The MFNZ nationals are held every year to allow MFNZ members to compete against each other in various disciplines at a nationals level. Typically they are are held in early January each year to take advantage of the long summer days and the end of the Christmas/New Year holidays. Usually competitors number between 110 to 150 and come from all areas of New Zealand… and sometimes overseas. There are a number of trophies that competitors compete for and there are champions for the various disciplines and then the champion of champions.

The nationals require alot of organisation as there are normally around 90 events which are flown over 5 flying fields over 5 days. Each event can have from 3 to 20 entries so its quite a bit of work to get them to run smoothly. The last few years, the nationals have been held at Clareville near Carterton in the Wairapapa which is fairly central in terms of the whole of New Zealand and the flying fields are relatively close (there are some quite specific requirements for some events).

The next nationals will be the 75th nationals so we expect a good turnout to celebrate this significant milestone. All MFNZ members are welcome to come and even compete, even if you haven’t been before its a great experience. Even if you are not a member of the MFNZ, you can enter as a temp member. Contact Kevin Botherway on 0275 570 470 to get the details.

Fun glider event
Fun glider event

Currently the event schedule is being put together and will be released when complete. It will be published on this website.

Aircraft racing
Aircraft racing

Kevin Botherway, one of the nationals organisers, released this statement in August 2022:

The Model Flying New Zealand Nationals will be held on the week of the 2nd to 6th January 2023. This will be held at the Wairarapa A&P Showgrounds.

This will be our 75th Nationals and we expect it to be quite large with good entries. Carterton is very close to Masterton in the lower North Island of New Zealand. Registration will start at midday on the 1st of January 2023 and will run the competitions of all disciplines through until the night of the 6th of January which will be the prize giving and function evening. Many competitors will stay onsite at the showgrounds with scheduled fun events during the evenings.