latest news + events

Latest micro screen3

flight following

bookings and rosters

glider on final approach for landing, with airbrakes deployed
glider on final approach for landing, with airbrakes deployed

upcoming club events

  • Week-Long Course with Great Weather promised - 26-30 January 2026

  • Air Training Corps flights - Thursday evenings from 29 January 2026

  • Gliding Manawatu Camp at Papawai 2-6 February 2026

  • Kuranui College students - Wednesday afternoons resuming 4 Feb 2026

National and international events are on the Gliding NZ Events Calendar.

in memory of Brian Sharpe

Brian Sharpe served as our club president until just a few years ago.  He passed away in June 2025. A memorial service was held at his favourite winery - Clearview Estate in Hawkes Bay - on Saturday 6 September 2025.

At that event Brian's children were presented with a medal from the FAI (International Aviation Federation) in recognition of Brian's outstanding service to gliding. Check out the citation for the medal. Read more in "The Life of Brian".

recent happenings

Omarama contest

Here are the folks from WWGC who competed valiantly at the recent South Island Gliding Championships.  The weather was not so kind, but a great effort was made.  Results can be viewed here.

From left to right:  Warren Dickinson, Amy Smith, Tony van Dyk and Grae Harrison.  A great effort.

4stars@Omarama.jpg

daffodil day in Carterton

A glider in the main street of Carterton?  No, it didn't land there!  It was transported by trailer and assembled on site.  It generated a lot of interest at the Daffodil Day Festival, and heaps of people purchased vouchers for a trial flight.  Thanks to all the crew who helped.

Daffodil

summer crew

We fly all year round, on weekends and public holidays, subject to fine weather and a dry airfield. Each summer we welcome guest instructors and winch drivers from the northern hemisphere. They help us on weekends, provide the opportunity for mid-week flying, and allow us to offer excellent week-long training courses.  Here is the crew for our 25-26 summer season.

Simon_Kelly

Simon Kelly

Thomas Marquart

Thomas Marquart

Ruediger

Ruediger Weller

Lars Hestehave

Lars Hestehave

crewtimetable