The New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust is proud to announce that planning is officially underway for a significant extension of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim. This next phase of development aims to increase the facility's capacity, providing a new home for rare aircraft and creating a premier venue for large-scale events in the Marlborough region.

The expansion is set to focus on the further development of the acclaimed ‘Dangerous Skies’ World War II exhibition, effectively doubling its size. This will allow for additions to the current magnificent collection, increasing its scope and exploring new areas of historic interest.

Beyond the exhibits, the resulting 3,000 sqm space will be a welcome addition to the region’s business event infrastructure, offering conference organisers a unique off-site venue for up to 700 delegates (500 seated) to dine amid the warbirds.

NZAMT Chair, Brian Greenall says: “We are delighted with this outcome, and the opportunity to extend ‘Dangerous Skies’ as both another hall full of great aviation exhibits and stories and a unique event venue”

The building project has been made possible through generous private funding. This support will enable the NZAMT to construct the new building and necessary infrastructure, but fundraising will still be ongoing to cover the full cost of the internal fit-out.

All funds raised at the Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Airshow next March 26-28th will go towards this project and the door is open to welcome new donors and sponsors to support the NZAMT in creating the theatrical sets, carefully curated lighting and vibrant immersive experience that Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is internationally renowned for.