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. Progress as at 19 April 2026 (16 flights by 8 pilots):

2,059 km

bookings and rosters

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duty rosters

glider on final approach for landing, with airbrakes deployed

upcoming events

Kuranui College - Thursday afternoons from 12:30 pm resuming 5 Feb 2026
Air Training Corps - Thursday evenings from 5:30 pm starting 12 Feb 2026

National and international events are on the GNZ 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".

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.

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