Air Chats Winter 2021 Inflight Magazine by Air Chathams

Air Chats A I R C H AT H A M S I N F L I G H T M AG A Z I N E

Winter 2021 // ISSUE 08

C H AT H A M I S LA N D S

KĀ P I T I COA S T

Your complimentary copy

W H A KATĀ N E

WHANGANUI

N O R F O L K I S LA N D

A U C K LA N D

E rere kau mai te awa nui mai te Kahui Maunga ki Tangaroa, ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au. The river flows from the mountain to the sea, I am the river and the river is me. The river is central to our region, our people and our history. Take the time to explore this area by water or by road. The further up the river you go, the stronger the connection you feel with the land. The scenic River Road drive to Pipiriki takes you past orchards and historical places of interest including marae and the township of Jerusalem with its fascinating history. This is a special place and well worth discovering. When it comes to Whanganui real estate, let the Bayleys team help you on your property journey. Call us today.

06 348 0573 ALTOGETHER LOCAL

Bayleys Whanganui 158 Wicksteed Street BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Kia Ora

& Nau Mai Haere Mai

ELCOME TO OUR WINTER 2021 EDITION OF AIR CHATS. First of all a big thank you to all the loyal businesses across the regions we serve for supporting this magazine through so many issues and enabling us to draw attention to some of the ‘off the beaten track’ gems that many people are only reading about for the first time in our pages. We love showcasing these great regions, and we also love keeping you, our valued customers, up to date with the happenings at Air Chathams and our bespoke services.

Covid-19 border restrictions. And for those of you who have yet to visit this remarkable island in the sub-tropical South Pacific, we recommend you take the time to visit norfolkisland.com.au and learn about the amazing experiences that will suit foodies, sports enthusiasts and those that are just wanting to relax on a gold sand beach and swim in coral protected bays. Or just turn to page 08 of this issue of Air Chats to read about why so many Kiwis made this their annual family holiday destination!

Our team were overjoyed in April with the opening of the trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel bubble. Almost immediately we experienced a muchimproved trend in daily sales on our regional routes (Whakatāne/Whanganui/Kāpiti Coast) connecting to Auckland, and this represents the essential link our family airline provides to our smaller but no less important regional communities, ensuring they are connected with friends, family and colleagues in Auckland and beyond.

On the other side of the spectrum, we would also recommend a trip to our home on the Chatham Islands this winter. Experience the ‘real’ Chatham Islands and discover why our islanders have become such a resilient and community minded people. With our summer seasons already at capacity, a trip to the Chathams in winter offers a completely different experience and understanding of this unique cluster of islands.

With the announcement of quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia our team were able to quickly start preparations to restart our only international scheduled passenger service to the beautiful and historic Norfolk Island. Some of you may even be reading this magazine on one of our first flights back after a 14 month break due to

Please enjoy our inflight magazine and feel free to take it with you should you wish to share ideas with friends and family for your next great adventure! Ka kite anō and safe travels! Duane Emeny, Chief Operating Officer Air Chathams A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

Each year Air Chathams carries more than 140,000 passengers around New Zealand, and in each edition of our inflight magazine Air Chats we celebrate the very best of the regions we cover: from art and culture, to business, history and lifestyle, Air Chats tells the stories of the people who make those places great. If you’d like to be a part of Air Chats, get in touch - the team would love to hear from you.

marketing@airchathams.co.nz airchathams.co.nz

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34 Publisher Plenty Limited - airchats@plenty.co.nz Editor/Kaiwhakatika Tuhinga Andy Taylor - info@plenty.co.nz Design & Production/Kaiwhakatauira Sarah Lane - design@plenty.co.nz Advertising Enquiries airchats@plenty.co.nz +64 (0)27 932 5515 Cover image Norfolk Island, image by Kyle Bowman

Air Chats is published by Plenty Limited on behalf of Air Chathams Limited. Copyright 2021 by Plenty Limited. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior consent of the publisher. Advertising statements and editorial opinions expressed in Air Chats do not necessarily reflect the views of Plenty Limited or Air Chathams Limited. ISSN 2624-4179 (print), ISSN 2624-4861 (digital).

Contents AIR CHATS

WINTER/JUNE/2021

04 08 12 17 25 28

EVENTS/NEWS The airline that brings New Zealand together.

GOOD THINGS COMING

A funding boost for the Chatham Islands has been proposed - and it could be a game-changer for the Islands.

THE CAR’S THE STAR The Southward Car Museum is automobile heaven - but there’s plenty there for the nonpetrolheads of the family.

ART OF GLASS

Whanganui isn’t just home to a vibrant arts scene - it’s also home to our national centre for glass.

ŌHOPE NZ’S BEST BEACH

WELCOME BACK

It’s official, Ōhope is New Zealand’s best beach - but it’s also the best winter getaway in the land. Norfolk Island is back on the itinerary and there’s never been a better time to visit.

VIP PASSENGERS

Air Chathams carries some very important cargo, and some of it is of the four-legged variety.

OUR FLEET

From single engine light aircraft to our turbo-prop planes, we’ve something for every occasion.

DESTINATIONS

Air Chathams is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of New Zealand’s best regional destinations. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

WHANGANUI

Night walk season runs from April to June each year www.whakatanekiwi.org.nz Don’t hibernate this winter! Wrap up warm, grab a torch and explore the real Whakatāne night life scene with the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust! Their night walks are a unique experience for all ages and a perfect opportunity to see big bugs - and if you’re lucky you might even hear the call of kiwi! The walks start at 7pm, last for two hours, and includes an introduction to the area and work being done to protect kiwi. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required as they will be going off the public tracks. For more info and to make a booking visit their website.

Monthly, May to December The Glass Factory, 21 Kings Ave, Whanganui www.glass-newzealand.co.nz Award-winning Whanganui glass artist David Traub will be holding Saturday workshops once a month from May to December in 2021. The one-day Introduction to Kiln Glass workshops demonstrate the basics of fusing, slumping, using coloured glass pieces, and powders, as well as kiln firing. Intended to give you the ability, knowledge and confidence to experiment with these processes on your own, the workshops are suitable for those with no or little prior glass experience. Participants will make a coloured glass tile, two slumped glass bowls and glass brooches. Visit their website for the full schedule and to make a booking.

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AUCKLAND

WHAKATĀNE

Guided Kiwi Night Walks

Kiln Glass Workshops

The Lion King Thursday, 24 June – Sunday, 18 July www.lionkinginternational.com/auckland 100 million people worldwide have witnessed the phenomenon that is Disney’s The Lion King, and now New Zealand audiences can experience this unparalleled theatrical experience for themselves. The Michael Cassel Group, in association with Disney Theatrical Productions, and local presenting partner Spark Arena are proud to announce that Disney’s The Lion King will premiere in New Zealand in June this year. After a hiatus of over a year, The Lion King International Tour will finally be back on stage and thrilling audiences - and Aotearoa has been chosen as the host!  The Lion King will open for a strictly limited season on Thursday, 24 June 2021 and run until Sunday, 18 July at Spark Arena in Auckland, in a specially designed theatre-mode layout with eight sessions per week.

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Friday, 2 July – Sunday, 25 July Opening Festival - Main Event, Maclean Park, Paraparaumu and closing Festival Main - Event, Marine Parade, Ōtaki Beach www.maorilandfilm.co.nz/matariki The Matariki - Lighting the Beacons Festival is a new, multi-disciplinary arts festival for the whole family. It features free light sculpture walks, movies, music, zero-waste food trucks, community tree plantings and beach clean-ups and much, much more. The Festival is bookended by two major events at the beginning and ending of July with plenty to do in between, so the Kāpiti Coast really is the place to be for Matariki. Check out their website for all the details.

Wonderland Glow Show Friday, 27 August, 10am–10:40am & 11:30am–12:25pm Southward Theatre, Otaihanga Rd, Otaihanga, Paraparaumu, Kāpiti Coast www.glowshow.co.nz Wonderland Glow Show is a ‘kiwified’ interpretation of the classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tale for tamariki, educators and whanau featuring giant-scale glow-in-the-dark puppetry. The mega edu-taining Wonderland Glow Show promotes literacy and Te Reo Māori, celebrates the exquisite art of ultraviolet puppetry, and demonstrates “Being your most creative self! Hei tino auaha koe!” It’s an upbeat, engaging show that dives headlong into a weird and wonderful world of dancing flamingos, shuffling cards, an 8-metre caterpillar and giant flowers. But it’s not all rosy… there’s a march hare on the loose!

Kāpiti Arts Trail 6-7 and 13-14 November 2021 Don’t miss this great opportunity for a glimpse into the creative spaces of some award-winning artists.

MARLBOROUGH

KĀPITI COAST

Matariki Light Arts Festival

Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow Friday, 3 September till Sunday, 5 September Omaka, Marlborough www.classicfighters.co.nz Yealands Classic Fighters 2021 will now take place over the first weekend of September, coinciding with Father’s Day. Classic Fighters has a proud, two-decade long history of air show entertainment at Omaka Airfield, Marlborough. Past air show themes have offered a tribute to the ANZACs, to women in aviation, to aviation in the movies or they have located the ‘action’ in various geographic theatres of war, such as North Africa, Italy and France. 2021 will be the event’s 20th Anniversary, so to mark this occasion expect the best of Classic Fighters and an unforgettable weekend of spectacular entertainment! Air Chathams will be attending Classic Fighters Airshow, taking our spectacular DC-3 Kaitaia to the show where it will be on static display as well as offering scenic flights. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

Durie Hill War Memorial Tower

News

Green light for Whanganui heritage strategy Whanganui District Council has resolved to proceed with a heritage strategy for the district, with public consultation on the draft ten-year heritage strategy document expected to commence in April. Council’s heritage advisor Scott Flutey says the strong response to his heritage survey in late 2020 guided the development of the draft strategy, and that it is vital to preserve built heritage because it is “a community asset that enhances people’s wellbeing – when we view and appropriately use our built heritage it generates a sense of appreciation and reminds us of the rich stories our district has to tell, strengthening our sense of identity and connection to a place.” Mr Flutey says it’s beneficial to have a heritage strategy because it means Council can be guided by community views in its decision-making processes. The strategy defines Council’s heritage goals and sets out a framework for facilitating, encouraging and managing successful historic heritage outcomes. It will also include an action plan to support owners of potentially earthquake-prone heritage buildings with carrying out upgrades that are legally required in coming years, and this will help retain Whanganui’s historic streetscapes and heritage sites. “While a broad definition of heritage is acknowledged by the strategy, the scope of the document is built heritage and landscapes, archaeological sites and cemeteries,” Mr Flutey says. “There is room for it to support some aspects of intangible heritage around key Whanganui stories. This may include selected Whanganui narratives or histories, where appropriate to share in the public domain, leading to improved signage and interpretation in some cases.”

Once community feedback has been incorporated into the strategy, it is expected to go to the council for adoption in September. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

An early photograph of the Paddle Steamer Waimarie fully loaded with passengers

Paddle Steamer Waimarie celebrates 10,000! Whanganui’s venerable paddle steamer the Waimarie has had a bumper season and defied the COVID downturn to celebrate the fact they recently welcomed their 10,000th passenger - an all time season high for this popular attraction! Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River where she sat for around 50 years, the Paddle Steamer Waimarie was lovingly restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000 to make her New Zealand’s only authentic coal-fired paddle steamer in operation. The Waimarie has a full galley on-board and a licensed bar so you can have a light lunch on board and refreshing drinks to make the cruise even better, so it’s no surprise that so many people are getting on board. Congratulations to all the team!

Eastern Bay of Plenty set to boom With approximately $240 million being invested into catalytic infrastructure by the Provincial Growth Fund, the EBOP is poised for significant growth. Post-Covid New Zealand has woken up to the fact that the Eastern Bay is one of the best places to live, work and invest, and with many people returning home and finding an abundance of skilled work available complimented by a great lifestyle, New Zealand’s best kept secret is no longer a secret. The significant catalytic investments, in partnerships with public and private entities, largely fall into four key areas: aquaculture off Ōpōtiki; high value horticulture to move Māori land up the value chain; Kawerau’s industrial development and inland port; and Whakatāne’s tourism and marine sectors. The funding approved for these projects has been amongst the highest in the country with the objective of creating up to 4000 jobs. With a population of only 50,000 people this is creating job opportunities for locals and those that want to move to the region. There is so much more happening in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, but these initiatives alone are fuelling a strong economy and renewed confidence. Over the last year the region’s consumer spend has grown in excess of 8%, further proof that the region is surging ahead. For more information on any of the activities in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, contact Toi EDA, the local economic development agency. info@toi-eda.co.nz

Norfolk Island Flights Resume Following the announcement of the trans-Tasman bubble, we're excited to announce that we've resumed flights to and from Norfolk Island. Our timetable has been adjusted to see us flying from New Zealand to Norfolk Island on Thursdays, departing Auckland at 10:30am allowing easy connections from domestic flights. Flights will arrive back into Auckland at 4:45pm, again allowing for easy transit to destinations outside of Auckland. Flight time will be around 2 hours 45 minutes. We'll also be introducing a new aircraft type on this route - the Saab 340. If you've travelled between Auckland and Whanganui or Kāpiti with us before, you'll have experienced the comfortable and spacious interior of this popular aircraft that will be flying with our famous inflight service of Tim Tams! Norfolk Island, always a popular short-haul holiday escape for New Zealanders, has remained virus-free through the global pandemic and offers visitors everything needed to relax the mind, enjoy a special holiday and escape from the crowds. We're also adding an additional departure in each direction from Monday, August 2nd. This flight will depart Auckland at 10:30am and arrive back at 4:45pm every Monday meaning you can now visit Norfolk Island for a long weekend! A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

CHATHAM ISLANDS

Good things coming

Chatham Island locals have long argued that they could use some significant infrastructure upgrades - and now a proposed $40 million boost in government funding is set to deliver just that.

The proposed funding was announced last year and with the majority of it around $35 million - being allocated to making Chatham Islands’ Tuuta Airport longer and stronger, it will be a welcome investment not just for air travel but the Islands in general says Air Chathams chief operating officer Duane Emeny. “The funding would mean the runway, which is currently just under 1400 metres long, can be extended by 400 metres,” Mr Emeny says. “That will future-proof the airport and enable the operation of larger aircraft on this route,

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carrying more passengers and payload, which in turn helps tourism coming into the Islands and exports going out. In the short term, the lengthened runway will significantly increase the payloads of our turbo-prop fleet which have been restricted due to the shorter runway for many years.” Since our borders were closed Kiwis have been discovering the charms of the Chathams in record numbers, driven by the Islands’ remarkable geography, flora and fauna, its rich history and its unique visitor experience - not to mention fantastic food! Tourism Chatham Islands says a comparison of visitor numbers between 2019 and 2020 showed a 32 percent increase in arrivals, and this year the traditional fall off in visitor numbers in autumn and winter was not expected to materialize, with hotel bookings remaining steady. A full-time tourism manager has now been appointed, not only to promote the Chatham Islands to visitors but to help manage the impact of their sizeable increase in numbers.

Image credit Robbie Lanauze

Sustainable industries and jobs for locals are really what we are after, and that is what the funding would bring.

“The growth in tourism certainly has its challenges,” Mr Emeny says, “but it’s important to the Islands’ economy and I believe we can manage it. We’ve been working towards the airport upgrade for many years now, and although the process has had its ups and downs, I think that it has also helped to unite the community with a common goal. So if this funding is confirmed it will arrive at a crucial time.” It is expected that the airport upgrade, which if confirmed would be scheduled for completion in 2022, will create around 20 local jobs on the project itself and more in the related tourism sectors. With the Island’s population at around 660, that is great news, but the airport alone won’t be getting all of the attention.

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There are also plans for renewable electricity production in the form of wind generation, something that makes perfect sense given the Islands’ geography and relative isolation.

The comparison of visitor numbers between 2019 and 2020 showed a 32 percent increase in arrivals.

The proposed funding package also includes budget for developing the local seafood industry, which has long been a mainstay of the local economy and one of the Islands’ key attractions for mainlanders; such a development could create a further 20 jobs and make the industry much more sustainable and profitable. Other funding has been tagged to help restore indigenous flora and fauna to a coastal area that has been cleared and grazed for more than 100 years, and an upgrade to the Islands’ mobile connectivity is being rolled out. There are also plans for renewable electricity production in the form of wind generation, something that makes perfect sense given the Islands’ geography and relative isolation. “COVID-19 is a crisis,” says Mr Emeny, “but it could have a silver lining for the Chatham Islands if this funding is confirmed. The airport upgrade would mean we have a much more secure supply line - and that covers everything from medical supplies to groceries for the locals - which should serve us well for at least the next 25 years. But what the funding really means is that we’ll have a solid base from which to unlock the potential of the Chatham Islands, whether that be in tourism, seafood, or new export markets such as local meat products. Sustainable industries and jobs for locals are really what we are after, and that is what the funding would bring - as well as the opportunity to show more Kiwis around our piece of paradise!”

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Important Information for Visitors The Islands are a place where you will enjoy many different activities. Nature, history, culture, fishing, walks and hikes, photography, art and craft, isolated beaches and bird watching. Here are a few key things Tourism Chatham Islands would like you to know before you arrive.

Respecting the Local Kai Moana Resource The Chatham Islands are renowned for their abundant seafood. Help us preserve this valuable resource by taking only what you need for a meal and purchase fish to take home from the local factories. Please leave the paua beds for the locals. They are an important local food source and resource that we don’t want to see depleted. You can enjoy lots of quality Chatham Islands seafood on the menus here on the islands.

Private Land Access and Signage Unlike mainland New Zealand, most of the island, including the beaches, is privately owned land. Most attractions are on private land and access to them requires permission and payment of an entry fee. This must be prearranged and your host will be able to assist. Visitors are asked not to venture onto any private land without permission.

Natural and Archaeological Taonga The Chatham Islands are rich in flora and fauna, geological and archaeological treasures – for example native birds, fossils (including shark teeth), and sites related to Moriori settlement, all of which are protected by law. These also hold special value to Islanders. Please respect these by not removing any items you find.

Water Conservation Water is often in short supply and restrictions are put in place, particularly in summer. Please help us to conserve it when showering, flushing etc.

KĀPITI COAST

The Car’s the Star Image credit Southward Car Museum

HE SOUTHWARD CAR MUSEUM in Paraparaumu is a world-class collection showcasing the whole history of the automobile - but it’s also a busy venue in itself and something’s always going on. If you’re looking for a great getaway with something for all the family, it’s also another really good reason to get on over to the Kāpiti Coast! Way back in 1956 a young Len Southward (the Knighthood came in 1986) and his wife Vera bought themselves a classic car. It was a Model T Ford, the car that arguably started the automotive revolution - and that particular T also started what was to become a 400-strong collection of cars, bikes, and vehicles ranging

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in age from an 1895 Benz to a Back to the Future DeLorean, a collection that is the envy of petrol heads everywhere. Sir Len had always harboured a passion for engineering, being a pioneering marine engineer and speed enthusiast who on 22 February 1953 powered his boat “Redhead” (with a V12 engine no less!) across Wellington harbour to become the first man in Australasia to travel at over 100 mph on water. He also established the highly successful Southward Engineering firm, which developed from marine engineering into a large steel fabrication business, so he knew his way around an engine bay.

The couple’s collection grew and grew and by 1976 they had purchased a six-hectare plot of land so that it could be enjoyed by the rest of the country. It now incorporates a 6000 square metre exhibition hall, engineering workshop, gift shop, and coffee shop, all set in park-like grounds, as well as a 474-seat theatre featuring the 1929 Wurtlitzer organ that was originally installed in the Civic Theatre in Auckland. It’s certainly been quite a journey since that first Model T was parked in the Southward garage. You can still see the car that started it all in the Museum, together with examples of pretty much all major styles and trends of car design ever made, everything from motoring for the masses in the form of cheap and cheerful Morris Minors and Austins, to

the weird, wonderful and truly exotic. In the exotic camp firmly sits the imposing 1915 Stutz Indianapolis race car and the beautiful gull-winged Mercedes-Benz, rubbing shoulders with a gargantuan 1934 Cadillac V-16 Town Cabriolet once owned by American actress Marlene Dietrich. Among the weirder exhibits is a similarly impressive 1939 Mercedes-Benz 770 that is believed to have been intended as a gift for Edward VIII after the planned German invasion of Britain, and with equally sinister provenance a 1950 Cadillac “gangster special” that belonged to mob kingpin and all round bad-egg Mickey Cohen, complete with bulletproof windows and bomb-proof floor. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

UT IT’S THE WONDERFUL THAT TRULY IMPRESSES. Take for example the 1920 Dodge featuring a body of beaten copper made right here in New Zealand, or the ‘The Black Beast’, the largest motorcycle licensed for road use in New Zealand and sporting a V8 engine. Then there is the whopping 24 litre Mercedes - that’s about ten times the size of the average family runabout - that is powered by a Zeppelin engine and is reputed to have blown out the windows of the Timaru fire station when it was fired up, or the Rauch and Lang B26 electric car made in 1918 that could travel approximately 48 km before it needed to be recharged and had a top speed of around 35 km/h.

For many visitors though, the highlight of a trip to Southward Car Museum is seeing shiny examples of the bread and butter bangers that used to line our streets. Humbers and Hillmans, Triumphs and Vauxhalls, the kind of cars that our parents and uncles and neighbours used to drive, filled with kids and shopping and now filled with memories. There’s nothing like that, “We used to own one of those” moments. But if you’re thinking that this is all well and good for the petrol heads in the family but less so for those less in love with wheels, then think again. There’s plenty to do in Paraparaumu, with some stunning parks

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Relax Unwind Indulge Atahuri awaits

and reserves, the beach and Kāpiti Island for a start, but there’s also more to do at the Southward Car Museum than, well, your average car museum. Museum Manager Craig Andrews says that in addition to the permanent exhibition, the Southward Car Museum regularly hosts touring shows. “Quite apart from the busy museum,” he says, “the large theatre is also providing a great local venue for functions, weddings and regular shows. In the next few months for example we’ll host Neil Diamond and The Eagles tributes, the Euphoria festival featuring Kiwi music, and the Friends musical comedy.” To find out more and plan your Kāpiti Coast visit around a great show, just head on over to southwardcarmuseum.co.nz

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JULY 2 - 24 2021

LIGHT, SCULPTURES, MUSIC, ART, THEATRE & COMMUNITY EVENTS

WHANGANUI

Art of glass Photographer Steve Caudwell

HANGANUI IS WELL KNOWN for its great heritage buildings and a vibrant art scene, but less well-known is that it is home to New Zealand Glassworks - Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao - the national centre for art glass. So, if you really do want to do something new New Zealand, then come on over to Whanganui to not just see some stunning art glass, but to get in on the action yourself.

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New Zealand Glassworks - NZG to its friends - was formerly Chronicle Glass and run by local glass artists Katie Brown and Lyndsay Patterson. In 2015 Whanganui District Council’s Charitable Trust purchased the Rutland Street facility in the heart of old Whanganui in order to preserve and cement the city’s reputation as a national centre for art glass, particularly following the closure of the Whanganui Glass School in 2015.

The residency provides the opportunity to evolve and express traditional Māori symbolism into a new contemporary language through blown glass.

It was the founding of that school that had helped create the thriving glass art community that exists in Whanganui today. It was the only school of its kind at the time, and its legacy has been far reaching.

he says. “The Whanganui Glass School was originally started by the Wanganui Polytech, which then became UCOL - and we still work closely with them today, so there is quite a bit of symbiosis there.”

Manager Scott Redding says that glass was one of the earliest forms of craft but is becoming increasingly rare and without Council support the facility would probably not be around today.

Redding himself has extensive experience in the glass art world, having managed a glass studio in Melbourne for fifteen years with husband Philip Stokes - himself a noted glass artist and also through having worked with some of Australia’s leading glass artists. And back in his native New Zealand, he’s now working with some of Aotearoa’s leading glass artists.

“Glass art is very much a heritage craft, so it’s fitting that we are here in a heritage city,”

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Glass has a working temperature of between 600ºC and 1,100ºC - anywhere below 600ºC and it starts to harden.

“Our Artist in Residence programme was postponed because of COVID,” Redding says, “but we’re really pleased that it is now back on track and our first Artist in Residence will be Te Rongo Kirkwood. Kirkwood has been working in glass for 15 years and regularly exhibits within New Zealand and abroad. She is a threetime finalist in the prestigious Ranamok Glass Awards, and her work is held in public and private collections internationally.” During the month-long residency Kirkwood will be creating a series of blown glass pieces inspired by the gourd form, and she says the residency provides the opportunity to evolve and express traditional Māori symbolism into a new contemporary language through blown glass.

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For visitors, the attraction of the NZG is that it is as far from a stuffy, hermetically sealed museum as you can get, instead offering an exciting and interactive working glass facility open to the entire community. It offers open access studios to glass artists, runs workshops for all skill levels and presents and promotes the work of leading New Zealand glass artists in the gallery. Visitors can view the artists and their students in action from a balcony overlooking the actual work area and furnace - so it can get rather warm! Glass has a working temperature of between 600ºC and 1,100ºC - anywhere below 600ºC and it starts to harden - so the gas furnace is set at 1,100ºC and can hold up to 140kg of molten glass. Watching the molten glass being gathered, stretched and rolled into shape is fascinating and strangely satisfying. It is quite rare to have access to such a facility and career still to have such a bird’s eye view - and what’s more it’s free! The facilities and equipment are available for hire by professional glass artists, but keen amateurs can also get involved: beginner glass blowing workshops let you try your hand at melding molten glass and making your own glass paperweight, all under the safe and expert tutelage of the facility glass maestros. NZG is open seven days, 10am - 4:30pm, but check their website - nzglassworks.com - for when the workshops are scheduled and their online calendar to see which artist will be working.

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For visitors, the attraction of the NZG is that it is as far from a stuffy, hermetically sealed museum as you can get.

“We are committed to supporting professional artists working in glass,” Redding says, “developing opportunities for people to experience the art of glass firsthand and educating people about this heritage craft in Whanganui. Throughout the year we host various events and support other local events such as Vintage Weekend and Heritage Month.” But you don’t have to wait for Heritage Month start planning a Whanganui visit now and make sure New Zealand Glassworks - Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao is top of the list.

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Discover Whanganui this weekend.

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Discover Te Awa O Whanganui, immerse yourself in our vibrant arts scene, explore our rich heritage and experience our warm, friendly culture.

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Why move your business to Whanganui? Lower operating costs Whanganui’s competitive property prices mean more money to invest in growing your business. Ease of doing business From short commutes to welcoming business networks, we keep things moving in Whanganui. Business support Stop by the Innovation Quarter for free business advice, support and networking opportunities.

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WHAKATĀNE

Ōhope is the perfect place for a mid-winter getaway.

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ŌHOPENew Zealand’s Best Beach Image credit Whakatāne District Council

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN AND IT’S OFFICIAL: Ōhope is the best beach in Aotearoa. But you don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy it – Ōhope is also the perfect place for a mid-winter getaway, far from the madding crowd, with just the right mix of shops and cafes to boot. And with flights to Whakatāne – which is just next door – Air Chathams will get you there.

For Ōhope locals, the result of the 2021 New Zealand Herald readers poll was no surprise: Ōhope was voted our best beach, beating out big hitters like Whangamatā and Mount Maunganui, and also picking up the gong for the most sunshine hours of any location in the country. Safety, wide open spaces and a real sense of community were common threads among the Herald’s survey respondents, with many noting that Ōhope offers the quintessential Kiwi summer beach experience of white sand, surf, and ice cream. Ōhope residents have known that since ages ago. Another thing the locals have known for a long time is that Ōhope is fantastic in winter. There is no better way to beat the winter blues than with a long, lazy walk on Ōhope’s seemingly endless sand, with the beach all to yourself and the horizon stretching into forever. It may be winter, but the beach is still stunning, and even on a bad day the wild weather is bracing and the sunsets and sunrises are stunning – and dogs are welcome so what’s not to love. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

It’s a magical place, great for a walk or just sitting and watching the sea.

If you are feeling like a bit more adventure after the beach walks, then there are several excellent bush tracks winding up into the hills surrounding the beach. With soaring canopies of native bush and ancient pōhutukawa this is as Kiwi as it gets – and speaking of our little brown national bird, this area is fast becoming the kiwi capital of the world, so be sure to include a close encounter with the symbol of New Zealand that most New Zealanders have never seen. The Whakatāne Kiwi Trust organises night walks in the Ōhope Scenic Reserve from April to June, which is the best time to hear kiwi calling to each other, so now is the perfect time to pay a visit. Of all the bush walks around Ōhope, Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, or the ‘Footprints of Toi’, is a standout. It starts at West End in Ōhope and carries you up and over to Whakatāne via the hilltop pā of the great chieftain Toi, who came to the area more than 800 years ago. Toi is recognised as the principle ancestor of numerous iwi now known as Te Tini o Toi - the multitude of Toi – and his main pā site - Kapu-te-Rangi (the Pā of Gentle Breezes) – is at the highest point of the track and is recognised as one of the oldest in the country. There are commanding views of Ōhope and over Whakatāne on the track, as well as native bush and birdsong, but for many the real star of the show is Ōtarawairere Beach. Ōtarawairere is a 20 min walk from Ōhope and the track is quite steep in places, but arriving there is spectacular and well worth it; as the track drops down through the trees you catch glimpses of the hidden bay, rock pools and crashing surf, and then you arrive on a shell-strewn beach nestled amidst pōhutukawa. It’s a magical place, great for a walk or just sitting and watching the sea, and don’t be surprised if you have this piece of paradise all to yourself – it’s off the beaten track so it’s often deserted. (Note that Ōtarawairere Beach is accessible from Ōhope at all times, but traversing the entire track can only be done at low tide, so check with the Whakatāne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for the latest tide information.)

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Soaring canopies of native bush and ancient pōhutukawa this is as Kiwi as it gets.

After a day working up an appetite on the beaches or the tracks, rest assured that Ōhope has some great places to eat at too, including great Mexican fare at Cadera on Pohutukawa Avenue and yummy Kiwi classics and stunning views of Ōhiwa Harbour at Fisherman’s Wharf at Port Ōhope. For breakfast, lunch and your coffee fix, check out Moxi Café and The Quay in the heart of Ōhope, or the Port Ōhope General Store and Café on Harbour Road. And for the perfect Kiwi picnic - go on, pick up some fish and chips from the Ōhiwa Oyster Farm or Beach Haven Café and lay out a blanket.

Ōhope – it’s all you could ever want and more for the perfect winter break. As the local Mayor Judy Turner says, “Our district really has ‘everything under the sun’ and our people are known for being laid-back, fun and welcoming. It’s a great place to relax and recharge. Our regular visitors come back year after year, so if you haven’t been to our place yet you really should come see us soon.” So there you have it; the people have spoken, Ōhope is number one, and you have your invite from the Mayor - what are you waiting for?

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NORFOLK ISLAND

Welcome Image credit Norfolk Island Tourism

Back WITH OUR BUBBLE EXPANDED TO AUSTRALIA,

many Kiwis wanting to jump the ditch and rediscover overseas travel will be planning a trip to the Great Southern Land. But in these challenging times it’s nice to know that there is also an option for overseas travel that has less hustle, less bustle and far less crowds. Norfolk Island: it may be a part of Australia, but it’s a unique destination all of its own, it offers a change of pace as well as scenery - and Air Chathams is once again flying there.

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FOR MANY OF US,

Norfolk is something of an unknown, and when we think of a Pacific island getaway, other names spring to mind. In fact, a whole generation of Kiwis fell in love with Norfolk in the 60s and 70s, when it offered not only great food and stunning locations but the added novelty of duty-free shopping! Since then many Kiwis have returned regularly to Norfolk, and now that Air Chathams’ direct flights have resumed it’s your chance to see what keeps them coming back for more. For many visitors, the Island’s unique and fascinating history is the drawcard.

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Kiwis fell in love with Norfolk in the 60s and 70s, when it offered not only great food and stunning locations but the added novelty of duty-free shopping!

Norfolk was home to Polynesian seafarers between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it remains a mystery to this day as to why these settlements were ultimately abandoned. Who were these early navigators and where did they go? We may never know. The first British colony was established in 1788, a mere five weeks after the founding of Sydney. If Britannia were to continue to rule the waves then it needed ships’ spars and masts, rope and sail cloth, and Norfolk’s forests and flax stocks were coming to the rescue. Just as importantly, Norfolk’s rich soils were also coming to the rescue of the fledgling Sydneysiders: the arid Australian soil was struggling to feed its newest residents and so it was not just the Royal Navy that looked to it for sustenance, but Sydney itself.

The first British colony was established in 1788, a mere five weeks after the founding of Sydney.

Alas it was not to be, with all these hopes dashed by shipwrecks and bad luck, and with Norfolk’s rope and timber turning out to be unsuitable. By 1814 the colony was abandoned, replaced in 1825 by the notorious - though relatively short lived - penal colony. By 1856 Norfolk had been handed over to Pitcairn Islanders, the descendants of the Bounty mutineers, who were a hardy, industrious and selfsufficient bunch and the rest, as they say, is history, which can be seen throughout the Island. The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area in particular is a must-see as it includes the beautifully preserved Government House, an 1829 Georgian mansion that opens to the public and visitors on select days.

For others, it is the unique flora and fauna and stunning scenery that make Norfolk Island so special. The island’s geographic location means it has some very specific species of animal and plant life that are only to be found there, including beautiful birds, tropical fish and sea turtles, as well as guava and bananas and a native passionfruit, not to mention coral formations. And that location also lends Norfolk some very special scenery: Mount Pitt, at 320 metres high, provides incredible panoramic views of the island and the Pacific, and the Captain Cook Memorial clifftop lookout inside Norfolk Island National Park is also breathtaking in any weather. And if all that isn’t enough, there is the food. Ah! the food. Any self-respecting foodie should have this destination on their bucket list, because with all the bounty of the Pacific as well as everything offered by their fertile soils, no one does real food like Norfolk Islanders.

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There are no ‘food miles’ on Norfolk, just ‘food metres’ - from farm gate to plate has never been more accurate.

Kingfish and yellow fin tuna are standouts, but the tasty Norfolk Island beef and pork are also mouthwatering; and remember that there are no ‘food miles’ on Norfolk, just ‘food metres’ - from farm gate to plate has never been more accurate, so the Island’s eateries are definitely a highlight of your visit. The local cuisine is a uniquely Norfolk combination of the old European staples inherited from the Bounty mutineers combined with the traditions of their Tahitian wives and modern fusion flavours: savoury banana fritters with pan-fried fish, fillet steak and garlic prawns, scallops and duck, banana dumplings known locally as ‘mudda’, Norfolk coffee and honey. It’s all completely fresh and completely different - with dining settings like nowhere else. So while everyone else is heading off to the big cities of our big neighbour, think about Norfolk, its quiet charm, its lack of crowds, its history and beguiling atmosphere. It’s just a three-hour flight from Auckland - and the locals are looking forward to welcoming you.

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ON BOARD

VIP

PASSENGERS 34

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We like to treat all our Air Chathams passengers like VIPs, because all our passengers are very important to us. But we do have a bit of a soft spot for the Very Important Pets that fly with us! Pretty much every day someone’s four legged friend is winging his or her way across the country on one of our aircraft, so we caught up with our Terminal Manager Nick Moss to hear all about this very important cargo.

“Seeing families lay eyes on their new pets for the first time is definitely a highlight of the job.”

Nick has been with Air Chathams for three years now, and is tasked with keeping our Auckland terminal running smoothly, covering everything from check-in and baggage handling to ticketing and customer service. It’s a fairly fast-paced position, but he’s part of a great team - and that team agrees that one of the perks of the job is dealing with our passengers’ four legged friends, although not all of our animal flyers are four legged! “Every week we get about four or five animals travelling with us,” Nick says. “Generally speaking they are cats or dogs, though we have carried a load of baby chicks at one time and we recently also had a rabbit on board. We did once have a booking for an ostrich, but we’re pretty sure that was a joke!”

The only part of the inflight experience that our furry or feathered passengers really miss out on is the Tim Tams.

Joke ostriches aside, the travelling animals usually fall in to two categories: family pets that are relocating, or sometimes holidaying, with their families, and animals being sent by breeders to start life in their new forever homes. “Seeing families lay eyes on their new pets for the first time is definitely a highlight of the job,” says Nick. “They may have only ever seen their new pet on a phone or computer screen, so when the new puppy suddenly becomes real, it can be pretty special and it’s great to play a part of that!” A third, less common category covers working animals. “Registered Service dogs, for the visually impaired for example, are always welcome,” Nick says, “but we’ve also flown sheep and cattle dogs down to the Chatham Islands for farm work. But regardless of whether they are working animals or pets they all get the Very Important Pet treatment from all of us. To make sure they are safe and comfortable we have procedures in place as we want to make the process as stress free as possible for everyone.”

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The process is pretty simple Nick says, though passengers - and their pets obviously! - are asked to arrive 15 mins early so that there is time to check everything is on the right track. Pets travel in industry approved crates (though they are not as intimidating as the word ‘crate’ makes them seem!) which are provided by owners. “Having owners provide the crate themselves means we can keep our costs really competitive,” says Nick. “We charge a $50 handling fee and then it’s just $2 per kilo of the animal’s weight. Other animal air transport methods generally start at a couple of hundred dollars, so we think we offer a very affordable service, one that is affordable for family and professional breeders alike.”

GENERAL FREIGHT WITH AIR CHATHAMS Air Chathams can also handle general freight on any of the sectors we fly – including our regional ports, the Chathams and Norfolk Island. Freight prices are very affordable with the cost to send a 5kg item from Whanganui to Auckland with a one hour check in just $15. The price to send the same item from Palmerston North Airport would be $90.86. If your item is bigger – 15kgs – the freight fee is only $30! Image Yvonne Malaquin

Booking is fast, easy and simple and can be done online at airchathams.co.nz. You’ll receive a confirmation within 24 hours. Nick has some simple advice for sending general items – package it well to make it hassle-free. “Our team are well versed in handling freight, but make sure you’ve wrapped it up – grab a cardboard box you’ve got lying around, stuff it with some old newspaper and tape it up – which will ensure your items arrive safe and sound.”

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“As with all our two-legged passengers, it’s all about safety

and making sure you get to your

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“As with all our two-legged passengers, it’s all about safety and making sure you get to your destination comfortably,” says Nick, “so we make sure all the animals in our care are just as well looked after as our regular passengers.” The only part of the inflight experience that our furry or feathered passengers really miss out on is the Tim Tams. But we’re sure they get a suitable treat upon landing.

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Planning and Engineering

“We try to load the animals as close to take off as possible so that they are not left alone for too long,” Nick says, “and because the Metroliners, ATR-72s and Saab 340s that we offer these services on have fully heated and pressurised holds, they are just as warm and comfortable as you are in the cabin. And because they are properly placed in the hold, there isn’t any movement or bouncing around to cause them stress.”

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Subdivisions

Yvonne Malaquin is a DogsNZ registered Golden Retriever breeder and has used Air Chathams twice this year to send Golden Retriever pups to Auckland. “I love the Air Chathams service – it’s really reasonably priced and it just totally works for me,” she says. “I use Air Care Pets Services, Hire Crates, which makes the whole process simple: they send a crate to me in Whanganui, then they collect the puppy at the other end and take it to their depot and give it a cuddle, so the new owners don’t have to worry about returning the crate and battling the traffic. Brilliant.”

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destination comfortably.”

Let’s unlock the potential in your property =

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AIRCRAFT AIR CHATHAMS

Our fleet

Air Chathams has a fleet of 15 aircraft, ranging from single-engine light planes to turboprop passenger aircraft capable of speeds of over 500km/h. With this diverse fleet we can offer everything from scenic flights to charters, passenger services and freight.

Saab 340 Our Swedish princess Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

470 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 1 Available Yes

Convair 580 The fastest scheduled turbo-prop in NZ skies Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

520 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 1 Available Yes

Fairchild Metroliner Safe, fast, and efficient commuter aircraft Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

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450 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 0 Limited No

ATR 72 Our newest regional airliner Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

500 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 2 Available Yes

Douglas DC-3 Our pride and joy. This remarkable aircraft has certainly ‘been there and done that’. Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

240 kilometres per hour 10,000 feet No 2 1 Available Yes

Cessna 206 The Chatham Islands workhorse Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

230 kilometres per hour 10,000 feet No 1 0 No No

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DESTINATIONS AIR CHATHAMS

Norfolk Island

Whakatāne

Whanganui Kāpiti Coast Wellington

Chatham Islands

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Christchurch

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Air Chathams is family owned and operated and is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of the country’s best regional destinations. For 35 years we’ve been bringing New Zealand together.

Auckland

The airline that brings New Zealand together

The home of Air Chathams The Chatham Islands are New Zealand’s most eastern islands, located over 800 kilometres (500 miles) east of southern New Zealand. About 600 people live on the two largest islands, Chatham and Pitt, and we have officially been a part of New Zealand since 1842. The islands are volcanic in origin with diverse landscapes and a fascinating history, renowned for a bountiful seafood industry and conservation efforts protecting many rare and endangered species. Top tips before making a visit: • No passport is necessary when flying from New Zealand. • There are no mobile phone networks on the island - bring your phone for photographs and enjoy being unconnected for a while. • Electricity is standard for New Zealand at 240 volts AC, but can be unreliable so we recommend surge protection on your devices. • Pack clothing for variable weather. Think layers and protection from the sun, wind and rain. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. • The Chatham Islands are 45 mins ahead of mainland New Zealand standard time.

SILKS AUDIT Chartered Accountants

Silks Audit providing audit and assurance services all over New Zealand.

• There are no shuttles or taxis. Transport from the airline needs to be arranged with your accommodation as will any rental vehicle prior to your visit. • Check with your accommodation provider about any specialist needs or allergies as the Chatham Islands often have limited supplies for specific requirements. • There is a small hospital with a resident doctor and nurses available. Air Chathams always recommends travel insurance for any air travel. • With deep family connections and local heritage, many places of interest are on private land and require the owner’s permission to visit. If you are unsure, please ask first.

Fly with us

and experience what the Chatham Islands has to offer.

Cameron Town & Talia Anderson-Town

Silks Audit Chartered Accountants 156 Guyton Street, Whanganui Phone. 06 345 8539 www.silksaudit.co.nz

Discover the Chatham Islands

YEARS + - EST 1984 -

YOUR CHATHAM ISLANDS ADVENTURE HOLIDAY WILL BE A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY. YOU WILL TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME, TO HOW LIFE USED TO BE. Over 800 kilometres from mainland New Zealand, the Chatham Islands are an intriguing and unique part of NZs cultural, geographic and natural history. Experience stunning scenery, wildlife, cultural treasures, intriguing history, a relaxed lifestyle, delicatable seafood and a wide range of activities. Plan your Chatham Island experience at www.chathamislands.co.nz

Proudly serving regional NZ

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