RNZAF

New Zealand's air force kept the country's UFO files for decades. Its earliest volume, AIR 39/3/3, covers 1952 to 1955 across 445 pages, opening with a bright light near Napier. January 1965. After a Qantas crew reported strange objects over the Tasman Sea, the RNZAF took the lead, though its radars at Wellington and Ohakea showed nothing at height. December 1978. At RNZAF Woodbourne, Warrant Officer Ian Uffindell saw unusual lights near the airfield, and Wing Commander J. B. Clements later suggested Venus. The files were released in December 2010.

Stories6

Pro early

Napier / Sugarloaf Hill bright light reported to police (1952)

October 30, 1952 · Sugarloaf Hill (Sugar Loaf / Pukekura), Taradale, near Napier, Hawke's Bay

New Zealand

UAP · Unknown · 11 sources

27Thinly documented

Pro early

NAC Flight 108 Flying Light

October 31, 1955 · North Taranaki and Waikato coast, between Waitara and the Waikato River mouth, North Island

New Zealand

UAP · Orb / light · 17 sources

36Partially documented

Pro early

Captain Rainbow's NAC DC-3 "Flying Light", Waitara to the Waikato Coast

November 1, 1955 · Off the North Island west coast, from west of Waitara to the Waikato River mouth (between Ohura and Raglan)

New Zealand

UAP · Unknown · 17 sources

33Partially documented

The Moreland Close Encounter, Blenheim

July 13, 1959 · Moreland farm, corner of Old Renwick Road and Colemans Road, Springlands, Blenheim, Marlborough

New Zealand

UAP · Disc / saucer · 16 sources

28Thinly documented

Pro early

Qantas Flight 363 and the Seven Contrails over the Tasman Sea

January 13, 1965 · Tasman Sea, about 250 miles off the New Zealand coast (41°S 167°E)

International waters

UAP · Formation · 7 sources

21Thinly documented

Kaikōura Lights

December 1978 · Kaikōura coast and Cook Strait, between Blenheim, Wellington and Christchurch, South Island

New Zealand

UAP · Orb / light · 53 sources · 3 photos

84Well documented