family sawmilling operation provided a foundational understanding of engines and machinery, facilitating his quick adaptation to and operation. In 1965, Wallis acquired his first helicopter, a , marking his initial foray into piloting as he self-taught the necessary skills to operate it for commercial deer recovery work, obtaining the required pilot licenses shortly thereafter. In 1966, Wallis began formal helicopter operations for deer recovery under his existing deer business, acquiring his first owned helicopter. He established Alpine Helicopters in 1971 to expand these efforts, starting with the single dedicated to net-gun capture and transport of live deer from inaccessible areas. The company's helicopter fleet expanded rapidly amid surging demand for venison exports, growing from one to multiple units by 1970, which allowed for scaled-up recovery missions across vast regions like and the . While the primary focus remained on deer operations—recovering thousands of animals annually—the helicopters also branched into ancillary services such as scenic flights and support for activities in isolated forests. This growth underscored Wallis's innovative application of to resource extraction, transforming an industry previously reliant on manual labor. By the 1980s, Wallis had accumulated thousands of personal flying hours, a testament to his self-taught proficiency developed through intensive, hands-on experience rather than extensive formal instruction. Operating in the South Island's unforgiving environment—characterized by sudden weather shifts, high-altitude demands, and narrow valleys—entailed substantial risks, including early incidents like the rollover crash of his during a 1965 venison hunt, yet these challenges honed his expertise and contributed to safer industry practices over time.

Aircraft Acquisitions and Restorations

Tim Wallis began building his collection of historic warbirds in the mid-1980s, marking his transition from helicopter operations to fixed-wing aviation preservation. His first major acquisition was a North American P-51D Mustang (serial 44-74829, registration ZK-TAF), purchased in 1984 and imported to after restoration in the United States; this aircraft became the foundation of his fleet and was stored at Wanaka airfield. In 1988, Wallis expanded his collection with the purchase of a Mk XVI (TB863, later ZK-XVI) from the , where it had undergone restoration at ; the aircraft arrived in the following year and joined the growing lineup at Wanaka. Wallis's background in helicopter maintenance proved invaluable in overseeing the technical aspects of these acquisitions, enabling efficient integration into his operations. From 1993 to 1999, Wallis undertook one of his most ambitious restoration projects, recovering and rebuilding six fighters from wrecks discovered in the former ; the aircraft were restored in by State Aviation Factory #31 in before being shipped to for final assembly and flight testing at Wanaka. This effort, involving international teams of engineers, highlighted Wallis's commitment to preserving rare World War II-era Soviet aircraft, with the first restored I-16 taking to the air in 1995. Wallis's collection also included notable examples such as North American Harvard trainers, which served as versatile support aircraft, and a Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying boat (ZK-PBY), restored from wartime service and added to the fleet in the late 1980s. By the 1990s, these acquisitions and restorations had formed the core of a fleet exceeding 20 warbirds, all maintained and housed at Wanaka airfield under the Alpine Fighter Collection.

Museums, Airshows, and Exhibitions

In 1993, Tim Wallis established the Fighter Pilots Museum at Wanaka Airport, creating a dedicated space to honor 's aviation heritage through the display of warbirds from his Alpine Fighter Collection and related artifacts, such as pilot memorabilia and historical documents. The museum served as a key public venue for aviation enthusiasts, offering insights into the exploits of Kiwi fighter pilots and during the conflict. Wallis launched the biennial Warbirds over Wānaka airshow in 1988 over the Easter weekend, initially as a showcase for his growing collection of historic , which drew 14,000 attendees to Wanaka Airport in its debut year. The event quickly evolved into an international spectacle, featuring scripted aerial displays of warbirds like the performing maneuvers against the dramatic backdrop, and by the 2000s, it attracted up to around 80,000 visitors per edition, cementing its status as the Southern Hemisphere's premier warbirds gathering. The airshow has contributed over NZ$300 million to the regional economy since 1988 (as of 2024). Following Wallis's 1996 aviation accident, the airshow continued under his oversight until the establishment of the Warbirds over Wanaka Community Trust in 2006, which ensured its ongoing operation as a charitable entity promoting aviation heritage. The event persisted through subsequent editions, including the 2018 show marking its 30th anniversary with large crowds and diverse aircraft formations. However, mounting operational costs led to the dissolution of the Alpine Fighter Collection in 2011, which prompted the closure of the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum that same year. Following the 2011 closure, many aircraft from the collection were sold to international operators and museums, preserving their historical value globally.

Aviation Accidents and Incidents

Tim Wallis experienced several notable aviation incidents throughout his career, with the most significant occurring in 1968 when he was piloting a Hiller UH-12E near in the region. On 7 July 1968, while assisting with stock rescue operations during heavy snow, the helicopter collided with 33 kV overhead power lines on the Te Anau Power Scheme, resulting in a crash that broke Wallis's back and caused from the waist down. He required a calliper for the remainder of his life due to partial in his left but remarkably returned to flying within three months of the accident. In 1989, Wallis encountered issues with his Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk XVIe (ZK-XVI) during a flight, leading to fuel problems that necessitated a forced landing at Waipukurau airfield. The aircraft sustained damage in the resulting crash, but repairs were completed promptly, allowing Wallis to resume operations without long-term interruption to his aviation activities. A similar minor incident occurred in November 1992 involving the same Spitfire at RNZAF Base Woodbourne in Blenheim, where a wind gust caught the aircraft during landing, causing it to crash. The damage was limited, and quick repairs enabled a swift return to service, with no serious injuries reported to Wallis. The most severe accident in Wallis's career took place on 2 January 1996 at Wanaka Airport, where he was piloting a FR Mk XIV (ZK-XIV) during a solo practice flight ahead of an airshow. During takeoff, the aircraft's tail snagged a boundary fence, causing it to become airborne briefly before rolling inverted and crashing; the Spitfire was written off as destroyed. Wallis, aged 58, suffered severe injuries including a fractured , trauma that induced a with only a 10% chance of survival, and additional breaks that left him wheelchair-bound, ultimately ending his active flying career.

Personal Life

Marriage and Immediate Family

Tim Wallis married Prue Hazledine in August 1974 in , , after meeting her in where she worked in the film industry. The couple formed a close partnership that extended beyond their personal life into Wallis's business ventures and aviation interests, with Prue playing a supportive role in family enterprises and events like the Warbirds Over airshow. Following their marriage, they settled in , where the family established roots in the high country. Wallis and Prue had four sons: Toby, Jonathan, Matthew, and Nick. The family home was based at Criffel Station, a deer farm near that served as a central hub for their agricultural and business activities during the early years of deer farming. Their life in balanced the demands of high-risk pursuits in and deer recovery, with the couple raising their sons amid the operations of the Alpine Group. Toby became involved in the family's endeavors, continuing the legacy in operations.

Later Family Tragedies

In 2018, Tim Wallis endured devastating personal losses when two of his sons, both pilots in the family's Alpine Helicopters operation, died in separate crashes just three months apart. On July 21, Matthew "Matt" Timothy Wallis, aged 39, was killed during a routine solo flight in a (ZK-HTB) from Wanaka Airport toward the Upper Estuary Burn Valley. The suddenly departed controlled flight and crashed into Lake Wanaka near Stevensons Island, with the wreckage sinking to a depth of about 120 meters. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) final report, released in November 2020, attributed the accident to mast bumping—an oscillation of the main rotor that caused an in-flight breakup—likely due to the aircraft being flown at excessive speed in turbulent conditions near the lake's western arm. Tragedy struck again on October 18, when Nicholas "Nick" Wallis, aged 38 and director of Alpine Helicopters, died alongside Department of Conservation rangers Paul Hondelink, 38, and Scott Theobald, 45, shortly after takeoff in a Hughes 500D near Wanaka Airport. The helicopter, en route to a stoat-trapping operation, crashed into a paddock and caught fire. TAIC's June 2024 final report concluded that a worn door latch on the right side failed, allowing the door to open in flight; loose clothing from one passenger then entangled in the cyclic control, leading to loss of control and a high-speed impact. These events profoundly affected Wallis emotionally and tested the family's aviation enterprises, yet they demonstrated resilience amid the . Wallis, known for his media , later reflected on the losses as part of a life marked by perseverance, with his wife Prue providing steadfast support as the family navigated the aftermath. In tribute to his sons—who had contributed to family airshows—Wallis committed to sustaining Warbirds over Wanaka, ensuring the biennial event continued as a legacy of passion and innovation despite the personal toll.

Death and Legacy

Death and Funeral

Sir Timothy William Wallis died on 17 October 2023 at his home in Wanaka, , at the age of 85, from natural causes while surrounded by family. A was parked just outside his window, providing a poignant final view that reflected his lifelong passion for , as noted in family announcements and obituaries. A private family funeral was held shortly after his death at the Alpine Funeral Home in Wanaka, followed by a family lunch. This was complemented by a public memorial service on 28 October 2023 at the Alpine Helicopters hangar at Wanaka Airport, attended by hundreds from the local community and enthusiasts. The service featured tributes, including a by the Royal Air Force Black Falcons and hovering helicopters, honoring Wallis's pioneering role in the field. Immediate tributes poured in from organizations Wallis helped shape. The Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, which he founded, described him as an "exceptional man" whose vision created one of the world's premier airshows, emphasizing his enduring legacy in aviation. Deer Industry New Zealand hailed him as a "big totara" that had fallen, crediting his innovations in helicopter-based deer recovery and farming as foundational to the sector's growth. His wife, Lady Prue Wallis, remembered him as a "special bloke" who was deeply loved by family, while sons Toby and Jonathan shared emotional recollections of his adventurous spirit during the memorial.

Honours, Awards, and Industry Impact

Tim Wallis was appointed a in the 1994 for his services to deer farming, export, and the community. In the sector, Wallis was awarded the E.A. Gibson Medal in 1980 by the New Zealand Division of the Royal Aeronautical Society for outstanding services to . He also earned the Sir Jack Newman Award in 1999 from the Aviation Industry Association of for his leadership in promoting and heritage. Additionally, in 1994, he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship from for his humanitarian efforts tied to business philanthropy. In the deer farming industry, Wallis was jointly awarded the Deer Industry Award in 1994 by the Deer Farmers Association (NZDFA), alongside Sir Peter Elworthy, honoring them as founding fathers who transformed wild deer recovery into a commercial enterprise. He became a life member of the NZDFA in recognition of his foundational role, including serving on its council and as an early president of the Export Wild Venison Section of the NZDFA. In 2002, he received a special lifetime achievement award from the NZDFA at its annual conference, celebrating his pioneering use of helicopters for live deer capture and his establishment of the Alpine Deer Group as a global exporter. Wallis was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2002 for his innovations in aviation and deer farming. Wallis's business empire, centered on the Alpine Deer Group and Alpine Helicopters, was valued at approximately NZ$75 million for the family holdings as of 2013, reflecting his diversification into , , and development. By the time of his in 2023, his enterprises had grown to encompass a significant portion of New Zealand's deer sector, with the family's assets including the Warbirds over Wanaka airshow contributing substantially to his status as one of New Zealand's wealthiest businessmen. Wallis's legacy endures in the deer farming industry, which he helped elevate from a effort in the to a major economic contributor, with New Zealand's and exports reaching approximately NZ$320 million annually as of 2023, largely due to his innovations in helicopter-based live capture and farming techniques. His methods enabled the establishment of the world's first commercial deer farming operations, inspiring and positioning as a leader in sustainable utilization. In , the Warbirds over airshow, which he founded in 1988, continues as a biennial event that draws tens of thousands of visitors, with the 2024 edition attracting over and featuring a dedicated in his honor; the airshow is scheduled to return in 2026, underscoring his role in preserving historic and fostering enthusiasm. Post-2023 tributes from industry bodies like Deer Industry New Zealand highlighted his influence on , with analyses crediting his ventures for enhancing 's global reputation in and heritage experiences.

References

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  41. https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/10/18/sir-tim-wallis-a-man-of-action/
  42. https://www.aopa.nz/sir-tim-wallis-1938-2023/
  43. https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/otago-daily-times/20231104/282213720526476
  44. https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350229992/wanaka-air-show-founder-controls-beyond-grave
  45. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wallis-family-doc-speak-on-tragic-triple-fatal-helicopter-crash-in-wanaka/4JNFDKFLG5R3YQ6SAELYDOXTKU/
  46. https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/absolutely-devastating-family-loses-two-sons-in-separate-helicopter-crashes-three-months-apart-20181018-p50agw.html
  47. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/431560/final-report-into-fatal-helicopter-crash-in-lake-wanaka-in-2018-released-by-commission
  48. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/123519777/speed-and-turbulence-believed-to-be-behind-fatal-helicopter-crash
  49. https://wanakaapp.nz/NewsStory/mast-bumping-likely-cause-of-fatal-2018-helicopter-crash/5fbf1a76ff4bf600286b8f42
  50. https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/13/final-taic-report-into-2018-fatal-wanaka-helicopter-crash-released/
  51. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350307322/wreckage-confetti-worn-door-latch-likely-caused-fatal-helicopter-crash-wanaka
  52. https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/issues/pwc-summary-report-into-2018-wanaka-helicopter-crash/
  53. https://wanakaapp.nz/NewsStory/obituary-sir-tim-wallis-a-life-well-lived-and-loved/65415a1701b7d400284c00bc
  54. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sir-tim-wallis-aviation-legends-funeral-to-be-a-celebration-of-a-very-full-life/D6BCCQJ2HZD77BWKYNOK76BXKM/
  55. https://www.facebook.com/NZAirForce/posts/a-fitting-tribute-to-honour-a-legend-%25EF%25B8%258F/647133810935195/
  56. https://www.deernz.org/home/our-stories/sir-tim-wallis-a-big-totara-has-fallen-in-the-deer-industry/
  57. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sir-tim-wallis-dies-wife-remembers-aviation-pioneer-as-special-bloke/VLFVCO653BCSDPJFKIRLKDX3NA/
  58. https://deernz.org.nz/home/deer-industry-new-zealand/industry-awards/deer-industry-award/
  59. https://www.deernz.org/assets/News-and-publications/Stagline/Stagline-2025/TDF-June-2002-Awards-time-the-results.pdf
  60. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/8965978/Southern-residents-on-annual-rich-list
  61. https://deernz.org.nz/assets/DINZ/Deer-Industry-of-New-Zealand/DINZ-Annual-Reports/Annual-Report-2023-24-web.pdf
  62. https://figure.nz/chart/jPhn59ZSuhXHZh7v-05vvFfjl0VTkrsqP
  63. https://deernz.org/home/our-stories/sir-tim-wallis-a-big-totara-has-fallen-in-the-deer-industry/
  64. https://vintageaviationnews.com/airshow-news/warbirds-over-wanaka-2024.html
  65. https://www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/
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