Sir Richard Bolt, regarded as the father of the New Zealand Air Force, has died in Lower Hutt. He was 91.
Sir Richard joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1942 and flew Lancaster bombers during World War II.
He took command of the Air Force as Chief of Air Staff in 1974, and became Chief of Defence Staff in 1976 before retiring in 1980.
He remained closely involved with veterans organisations later.
Sir Richard's funeral will take place with full military honours at St Paul's Cathedral in Wellington on Friday.
Air Marshal Sir Richard Bolt as Chief of Defence Staff. Photo: SUPPLIED
