latest news + events

flight following

10,000 km challenge

There will be a party - with free food and drink - when club members launching from Papawai have soared a distance of 10,000 kilometres. Start date 1 April 2026. Flights to be logged on WeGlide(opens in new tab). Progress as at 5 September 2026 (22 flights by 14 pilots and co-pilots):

3,152 km

bookings and rosters

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duty rosters

glider on final approach for landing, with airbrakes deployed

upcoming events

Sunday 13 September - Daffodil Day - Glider Display in Main Street, Carterton
Saturday 26 September - Annual General Meeting - Te Marua Golf Club
Saturday 3 October - 'Launch Into Summer' - Pre-Season Briefing 10:00 am
24-26 October - Labour Weekend - George Rogers Memorial Youth Camp
Sat 12 December - social event at the Club - welcome the summer crew!
18-21 December 2026 (4 days) - Advanced Flying Course - contact Grae
24-29 January 2027 - Six-Day Course - contact Grae to enrol
6-12 February 2027 - Papawai Task Week - winch launches only
Kuranui College - Thursday afternoons starting Term 4 (mid-October until December)
Air Training Corps - Thursday evenings from 5:30 pm starting after Labour weekend - until December.
Summer Crew on site - fly mid-week - December 2026 through February 2027

National and international events are on the GNZ Events Calendar.

Paul Tissandier Diploma awarded to Tony van Dyk

The Paul Tissandier Diploma is a perpetual international award established in 1952 by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in memory of Tissandier who was Treasurer of the FAI from its foundation to 1919 and its Secretary General from 1913 to 1945.

The diplomas are awarded to those persons who have served the cause of aviation and private and sporting aviation in particular, by their work, initiative, devotion or other endeavours.

Warmest congratulations, Tony, from all your fellow club members. Read the citation.

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".

Brian Sharpe

With gliding buddies at French Bakery

FAI Air Sports Medal

Ballooning with Grae

As a token of gratitude, this medal Number 805 is awarded to Brian Sharpe (New Zealand) who has greatly contributed to the success and development of aviation.

With Warren - Brian loved his red wine

Citation for FAI Air Sports Medal

Grae's Speech: The Life of Brian

recent happenings

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.

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 are the crew members for the summer of 2026/27.

Marc Wielscher

Moritz Habermann

Lars Hestehave

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