RaafHawk jet pilot Flight Lieutenant David Bowen-Thomas takes part in the 2014 Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, which has been named by the New Zealand Association of Event Professionals as a finalist in its ''best New Zealand-owned major event'' category.
Other finalists include the Audi Quattro Winter Games, Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and the World of Wearable Arts Show.
The awards have been relaunched this year with a new format to recognise emerging leaders in the events industry and events that have positively impacted on New Zealand, regional or local communities.
Head judge and former Rugby World Cup 2011 chief Martin Snedden said the judging panel was impressed with the number of high-calibre entries submitted.
The Warbirds airshow attracts about 50,000 people over three days and is next due to be held at Easter in 2016.
