The Royal New Zealand Air Force Red Checkers team will perform an aerobatic display over Mount Maunganui this Sunday as part of its national tour to celebrate 75 years in the RNZAF.

Tauranga was an important region for the RNZAF during World War Two and to recognise this the Red Checkers team will be flying over Mauao at about 4pm on March 25.

The RNZAF Red Checkers perform an aerobatic display.

This year the Air Force is celebrating 75 years of service to New Zealand. An Act of Parliament in 1937 made the Air Force independent of the Army and by the end of WWII, the new service was a large and effective air arm.

'By the actions of its men and women throughout the World War, and in many conflicts and operations since, the RNZAF has created a rich history, of which all New Zealanders can be proud,” says air vice-marshal Peter Stockwell, chief of the Air Force.

From 1942 right through to 1992, Te Rapa served as a dedicated stores depot for the RNZAF.

Prior to 1942 most of the RNZAF's stores were kept at Hobsonville, but after the Japanese entered the war, the Auckland station was considered too vulnerable to attack from carrier-borne aircraft.

Te Rapa was chosen as it was sufficiently inland from both coasts to prevent air attack, and was also on the main railway line. This base was essential for RNZAF operations in the Tauranga region.

This display by the Red Checkers continues the team's tour to celebrate the Air Force's 75th Anniversary. They will be flying to towns and cities across the North and South Islands through to April.

The RNZAF Red Checkers team.

What: Red Checkers aerobatic display (weather permitting)

Where: Mt Maunganui

When: Sunday 25 March at approximately 4pm.