[1] Stage One of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, featuring the WW1 exhibition 'Knights of the Sky' occupies some 3,000 sqm of purpose-built display area and was officially opened on 9th Dec 2006.

The collection (which is on long term loan to the museum) is managed by the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust, which is chaired by film director Sir Peter Jackson.

As a result of Jackson’s interest the exhibition which was designed by Joe Bleakley was able to employ the talents of Wellington's finest set builders, painters and props specialists, in particular those of Wingnut Films and enhanced with lifelike mannequins by Wētā Workshop.

Like the WW1 'Knights of the Sky', this exhibition features mannequins made by Weta Workshop, and original, static and flyable aircraft in larger than life dioramas.

[6] The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre contains the following:[citation needed] The de Havilland Tiger Moth NZ1467/ZK-BQB, Curtiss P-40N Kittyhawk Mk.IV 43-22962/NZ3220 "Gloria Lyons" and De Havilland Mosquito DH.98 Mosquito FB.VI TE910/NZ2336 joined the collection from the deceased John Smith collection from Māpua, New Zealand:[7]