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{{Short description|New Zealand businessman (1938–2023)}}
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{{Infobox person
[[File:Tim Wallis 2015 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Wallis in 2015]]
| honorific_prefix = [[Sir]]
⚫
'''Sir Timothy William Wallis''' (born 9 September 1938) is 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.
| name = Tim Wallis
| image = Tim Wallis 2015 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Wallis in 2015
| birth_name = Timothy William Wallis
| birth_date = {{birth date|1938|09|09|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Greymouth]], New Zealand
| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|10|17|1938|09|09|df=y}}
| death_place =
| education = [[Christ's College, Christchurch|Christ's College]]
| occupation = Businessman
| known_for = {{Hlist|Pioneering helicopter live deer recovery|[[Alpine Fighter Collection]]|[[Warbirds over Wanaka]]}}
}}

⚫
'''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.


==Early life==
==Early life==
⚫
He was born in [[Greymouth]], on the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]], to Arthur Trevor and Janice Mildred (née Blunden) Wallis.<ref name="auto">Peat. Page 31.</ref> 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.<ref name="auto"/> Wallis's primary education was received at Grey Main School. For his high school education he attended [[Christ's College, Christchurch|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.<ref>Peat. Page 52.</ref>

He was born in [[Greymouth]], on the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]] to Arthur Trevor and Janice Mildred (née Blunden) Wallis.<ref>Peat. Page 31.</ref>
⚫
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.<ref>Peat. Page 31.</ref> Wallis's primary education was received at Grey Main School. For his high school education he attended [[Christ's College, Christchurch|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.<ref>Peat. Page 52.</ref>


==Deer recovery and farming==
==Deer recovery and farming==
⚫
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.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/deer-and-deer-farming/2|title=From deer stalking to helicopters|encyclopedia=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|author=Drew, Ken|date=1 March 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/deer-and-deer-farming/3|title=The beginnings of deer farming|encyclopedia=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|author=Drew, Ken|date=1 March 2009}}</ref> 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.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

⚫
In 1976, Wallis purchased Mararoa station. This was sold in 1987 to Challenge Deer Park.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
⚫
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/deer-and-deer-farming/2|title=From deer stalking to helicopters|work=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|author=Drew, Ken|date=1 March 2009}}</ref> 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 world's first deer auction was held on his farm in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/deer-and-deer-farming/3|title=The beginnings of deer farming|work=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|author=Drew, Ken|date=1 March 2009}}</ref> 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.

⚫
In 1976 he purchased Mararoa station. This was sold in 1987 to Challenge Deer Park.


==Involvement in aviation==
==Involvement in aviation==
In 1965 he bought his first helicopter, which he used for commercial work.
In 1965, Wallis bought his first helicopter, which he used for commercial work.{{cn|date=October 2023}}


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]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Hurricane Tim: the story of Sir Tim Wallis|last=Peat|first=Neville|publisher=Longacre Press|year=2005|isbn=1877361178|location=Dunedin|pages=219-245}}</ref>
A long-time enthusiast, Wallis purchased and restored many [[World War II|World war II]] era fighter aircraft, establishing the Alpine Fighter Collection and the [[New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Hurricane Tim: the story of Sir Tim Wallis|last=Peat|first=Neville|publisher=Longacre Press|year=2005|isbn=1877361178|location=Dunedin|pages=219–245}}</ref>


===1968 crash===
===1968 crash===
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 Queenstourn Hill station.<ref>Peat. Pages 21 to 22.</ref> As a result of the crash Wallis broke his back which required steel plates to be inserted in his spine. He remained partly paralysed in his left leg, which required him to use a steel (later titanium) calliper extending from the thigh to shoe. Wallis managed to continue his flying career despite the injury.
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.<ref>Peat. Pages 21 to 22.</ref> As a result of the crash Wallis broke his back which required steel plates to be inserted in his spine.{{cn|date=October 2023}} He remained partly paralysed in his left leg, which required him to use a steel (later titanium) calliper extending from the thigh to shoe.{{cn|date=October 2023}} Wallis managed to continue his flying career despite the injury.


In 1984 he purchased a [[North American P-51 Mustang]] from John Dilley of the USA.<ref>Peat. Page 224.</ref>
In 1984, Wallis purchased a [[North American P-51 Mustang]] from John Dilley of the USA.<ref>Peat. Page 224.</ref>
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]].
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===
===Spitfire purchase===
In October 1988 he 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.<ref>Peat. Pages 228 to 229.</ref>
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.<ref>Peat. Pages 228 to 229.</ref>


In November 1992 he again crashed the Spitfire when he was caught by a wind gust when attempting to land at the [[RNZAF Base Woodbourne]] in [[Blenheim, New Zealand|Blenheim]]. As a result, the left undercarriage and left wing were damaged.
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, New Zealand|Blenheim]]. As a result, the left undercarriage and left wing were damaged.{{cn|date=October 2023}}


===New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum===
===New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum===
He 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.<ref>Peat. Page 231.</ref> In a nearby hangar was located the Alpine Fighter Collection. Its first curator was Ian Brodie.
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.<ref>Peat. Page 231.</ref> In a nearby hangar was located the Alpine Fighter Collection. Its first curator was Ian Brodie.


===Restoration of the Polikarpovs===
===Restoration of the Polikarpovs===
After attempting to find in Russia suitable Messerschmitt Me-109 or Focke Wulf 190 wrecks to restore and after being swindled 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-16]]s and three [[Polikarpov I-153]]s restored by the Soviet Aeronautical Research Institute (Sibnia) in Novosibirsk.<ref>Peat. Pages 219 to 224.</ref> 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.
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-16]]s and three [[Polikarpov I-153]]s restored by the Soviet Aeronautical Research Institute (SibNIA) in Novosibirsk.<ref>Peat. Pages 219 to 224.</ref> 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.{{cn|date=October 2023}}


===1996 crash===
===1996 crash===
On 2 January 1996, he intended to practice 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 had 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 takeoff 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.<ref>Peat. Pages 249 to 251.</ref>
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 had 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 takeoff 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.<ref>Peat. Pages 249 to 251.</ref> His injuries left him medically unfit to fly.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Hurricane Tim: the story of Sir Tim Wallis|last=Peat|first=Neville|publisher=Longacre Press|year=2005|isbn=1877361178|location=Dunedin|pages=246–274}}</ref>


⚫
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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown-lakes/ww2-fighter-flights-offer-wanaka|title=WW2 fighter flights on offer in Wanaka|date=2011-02-12|website=Otago Daily Times Online News|language=en|access-date=2019-05-30}}</ref>
His injuries left him medically unfit to fly.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Hurricane Tim: the story of Sir Tim Wallis|last=Peat|first=Neville|publisher=Longacre Press|year=2005|isbn=1877361178|location=Dunedin|pages=246-274}}</ref>


⚫
Since the crash, the Spitfire (NH799) was restored in time for the [[Classic Fighters]] Omaka airshow 2015 after 19 years of work.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
⚫
Following his 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown-lakes/ww2-fighter-flights-offer-wanaka|title=WW2 fighter flights on offer in Wanaka|date=2011-02-12|website=Otago Daily Times Online News|language=en|access-date=2019-05-30}}</ref>

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


===Warbirds over Wanaka===
===Warbirds over Wanaka===
He started the biennial [[Warbirds over Wanaka]] [[airshow]] in 1988.<ref>Peat. Page 227.</ref>
Wallis started the biennial [[Warbirds over Wanaka]] [[airshow]] in 1988.<ref>Peat. Page 227.</ref>

== Family ==
⚫
Wallis married Prue Hazledine on 22 August 1974 in [[Pretoria]] while they were on a trip to [[South Africa]].<ref>Peat. Page 125.</ref> The couple had four children; Toby Frederick (born September 1975), Jonathan Arthur (born November 1976), Matthew Timothy (3 January 1979<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/pilot-matthew-wallis-never-at-a-loss-for-a-good-idea/UCZ34WNB6U4E3TTTBRBK4VYLS4/ | title=Pilot 'never at a loss for a good idea' | date=19 October 2023 }}</ref> – 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.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/105849176/Chopper-crash-victim-Matt-Wallis-remembered-as-larger-than-life-adventure-seeker-gentleman-storyteller?rm=m |title= Chopper-crash victim Matt Wallis remembered as larger than life adventure-seeker, gentleman storyteller |publisher= Stuff (Fairfax) |date= 30 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/107935200/suspected-helicopter-crash-near-wanaka-airport |title= Suspected helicopter crash near Wanaka Airport |work= [[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date= 18 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/107961299/doc-ranger-paul-hondelink-killed-in-wanaka-helicopter-crash |title= DOC ranger Paul Hondelink killed in Wanaka helicopter crash |work= Stuff |date= 19 October 2018}}</ref>


== Family ==
== Death ==
Wallis died on 17 October 2023, at the age of 85.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/10/17/warbirds-over-wanaka-founder-sir-tim-wallis-dies-aged-85/ |title= Warbirds over Wānaka founder Sir Tim Wallis dies, aged 85 |date=17 October 2023 |work=[[1 News]] |access-date=17 October 2023}}</ref>
⚫
In 2018 Sir Tim and Lady Pru Wallis lost two of their four sons in helicopter crashes: Matthew (Matt) Wallis (39) in July and Nick (38) in October. <ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/105849176/Chopper-crash-victim-Matt-Wallis-remembered-as-larger-than-life-adventure-seeker-gentleman-storyteller?rm=m |title= Chopper-crash victim Matt Wallis remembered as larger than life adventure-seeker, gentleman storyteller |publisher= Stuff (Fairfax) |date= 30 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/107935200/suspected-helicopter-crash-near-wanaka-airport |title= Suspected helicopter crash near Wanaka Airport |work= [[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date= 18 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/107961299/doc-ranger-paul-hondelink-killed-in-wanaka-helicopter-crash |title= DOC ranger Paul Hondelink killed in Wanaka helicopter crash |work= Stuff |date= 19 October 2018}}</ref>


==Honours and awards==
==Honours and awards==
* 1980 – E.A. Gibson Award for Services to New Zealand aviation.
* 1980 – E.A. Gibson Award for Services to New Zealand aviation.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
* 1990 – Awarded the [[New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal]]<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=Alister |editor-link=Alister Taylor |title=New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001 |year=2001 |publisher=Alister Taylor Publishers |location=Auckland |issn=1172-9813 |page=914}}</ref>
* 1990 – Awarded the [[New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal]]<ref>{{cite journal |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=Alister |editor-link=Alister Taylor |title=New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001 |journal=New Zealand Who's Who, Aotearoa |year=2001 |publisher=Alister Taylor Publishers |location=Auckland |issn=1172-9813 |page=914}}</ref>
* 1994 – Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Lions Club International Foundation for dedicated humanitarian services.
* 1994 – Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Lions Club International Foundation for dedicated humanitarian services.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
* 1994 – Wallis was appointed a [[Knight Bachelor]] in the [[1994 New Year Honours (New Zealand)|1994 New Year Honours]], for services to deer farming, export and the community.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=53528 |date=31 December 1993 |page=33 |supp=2}}</ref>
* 1994 – Wallis was appointed a [[Knight Bachelor]] in the [[1994 New Year Honours (New Zealand)|1994 New Year Honours]], for services to deer farming, export and the community.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=53528 |date=31 December 1993 |page=33 |supp=2}}</ref>
* 1999 – Sir Jack Newman Award (New Zealand Tourism Awards) for outstanding contributions to the New Zealand tourist industry.
* 1999 – Sir Jack Newman Award (New Zealand Tourism Awards) for outstanding contributions to the New Zealand tourist industry.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
* 2000 – Doctor of Commerce honoris causa from Lincoln University.
* 2000 – Doctor of Commerce ''honoris causa'' from Lincoln University.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
* 2002 – Laureate, New Zealand Business hall of fame for achievements in deer recovery and New Zealand tourism development and the founding of Warbirds over Wanaka.
* 2002 – Laureate, [[New Zealand Business Hall of Fame]] for achievements in deer recovery and New Zealand tourism development and the founding of Warbirds over Wanaka.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businesshalloffame.co.nz/past-laureates/ |title=Past laureates |website=Business Hall of Fame |access-date=19 February 2023}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/wanaka/21658/sir-tim-wallis-039really-pleased039-be-70|title=Sir Tim Wallis 'really pleased' to be 70|publisher=Otago Daily Times|date=10 September 2008}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/wanaka/21658/sir-tim-wallis-039really-pleased039-be-70|title=Sir Tim Wallis 'really pleased' to be 70|work=[[Otago Daily Times]]|date=10 September 2008}}


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
⚫
* {{cite book | author = Peat, Neville |title = Hurricane Tim : The Story of Sir Tim Wallis | location = Dunedin | publisher = Longarce Press | year = 2005 | type = Hardback | isbn = 1-877361-17-8}}

⚫
*{{cite book | author = Peat, Neville |title = Hurricane Tim : The Story of Sir Tim Wallis | location = Dunedin | publisher = Longarce Press | year = 2005 | type = Hardback | isbn = 1-877361-17-8}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060105020216/http://www.nzfpm.co.nz/ New Zealand Fighter Pilots' Museum]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060105020216/http://www.nzfpm.co.nz/ New Zealand Fighter Pilots' Museum]
*[https://worldofdeer.com/museum/ World of Deer Museum Wanaka, New Zealand]
* [https://worldofdeer.com/museum/ World of Deer Museum Wanaka, New Zealand] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022142701/https://worldofdeer.com/museum/ |date=22 October 2020 }}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Wallis, Tim}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wallis, Tim}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:New Zealand aviators]]
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[[Category:New Zealand farmers]]
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[[Category:People from Greymouth]]
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[[Category:People educated at Christ's College, Christchurch]]
[[Category:1938 births]]
[[Category:1938 births]]
[[Category:People from Wanaka]]
[[Category:2023 deaths]]
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[[Category:New Zealand aviators]]
[[Category:New Zealand Knights Bachelor]]
[[Category:New Zealand Knights Bachelor]]
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[[Category:Helicopter pilots]]
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[[Category:20th-century New Zealand farmers]]
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[[Category:People educated at Christ's College, Christchurch]]
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[[Category:People from Greymouth]]
[[Category:People from Wānaka]]

Latest revision as of 18:06, 18 August 2024

Sir
Tim Wallis
Wallis in 2015
Born
Timothy William Wallis

(1938-09-09)9 September 1938
Greymouth, New Zealand
Died17 October 2023(2023-10-17) (aged 85)
BildungChrist's College
OccupationBusinessman
Known for

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.

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 had 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 takeoff 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]
  1. ^ a b Peat. Page 31.
  2. ^ Peat. Page 52.
  3. ^ Drew, Ken (1 March 2009). "From deer stalking to helicopters". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
  4. ^ Drew, Ken (1 March 2009). "The beginnings of deer farming". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
  5. ^ Peat, Neville (2005). Hurricane Tim: the story of Sir Tim Wallis. Dunedin: Longacre Press. pp. 219–245. ISBN 1877361178.
  6. ^ Peat. Pages 21 to 22.
  7. ^ Peat. Page 224.
  8. ^ Peat. Pages 228 to 229.
  9. ^ Peat. Page 231.
  10. ^ Peat. Pages 219 to 224.
  11. ^ Peat. Pages 249 to 251.
  12. ^ Peat, Neville (2005). Hurricane Tim: the story of Sir Tim Wallis. Dunedin: Longacre Press. pp. 246–274. ISBN 1877361178.
  13. ^ "WW2 fighter flights on offer in Wanaka". Otago Daily Times Online News. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  14. ^ Peat. Page 227.
  15. ^ Peat. Page 125.
  16. ^ "Pilot 'never at a loss for a good idea'". 19 October 2023.
  17. ^ "Chopper-crash victim Matt Wallis remembered as larger than life adventure-seeker, gentleman storyteller". Stuff (Fairfax). 30 July 2018.
  18. ^ "Suspected helicopter crash near Wanaka Airport". Stuff. 18 October 2018.
  19. ^ "DOC ranger Paul Hondelink killed in Wanaka helicopter crash". Stuff. 19 October 2018.
  20. ^ "Warbirds over Wānaka founder Sir Tim Wallis dies, aged 85". 1 News. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  21. ^ Taylor, Alister, ed. (2001). "New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001". New Zealand Who's Who, Aotearoa. Auckland: Alister Taylor Publishers: 914. ISSN 1172-9813.
  22. ^ "No. 53528". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 31 December 1993. p. 33.
  23. ^ "Past laureates". Business Hall of Fame. Retrieved 19 February 2023.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Peat, Neville (2005). Hurricane Tim : The Story of Sir Tim Wallis (Hardback). Dunedin: Longarce Press. ISBN 1-877361-17-8.
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