Kia ora tātou
After what seems to have been the longest, wettest winter in many years, it’s a real pleasure to be welcoming spring to New Zealand.
Thankfully it is looking to be a beauty, with a host of happenings and events around the regions. For a start, the sound of summer Six60 will be kicking off summer by performing in Air Chathams’ very own backyard on 6 December, and rounding out the summer is the wonderful Whakatāne Wild Food Festival; held right beside the beloved Ōhope Beach this celebration of Kiwi kai is a must-see with bands, demonstrations, a wild food competition, food trucks and more. It all happens in February and Air Chathams can get you there.
Big news for our Air Chathams family is how we can now get you there even easier. We’ve teamed up with Air New Zealand on an interline agreement that means you can now connect with Air New Zealand flights much easier and without the need to transfer your luggage. This comes on the heels of great news about how the government has recognised the importance of regional aviation links in New Zealand with some much needed support. Air Chathams have always been immensely proud to have been pioneers in connecting regional New Zealand, so it’s great to see this recognition.
We’ve been doing it for decades and we’ll keep on keeping our regions humming, but it’s not just our regular, scheduled flights that manage this though. We also have a really great, dedicated charter service that goes the extra mile—lots of miles!—to get you where you need to be with flexibility, economically, on time and with unmatched convenience; find out all about it in the article in this edition of Air Chats.
So farewell winter, bring on summer - and your family in the sky Air Chathams is here to help you make it memorable.
Ka kite anō and safe travels!
Duane Emeny,
Chief Executive Officer
Each year Air Chathams carries more than 110,000 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 fb.com/airchathams @airchathams linkedin.com/company/ air-chathams-limited
Publisher
Plenty Limited - airchats@plenty.co.nz
Editor/KaiwhakatikaTuhinga
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
Ōtarawairere Bay, Whakatāne-Ōhope. Whakatāne District Council.
Air Chats is published by Plenty Limited on behalf of Air Chathams Limited. Copyright 2025 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).
SUMMER
04 EVENTS/NEWS
The airline that brings New Zealand together.
08 GOING GREEN
New initiatives are giving the Chatham Islands a much more sustainable - and environmentally friendly - energy supply.
14 THE CAR’S THE STAR
The Southward Car Museum is one of the best automobile collections in the world - and it’s right here in NZ.
20 ONE OF A KIND
Whanganui is New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Design - and the envy of the big smokes.
28
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Whakatāne’s Local Wild Food Festival is a celebration of kai and the perfect book end to summer.
34
TAILOR-MADE SKIES
No longer the preserve of the jet set, a private charter can be a great way to get your family, team or work mates there on time.
40
PARADISE FOUND
Waiheke Island has always been Auckland’s favourite getaway - get there and find out why.
46 OUR FLEET
From single engine light aircraft to our turbo-prop planes, we’ve something for every occasion.
48 DESTINATIONS
Air Chathams is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of New Zealand’s best regional destinations.
Events & News
Whanganui Vintage Weekend
Friday – Monday, 16–19 January 2026 www.whanganuivintageweekend.nz
Step back in time with Whanganui Vintage Weekend — a four-day celebration of retro charm, heritage machines, style and entertainment in the heart of Whanganui. From classic cars and motorcycles to heritage fashion, retro markets, live music, dancing and street parties, this event invites you to dress up in your favourite era (1920s–1980s) and join the festivities.
Pak’nSave Cooks International Classic
Saturday, 24 January 2026. Cooks Gardens, Whanganui https://athleticsnz.flicket.co.nz/events
Each January, Athletics Whanganui presents one of New Zealand’s premier one-day athletic meets at the world-famous Cooks Gardens. In 2026, the event will be recognised by World Athletics as part of their Continental Tour Bronze Series, cementing its place among the best on the global circuit. Spectators can look forward to a thrilling evening of competition as New Zealand’s elite athletes and emerging stars go head-to-head with international talent. With 26 events across track and field — from the 100 metres to the feature NZ Championship One Mile for both men and women — it’s a showcase of speed, strength, and skill. Field highlights include world-class athletes in the high jump, shot put, triple jump, and hammer throw. The Men’s Mile remains a standout, as runners chase the elusive sub-four-minute mark on the same track where Peter Snell famously broke the world record in 1962. A great night of sport, history, and community spirit not to be missed.
WHAKATĀNE
New Zealand Opera School presents Whanganui Opera Week
Saturday, 4 – Sunday, 18 January 2026 www.whanganuivenues.co.nz
Now celebrating 32 years, the New Zealand Opera School offers two inspiring weeks of vocal excellence in January. Twenty-one of the country’s most promising young opera singers will undertake intensive residential study at Whanganui Collegiate School, culminating in a gala performance, Great Opera Moments, at the Royal Whanganui Opera House. Students receive world-class tuition in voice, stagecraft, languages, and acting under the guidance of leading international tutors including Mary Plazas (UK), Nikki Li Hartliep (US/NZ), and Glenn Winslade (AUS), supported by an esteemed team of pianists, coaches, and production specialists. Public events include artists recitals, masterclasses, café evenings and the gala. It is a cultural highlight of the city’s calendar.
Sun to Surf 2026
Saturday, 31 January, 6:30am to 1pm Port Ōhope Wharf Entry from $25. Kids under 10 free. www.suntosurf.nz
A highlight of the Eastern Bay summer calendar, Sun to Surf 2026 is a family-friendly running and walking event that celebrates movement, community, and the stunning coastal beauty of Ōhope. With distances for all ages and abilities, it’s the perfect way to kick off the new year with whānau and friends. Proudly supported by FuelMe.Takutai Adventures, Sun FM, and Whakatāne District Council.
Local Wild Food Festival 2026
Saturday, 21 February 12pm to 6pm. Mahy Reserve, Ōhope. Presales $15, Gate Sales $25, 15 and under free. www.whakatane.com/wildfood
An institution on the Eastern Bay of Plenty culinary calendar, The Awarding Winning Local Wild Food Festival celebrates wild food, from a part of the world where wild game, kaimoana and produce are plentiful and varied.
AUCKLAND
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
Saturday, 13 December 2025, 7.30pm at Auckland Domain www.coca-cola.com/nz/en/offerings/christmas-in-the-park
Gather your picnic rug and settle in for one of New Zealand’s biggest free Christmas outdoor concerts — the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. Starting at 7.30pm, this alcohol-free event delivers family-friendly entertainment, live music, big-screen visuals and a fireworks finale against the Auckland night sky. It’s a highlight for families, friends and visitors looking to celebrate the season together.
Auckland Rainbow Parade
Saturday, 21 February 2026
www.rainbowparade.co.nz/parade
Join the vibrant celebration of Auckland’s Rainbow communities at the annual Rainbow Parade! This dazzling event showcases the diversity and spirit of Auckland’s LGBTQIA+ communities and allies, with colourful floats, vibrant costumes, lively music, and infectious energy. Come together to celebrate inclusivity, love, and acceptance in a fun-filled atmosphere for all ages.
Auckland Spirits Festival
Friday, 30 January – Sunday, 1 February 2026
For more information and tickets visit www.ginevents.com.au/auckland-spirits-festival
An exciting mix of Aussie and Kiwi Distillers will be showcasing their latest batch of hand-crafted spirits over three days at The Cloud, Queens Wharf. Small sample pours are included over the 3.5 hour tasting sessions with complimentary tonic and soda mixers for your spirits samples. Food is available for purchase with tasty food truck options.
Bottles are available for take home purchases and you also get a complimentary tote bag and tasting cup, so sign up for the tastiest ticket in town!
KĀPITI COAST
Taste Kāpiti
Saturday, 20 December 2025 from 12pm to 5pm Southwards Car Museum, Otaihanga Road www.tastefestivals.nz/taste-kapiti-2025
Celebrate your year with Taste! A boutique beverage mini fest created to celebrate the unique flavours and producers of Aotearoa’s regions.
Founded and run by event professionals with a passion for local culture and connection, Taste Kāpiti is a high-quality food and drink experience in a vibrant and relaxed setting that doubles as a perfect end-of-year celebration for friends and families, teams and businesses.
Kāpiti Classic
Saturday, 14 March 2026
Southward Car Museum, Paraparaumu, Kāpiti Coast www.facebook.com/KapitiClassic
Get ready for the Kāpiti Classic — a one-day outdoor music festival set in the relaxed coastal charm of the Kāpiti Coast and hosted at the Southward Car Museum. Expect live bands (including some classic Kiwi favourites), food and drink vendors, VIP options, beachy festival vibes and a backdrop that suits a laid-back but high-energy afternoon and evening out. A great excuse to bring friends, grab a drink, and enjoy live music near the sea.
Jockey Club Race Days
27 December 2025, 31 December 2025 and 3 January 2026
Norman Kirk Memorial Reserve, Waitangi, Chatham Islands www.facebook.com/ chathamislandjockeyclub
Experience one of New Zealand’s most unique race meetings in the Chatham Islands Jockey Club annual three-day carnival. Held on 27 December, 31 December and 3 January, the event alternates gallops and pacers across the days. Highlights include the Chatham Island Galloping Cup, the Pacing Flying Mile and the Chatham Island Pacing Cup. Beyond the races, the event brings together the island community and visitors for a festive, fun-filled experience complete with fashion on the field.
Troy Kingi Live on the Chatham Islands
Saturday, 28 March 2026. Admiral Garden, Chatham Islands www.travelwithlesleywhyte.com/ troy-kingi-live-on-the-chatham-islands
A spectacular one-off for music lovers: Kiwi icon Troy Kingi performs live on the remote and beautiful Chatham Island. This event is part of a “Concert in the Garden” setting and offers a truly memorable experience — a summer evening on the island with live music, community atmosphere and a chance to combine travel and culture. Options include general admission concert tickets and fully-hosted travel packages. Whether you go for the day or stay a few nights, it’s an extraordinary musical escape!
going green
LIVING ON THE CHATHAM ISLANDS
has many benefits; the bounty of the ocean is on your doorstep, the beauty of nature is all around, and there’s never traffic on your morning commute. But there are also drawbacks to this splendid isolation, and perhaps the main one is power; far from the national grid, the Chathams have for decades relied on diesel generators to keep the lights on, a costly and environmentally unfriendly solution. Now a new initiative is offering a renewable energy source - and it is set to be a game-changer for Chathams residents.
Turning on the TV, starting up the washing machine, and boiling the jug are all things we take so very much for granted on mainland New Zealand.
But if the electricity to power all those modern conveniences has to come from a diesel generator then you think twice before flicking the switch. The Chatham Islands have some of the highest power prices in the country - $1.29 per kWh, compared to the 35 cent average paid on the mainland - with all diesel to run the generators naturally having to be shipped over from the mainland at considerable cost. There is also the question of sustainability, both in regards to having to rely on those supplies being maintained come what may, but also from an environmental standpoint; the Chathams are famed for their unspoilt beauty, something the monotonous sound of diesel gennies is at odds with!
A solution to this dilemma has been a priority on the Chathams for many years. Two 225kw wind turbines were built in 2010, but were dismantled due to the provider’s financial difficulties in 2014. Roof-top solar options have also been explored, but the high cost per household is prohibitive, and the islands are famous for that other renewable energy source: wind. Hardly a story has been written about the islands that doesn’t mention their windswept beauty, so harnessing the Roaring Forties, the band of strong westerly winds that sweep over the islands, was the obvious answer. And with funding support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (approximately $10m) and the Chathams Islands Enterprise Trust (approximately $1m) it was also looking like becoming a reality.
It’s not too late to book the PITT ISLAND DAY TOUR
Including: Return scenic flights, full day guided 4x4 tour and a complimentary lunch at Flowerpot Bay Lodge.
Find out more on tour details, bookings, conditions and pricing visit flowerpotlodge.co.nz or use your phone to scan this code
Flights operated by Air Chathams
phone: +64 3 305 0212 email: bnb@flowerpotlodge.co.nz www. flowerpotlodge .co.nz
Chatham Islands
Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
Christchurch Wellington
NO PESTS PLEASE
Help keep our islands unique by Checking your belongings for any contaminants BEFORE arriving in the Chatham Islands
• Footwear • Outdoor clothing • Dive gear • Camping and sports equipment BEFORE arriving on The Chathams...
Contamination might include seeds in your socks and clothing, marine pests on dive gear, mud on boots or ants in your backpack.
Please don’t bring animals, plant material, bees or raw comb honey, unless you have contacted a Chatham Islands
Biosecurity O cer for advice first.
For more information or advice please scan the QR code or contact a Chatham Islands
Biosecurity O cer:
Phone. 03 305 0013 info@chathamislands.govt.nz
Like most things on the Chathams however, that was easier said than done. For a start, everything - absolutely everything, from the concrete and steel for the structures, to the high tech hearts of the turbines themselveswould have to be shipped in from the mainland and assembled on the Point Durham site that had been chosen. Serendipitously, construction company Hunter Civil had mobilised to the island for a barge ramp project, and after negotiations with Chatham Islands Electricity Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chathams Islands Enterprise Trust), who were overseeing the turbine project, they came on board as the lead construction company. Together with some local subcontractors, who brought some island can-do attitude, and designers WSP, who had previous experience in building remote wind farms, namely at Scott Base in Antarctica, the project got underway. Pattle Delamore Partners were w.cic.govt.nz
engaged to make the complex resource consent applications, and three refurbished Vestas V27 225 kilowatt turbines were given thorough overhauls to ensure they had 20 more years of life in them.
In addition to the need to ship every nut and bolt from the mainland, there were also significant technical challenges. Fifty-one precast foundation units were needed to support the 12-tonne, 30 metre high tower sections, and then came the tricky procedure of fitting the massive nacelle and blade assemblies and connecting them to the grid. But when you have an experienced team with everyone knowing the importance of this project - and the support of locals like Gary and Eileen Cameron who provided access on their property for the Point Durham wind farm - you can achieve great things. And that is just what the Point Durham project is.
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Once commissioned, the wind farm will provide somewhere between 62% to 68% of the power currently produced by diesel generators. That is a huge reduction in carbon emissions, both from the generators themselves and the carbon footprint of shipping in the fuel from the mainland. Ultimately, this will reduce diesel consumption on the island by about $1.2 million annually and, in turn, reduce the cost of electricity on the island. Diesel generation will remain - for those, admittedly rare, occasions when the wind isn’t blowing - and to support industry, but for most Chatham Islanders, knowing that doing the washing is getting cheaper is quite a Christmas present.
While this marks a significant step forward for the Chatham Islands, there’s still work to be done to move the community away from reliance on diesel generators and toward renewable energy, and Air Chathams is proud to be part of this journey, supporting efforts to help the island become fully self-sustaining. We’ve partnered with Endless Energy to explore solar power solutions for the Chathams, and progress is looking very promising. An initial expression of interest went out to locals last month, and the Endless Energy team will be travelling to the islands in December to host an in-person workshop, with Air Chathams proudly providing their flights to and from the islands. All in all, the future is looking a lot greener.
Chatham Islands
Tour #65
6 – 13 January
Ex Christchurch
Tour #66
14 – 21 April
Ex Christchurch
Tour #67a
10 – 17 August
Ex Wellington
Tour #67b
11 – 18 August
Ex Christchurch
Tour #68
29 Sept– 6 October
Ex Wellington
Tour #71
Chatham Walking Tour
26 April – 2 May
Ex Auckland/Wellington/ Christchurch
Your Summer Festival
TH’ DUDES THE WARRATAHS ANIKA MOA
AUTOMATIC 80’S
WITH LOCAL SUPPORT FROM
CIORSTIADH
March 14th • 2026
SOUTHWARD CAR MUSEUM
The Car’s the Star
THERE ARE FEW THINGS MORE iconic of the twentieth century than the automobile. It revolutionised transport and introduced an industry that still drives - pun intended - the global economy. In short, the vast array of cars, bikes and trucks that evolved over the last one hundred years changed the world - and there is perhaps no better place in the world to see that evolution than right here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Paraparaumu to be precise.
The Southward Car Museum is the passion project of Sir Len and Lady Vera Southward. Born in Wellington in 1905, Sir Len’s fascination with mechanics began early and by age 13 he had left school to work as a messenger boy, eventually becoming a skilled motorcycle mechanic.
In 1926, he launched his first business ‘Southward and Pettengell Motorcycle Engineers’ and by 1935 he had opened his own garage. During WWII, facing parts shortages, Len’s entrepreneurial instincts kicked in and he began manufacturing steel tubing, exhaust systems, and even pram wheels—laying the groundwork for Southward Engineering; founded in 1955, that company would go on to huge success and help to support Sir Len’s other passions: motorcycles, automobiles and speed.
Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
The latter came to prominence in Redhead, the speedboat that made him the first person in Australasia to exceed 100mph on water in 1953. The former would see him guide two-wheeled machines - finely tuned by Sir Len - to equally impressive results, but it was his love of all things four-wheeled that he is remembered for today. That interest in cars was shared by Lady Vera, and in 1955 they purchased their first (a humble Model T Ford) for just £40; it would be, Sir Len would later recall, “the one that caused all the trouble!”
The ‘trouble’ was a lifelong love affair with cars, the grand, the great, the famous and the infamous. An affair that the Southwards took from the Model T to a small collection of cars - to a large massive collection of cars that by the early 1970s had outgrown their storage. This prompted a hunt for a home where they could share their passion and in 1976 they settled on Paraparaumu and the Southward Car Museum was born. Ever since then it has been wowing Kiwis and overseas visitors alike with an incredible collection that includes aircraft (and Redhead) and that has grown far beyond a car collection.
Museum manager John Bellamore has been a part of that journey for 33 years and knew Sir Len. “He was a good guy. Real good guy,” says John. “He didn’t tolerate fools, but he had a great sense of humour and was incredibly generous and supportive of the vintage car scene. His business took him overseas a lot, and he never missed the chance to mix business with some car detective work, returning with the latest amazing car he’d bought. And he remained very hands on, always ready to get to work on something, whether it was something really rare or just something that needed some TLC.”
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1913 Mercedes 28/95
1936 Mercedes Benz 540K
1955 Ferrari 750 Monza
When it comes to really rare, Southwards has it covered; take the 1914 Mercedes. “Benz had not joined the marque at that time,” says John, “so it is just Mercedes, and it was built by a guy called Darcy Nicholson in Timaru. He was a fireman and in the ‘50s he built a lean-to on the fire station to build this car. He’s put a Zeppelin motor, basically a huge six cylinder Mercedes motor, in it. It was road registered, but the only problem was that when he started it any backfires would blow out windows all around the fire station! We did attempt to get the Mercedes up and running a few years ago, but it was leaking oil, it was leaking fuel, there were battery cables everywhere, and we just thought ‘This could end badly for us!’”
Another rarity stays with the German automaker theme, though this time it is under the Mercedes-Benz badge in the form of a 1936 540K. A special right-hand drive model that was supposedly ordered by Adolf Hitler, it is believed that the car was intended to be a gift for Edward, Duke of Windsor (who had abdicated the throne and was known to have sympathies with Berlin) following the Nazi invasion of the United
Kingdom. Sir Len purchased the car in England in 1968 for £500, not knowing its full history, and it wasn’t until years later that its possible provenance became known.
The list goes on: Marlene Dietrich’s Cadillac, the bomb-proof, bullet-proof daily driver of notorious mobster Mickey Cohen, steam cars, 1900s electric cars, racing cars, fire engines. For many however, it is the more mundane motors that inspire; the Austins and Morrises and Fords that made Kiwis mobile, the cars our parents and grandparents owned and that show up in black and white photos. These cars may not be exotic or rare, but they remind us of the integral part the car played in our lives and of a time when the automobile represented freedom, fashion, status and security - so much more than just transport.
To find out more and plan your Kāpiti Coast visit around a great show, just head on over to www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz
1920 Dodge Coupe “Copper Car”
Whether you’re chasing waves, or chilling under the coastal glow, weekends here are full of laid back vibes and a sense of freedom. Here, you can rediscover your magic.
Whip up to the Kāpiti Coast - visitkapiti.co.nz
One of a kind
WHANGANUI HAS ALWAYS PUNCHED ABOVE its weight. It was a major site for Māori settlement, an important entry point for New Zealand’s fledgling tourism industry, and an economic powerhouse built on fertile soils and a mighty river. But it has another claim to fame that the movers and shakers of our larger cities can only dream of: in 2021 Whanganui became Aotearoa New Zealand’s only UNESCO designated City of Design, a status recognising not only its creative heritage but the unique significance of its indigenous cultural identity in the past and present, and the direction the city is taking today.
One of just 49 cities to earn the honour – joining the likes of Berlin, Singapore and Shanghai – the UNESCO designation also noted Whanganui’s exceptional creativity, innovative spirit, cultural integrity and strength of artistic tradition.
Images Whanganui & Partners
The contribution of Māori creatives continues to be significant, and contemporary Māori designers continue to share and evolve a unique visual language for Whanganui.
At a time when most Kiwi towns and cities were stumbling haphazardly into the future with little thought to town planning, Seagar’s vision of a brave new world was groundbreaking.
HONEST KITCHEN
That tradition can be traced back through the 800 years that Te Ati Haunui-a-Paparangi have lived along the Whanganui River, building marae, kāinga and grand waka featuring notable carving and weaving in a distinct design style, as well as the unique construction of pā auroa — a style of pā tuna (eel weir) — designed to withstand the challenges of the strong waters and driftwood of the Whanganui region. The contribution of Māori creatives continues to be significant, and contemporary Māori designers continue to share and evolve a unique visual language for Whanganui.
That visual language was further developed in the 1840s with the arrival of European settlers who were determined to establish a prosperous and impressive community in the place they now called home. The scale and design of civic infrastructure like the Royal Whanganui Opera House, Cooks Gardens, Whanganui Regional Museum and Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery are testaments to the ambition of the new city, and by the end of the nineteenth century Whanganui had emerged as a national leader in the arts and crafts movement.
While many other regional centres were building modest timber structures, Whanganui opted for grandeur, permanence and statement; this was a city going places.
In 1920 Samuel Hurst Seager took this even further with his design of an innovative garden suburb at Durie Hill, complete with curvilinear streets, reserves, croquet lawns and tennis courts, and even an elevator connecting it to the central business district; at a time when most Kiwi towns and cities were stumbling haphazardly into the future with little thought to town planning, Seagar’s vision of a brave new world was groundbreaking.
By the mid twentieth century the city had built on this and come to prominence as a hotbed of modernist architecture, from the iconic Whanganui War Memorial Centre to the pioneering urban development of the Turere Place precinct, and this incredible period of construction, optimism and considered design lives on in the many beautiful heritage buildings that remain in Whanganui. While many other regional centres were building modest timber structures, Whanganui opted for grandeur, permanence and statement; this was a city going places.
A world war, changing modes of transport and shifting global economies would have a role to play in that journey, but design - in all its formsremains at the heart of Whanganui. It covers not only creative industries but also its industrial and manufacturing sectors, and Whanganui also embraces co-design, learning as a city to work with iwi to achieve the objectives of Tupua te Kawa, the values of the Te Awa Tupua legislation which awards the Whanganui River legal personhood and protects it for generations to come.
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It is home to New Zealand Glassworks – Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao, the national centre for art glass, where visitors can watch contemporary glass being created and participate in its creation themselves, and the Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, the national centre for ceramics with a nationally significant collection. For many the star of the show is Whanganui’s Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, which recently reopened after an extensive upgrade. The stunning new $79m gallery is part of the wider renewal of Pukenamu Queen’s Park, which is also home to the Whanganui Regional Museum, holder of the most important collection of taonga outside of Auckland Museum and Te Papa.
While design underpins the city’s heritage, it is also shaping its future. Major civic developments and smaller commercial and community-led initiatives champion a design-led approach. Heritage buildings and urban spaces are being preserved and reactivated in modern ways, and local communities and visitors alike engage in creativity through festivals and events such as the Artists Open Studios, the largest and longest running arts trail event in New Zealand.
While design underpins the city’s heritage, it is also shaping its future.
The latest event to help celebrate Whanganui’s creativity is Aotearoa’s Design City: A Journey to Whanganui, held in conjunction with Auckland Design Week. This innovative, day-long trip will see 30 design professionals flown to Whanganui for an immersive journey into the city’s unique creative identity. Hosted by locals and visiting a selection of design, arts, and culture sites firsthand, including industry tours and talks that explore how the city is shaping its future while honouring its rich heritage. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with a city where design thinking drives development, and Air Chathams is honoured to be a part of it by providing the charter flight.
To find out more visit www.aucklanddesignweek.com/event/ aotearoas-design-city
Creating spaces for living — Whanganui and beyond
Locally owned and multi-award-winning, Shane Stone Builders has been proudly building across Whanganui and beyond for over a decade. From new homes and renovations to commercial projects, every build reflects genuine care and quality craftsmanship. Proud supporters of Air Chathams — because helping our region grow matters.
Grounded, Growing, Giving Back
When Rivercity Tree Services (RTS) took off in 2008, founder Joe Marshall bet on hard mahi and heart. Selling the last of his late Father’s stock on his family farm up the Whanganui River; he bought a truck, a chipper, a couple of chainsaws, and began carving out his dreams. The office? Their bedroom. The driveway? Packed with utes and chippers. But determination fuelled the journey.
Over the years, Joe’s wife Siobhan joined the ride, bringing organisational flair and community spirit. RTS grew from a one‑man operation into a trusted Whanganui business built on respect, honesty and giving back. From sponsoring local events to training and hiring locally, the Marshalls have always made sure their success helps the place that made it possible.
By 2023, RTS’s team size peaked at 30 and even ventured into civil construction. But in 2024 they made a strategic decision: scale back to a focused team of 15 and hone their core strengths. Today, RTS is sharper, more connected and true to its roots.
Where Hard Work Meets Green Thinking
Rivercity Tree Services doesn’t just remove trees — they nurture environments. With a clear environmental mission they’ve installed fish ladders to help native species spawn, adopted eco friendly planting technologies and more recently having invested in shredding machinery, they can now transform waste into reusable resources. Being able to turn green waste into gardens’ gold, Rivercity Tree Services are now making their own compost and other landscaping products. This full‑circle ethic has earned recognition, including Gold at the 2024 Whanganui Regional Business Awards (alongside previous honours for environmental and business excellence).
PRACTICAL SERVICES, LOCAL EXPERTISE
• Tree pruning: Keep your trees healthy, safe, and looking great.
• Tree felling and removal: Safe removal of hazardous, dead, or unwanted trees.
• Stump grinding: Professional stump removal for a clean, clear finish.
• Earthmoving: From driveways to site prep, efficient and reliable groundwork.
• Traffic management: Qualified team ensuring road safety and compliance.
• Environmental solutions: Industrial shredding and screening for materials like tyres, green waste, and concrete — turning waste into reusable resources.
For Joe and Siobhan, the measure of success isn’t trophies — it’s the team thriving, the community supported and the environment restored. Living rurally in Ranana (Whanganui River), with four children and juggling small‑scale farming with business operations, they say the daily commute is worth it for the chance to make a difference locally.
Proudly serving Whanganui, Waimarino, South Taranaki, Rangitīkei, Manawatū, and Horowhenua.
Look out for the team making a big impact from the ground up. At Rivercity Tree Services you’ll find tree services with heart, sustainability at their core and a team that treats every job with care.
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Walk on the Wild Side
Photography Claire House
From humble beginnings, the Whakatāne Local Wild Food Festival in February has grown into a must-see celebration of food and fun for the whole family - it’s the perfect bookend to your summer and a great excuse to go wild in the Eastern Bay.
The Local Wild Food Festival began back in 2008 when founder Bill Manson approached his local pub in Eastbourne, Wellington with the idea to hold an event celebrating the unsung heroes of the natural larder. The first event attracted 25 contestants who cooked rabbit, paua, kahawai, wild berries and wildflowers - even a candied cicada or two. The pub was packed, the contestants and the just plain curious had a great time, and the rest, as they say, is history; the Festival grew into something of a phenomenon, spreading across the country and the globe, with events in Finland, America, France and Italy to name a few, taking young and old, experienced chefs and passionate amateurs on a wild food journey.
The premise of the Local Wild Food Festival is simple: gather passionate foodies and food lovers together to showcase food from the land, rivers, lakes and sea.
Whakatāne’s Festival journey started out small in 2013, but within two or three years it had outgrown its venue and was moved just over the hill to Ōhope. It has now firmly established itself at Mahy Reserve, next to one of New Zealand’s best loved beaches and beneath a canopy of pōhutakawa; as locations go, it just doesn’t get more Kiwi than that.
In addition to a change of venue, the Festival itself has also been fine tuned. Through strategic pre-event engagement with demonstrators, food vendors, iwi/ hapū, sponsors and community groups, the Festival team now deliver an event where every element aligns perfectly with the event’s purpose and make for a great day out for all involved. Every food vendor now incorporates at least two wild food dishes into their offerings, while things like new foraging experiences and a smoky-zone showcasing traditional cooking methods create a truly immersive experience. And it’s clearly a winning formula: in 2025 the Whakatāne Local Wild Food Festival claimed the Community or Not-for-Profit Event of the Year (under 3000 attendees) title at the New Zealand Events Association awards ceremony.
Every food vendor now incorporates at least two wild food dishes into their offerings.
The premise of the Local Wild Food Festival is simple: gather passionate foodies and food lovers together to showcase food from the land, rivers, lakes and sea, to promote sustainable living and to share tricks of the trade on good food foraged, grown, caught or hunted from our environment. There are demonstrations on things like how to shuck oysters, how to ferment, and how to fish sustainably, as well as cooking demonstrations on things like kūmara with a Japanese twist, foraged tawa kernels, and rabbit confit, and it’s all set to the soundtrack of local live acts.
For many however, the best part of the show is that you can get in on the action with a wild food challenge open to individuals and teams. There are adults and kids categories, with the challenge being to incorporate wild kai into a dish, all prepared on the day amongst the Festival. The team challenge ups the ante by having the ingredients supplied in a mystery box, making for a great family or team-building adventure as you try to wow the judges and take home prizes and bragging rights.
For the February 2025 event, Air Chathams will be flying the Island’s very own master chef and bee whisperer Kaai Silbery to Whakatāne to be one of those judges. Kaai is resident chef at the Kōpī Bush Retreat on the Chatham Islands, where the food is focused on fresh local ingredients from the farm, the sea and the Retreat’s garden, and she has also been instrumental in bringing the award-winning Chatham Islands Tarahina freeze-dried honey to a wider audience. If anyone understands wild food, it’s Kaai.
“I think wild food has always been a part of us,” says Kaai, “especially within indigenous cuisine or culinary arts. But I think there is a new up and coming generation embracing it, and plus a lot of my era of chefs have now come out and into their own light to put their own twist onto their dishes or their menus. A lot of cooking skills got lost to convenience, and one of the great joys of the Festival is watching the demonstrations and seeing those techniques. Regardless of whether you win or lose, if you’re taking part in the Wild Food Festival, then you’re helping to bring those skills back as it’s showcasing how you can live off the land.
“Even, you know, growing your own, hunting your own, and I guess that’s still the beauty of being in New Zealand - you can do that, you don’t have to go out on excursions or hunting expeditions, you can just go out to your own backyard and forage.”
So, whether you want to test your skills on the day, soak up some new skills in a stunning setting, or just revel in the vibes at Mahy Reserve, start planning your trip to the Whakatāne Wild Food Festival in February 2026 now!
There are demonstrations on things like how to shuck oysters, how to ferment, and how to fish sustainably, as well as cooking demonstrations.
TailorMade Skies
For a generation Air Chathams has been connecting Kiwis. From our Chatham Islands home to Aotearoa New Zealand’s main centres and regions, our family owned and operated airline has been getting people together since 1984. Aside from our regular regional schedules and cargo flights however, there is another equally important part to our business of helping Kiwis get around: charter flights.
For many people the words charter flight conjure images of private jets at the behest of rock stars and rich listers, but the reality is quite different.
FOR MANY PEOPLE THE WORDS
charter flight conjure images of private jets at the behest of rock stars and rich listers, but the reality is quite different. More often than not it’s just groups of people who need to be somewhere at a certain time, on time, and all together. So less so billionaires, and more so sports teams and just really busy Kiwis.
“There is a bit of a misconception about charter flights,” says Estelle Bray-Taylor, Head of Marketing and Communications at Air Chathams. “Charters are more about saving time and offering greater convenience for larger groups of people. Clearly, if you are travelling by yourself or with two or three companions, then a charter is not going to make economic sense, but as soon as you need to move larger groups - say a sports team - then the cost difference can
Sports teams - particularly the professional codes - really like what we call ‘fly in fly out’ as their time is at a premium and they really don’t want athletes spending hours sitting idle in transit lounges.”
be more than offset by everyone getting to travel together, leave when they want, and arrive together.”
A good example is the entertainment industry, whether it be film crews or bands.
“Actors and set crews, stage shows and also bands, can save an enormous amount of time by flying by charter,” Estelle says.
“Instead of everyone drifting in on different flights - even on different days - everyone arrives at the same time in the same place and gets on with it. And of course a charter can be a lot more accommodating and understanding with equipment.”
Once you can fill an aircraft then being able to fly when you want and to where you want can really make it a cost-effective option.
“Sports teams are another obvious part of our charter business. By the time you have the team, coaches and medics all in the entourage you can easily have 30 people who need to be somewhere and don’t want to have to lose time by fitting into an existing schedule that might see them arrive a day or more before and then have to wait another day after the match to fly out. Sports teams - particularly the professional codes - really like what we call ‘fly in fly out’ as their time is at a premium and they really don’t want athletes spending hours sitting idle in transit lounges.”
Far less glamorous - but equally important - clients also charter Air Chathams’ aircraft. “There are Fortune 500 clients,” says Estelle, “but charters also work really well for smaller companies and groups who need to get teams to conferences and
“Charters are more about saving time and offering greater convenience for larger groups of people.”
training or events. National conferences, overseas tour groups, or a group of golfers - it’s all about the numbers. Once you can fill an aircraft then being able to fly when you want and to where you want can really make it a cost-effective option. You’re also often checking into a private terminal so you save a huge amount of time not having to arrive hours early to check in through a busy terminal, and then clear baggage through another busy terminal on arrival. You’ll save a lot of time - and also be a lot less stressedplus with a charter you have much greater flexibility to tweak flight times to suit your travel needs. You certainly don’t have that option on a scheduled commercial flight!”
“That’s another really important aspect to a charter flight,” says Estelle, “it’s a very personalised approach. You deal with
one person all the way through, they’ll be finding out what you want to achieve, where you’re going and help choose what type of aircraft would be best for you. And we can get you almost anywhere - recently we’ve flown charters to Manapouri, Queenstown, Blenheim, Napier, Taupō, Gisborne and Kaitaia - and have a diverse fleet of modern, comfortable aircraft that can suit any occasion. Our team on the ground and in the air, have the skills, expertise and experience to ensure your charter is the most safe, efficient and cost-effective option for you.”
So, if you’re putting the band back together, need to get your Senior First Fifteen, their wives and hangers-on to the big game, or want to take your crew away for a team building weekend, give AC Charters a call.
Paradise Found
ONCE A QUIET SEASIDE
RESORT, Waiheke Island has in recent years developed into one of the City of Sails’ favourite getaways offering beaches, vineyards, getting back to nature and great food for all pockets and palates. So if you’re looking to get away from the bustle of Auckland, hop on a ferry and head to Waiheke - it’s just 35 minutes from the CBD to a genuine island paradise.
Waiheke Island was probably one of the first places settled by the great ocean-going waka that brought Māori to Aotearoa New Zealand some 800 years ago. It offered shelter from bad weather, but also a refuge from the mainland and an abundant supply of seafood, so several iwi have connections to the island.
Images courtesy Waiheke Island Tourism, Inc.
For the early European settler, Waiheke provided timber for ships and as fuel or building materials for Auckland, but the rich island soils were perfect for agriculture and Māori supplied the growing settlement with wheat and vegetables from the 1840s. But it was the arrival of a relatively new industrytourism - that would shape the island’s development for decades to come.
Soon steamers carried day-trippers over for picnics, bathing, beach games and regattas, and boarding houses sprang up so that they could extend their stays. By the turn of the century Aucklanders were starting to make Waiheke a more permanent home, and quaint subdivisions of baches began to spring up: in 1922 Palm Beach was named for its single large Phoenix Palm, and Surfdale received its name following a competition; the winner walked away with a section near the beach as the prize!
By the 1970s Waiheke - only visitors call it Waiheke Island - had emerged as something of a haven for artists and alternative communities eager to escape the urbanisation - and prices - of Auckland, and it remains a bastion for creativity to this day with an active arts community. There is a busy festival, live music and performance scene, with one of the most famous being the Waiheke Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition, held biennially and featuring artists installing large-scale sculptures along a coastal walk. For many though the stars of the show are the smaller galleries and studios that are dotted across the island with world-class art works and often the chance to meet the artists themselves.
But it is perhaps a sort of return to it’s agricultural roots that has really put Waiheke onto the global map. The island has a unique microclimate, featuring long, hot summers and mild winters, perfect not just for holiday makers - but vineyards. The Waiheke wine industry is world renowned, particularly for producing bold reds like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot blends, and the vineyards are as picturesque as the wines they produce are delicious.
By far the best way to experience them is via a wine tour; it solves the transport issue - you’ll be wine tasting after all! - and it’s a great, stress free way for taking in some of the best wineries and finding your bearings. Remember that some vineyards are only open from Thursday or Friday to Sunday, so plan your visit in advance.
For many though the stars of the show are the smaller galleries and studios that are dotted across the island with world-class art works and often the chance to meet the artists themselves.
The island has a unique microclimate, featuring long, hot summers and mild winters, perfect not just for holiday makers - but vineyards.
The island’s wine culture is also accompanied by a really vibrant food scene, and many of the winery restaurants offer truly fine dining experiences with local ingredients - everything from fresh oysters harvested that day, to locally farmed beef that is direct from pasture to plate and olive oils from the island’s burgeoning olive industry - all paired with Waiheke wines of course. A great many of these vineyard restaurants are in stunning settings, and they range from bean bags and blankets under olive trees, to fine dining under vaulted ceilings. Similarly, while you can enjoy gourmet meals overlooking the vineyards and beaches, Waiheke also hosts local food markets, cafes, and eateries perfect for more relaxed dining - and don’t overlook shopping at some of the local produce stores and heading down to one of the really glorious beaches for that classic Kiwi summer treat of picnicking.
The island may have something of a reputation as being the preserve of the superrich, but it still maintains a counter culture charm and easy going island attitude that welcomes visitors from across Aotearoa and the world.
It’s a world apart from the City of Sails, but it’s not a world away, so check the ferry schedule for a great day out ofnot in - Auckland. And while Waiheke may have been a day trip destination back in the day, these days you really need to make it at least a long weekend to soak up all the island has to offer.
Kimberley - Australia
Western Australia
Kimberley cruise
June 21 – July 4, 2026 | 13 nights
All-inclusive cruise on a fantastic small expedition ship. Breath-taking outback landscapes, waterfalls, bird life and indigenous history.
Bike Victoria - Australia
E-bike the Victorian Rail Trails
Apr 25 – May 5, 2026 | 10 nights
Ride well-maintained trails through small towns in rural Australia. Autumn colours, excellent regional wines and cuisine.
Japan
WA Wildflowers and Indian Pacific Train
September 3-17, 2026 | 14 nights
Tour Western Australia during wildflower season then take the iconic Indian Pacific train from Perth to Sydney.
Safari - Africa
Namibia & Botswana
June 9-27, 2026 | 19 nights
Three incredible safaris in one: Okavango delta, Etosha and Chobe National parks. Sossusvlei sand dunes, Victoria Falls and more.
East Cape - New Zealand
Discover Japan
April 5-23, 2026 | 17 nights
An extensive tour including vibrant Tokyo and charming Kyoto, serene temples and gardens, the art island of Naoshima, and fantastic Japanese food.
East Cape
8-15 April, 2026 | 7 nights
Meet the locals and the characters of the East Coast. Visit the backcountry stations of Puketoro and Puketiti, lighthouses, Māori churches, Eastwoodhill arboretum and more.
Our fleet
Air Chathams has a fleet of 9 aircraft, ranging from single-engine light planes to turbo-prop 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.
ATR 72
Our newest regional airliner
Speed
500 kilometres per hour
Max Altitude 25,000 feet
Pressurised Cabin Yes
No. of Pilots 2
No. of Flight Attendants 2
No. of Seats 68
Inflight Catering Available Toilet Yes
Saab 340
Our Swedish princess
Speed
470 kilometres per hour
Max Altitude 25,000 feet
Pressurised Cabin Yes
No. of Pilots 2
No. of Flight Attendants 1
No. of Seats 34
Inflight Catering Available Toilet Yes
Cessna 206
The Chatham Islands workhorse
Speed 230 kilometres per hour
Max Altitude 10,000 feet
Pressurised Cabin No
No. of Pilots 1
No. of Flight Attendants 0
No. of Seats 5
Inflight Catering No
Toilet No
The airline that brings New Zealand together
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 more than 40 years we’ve been bringing New Zealand together.
Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau
Whakatāne -
Kāpiti Coast
Chatham Islands
Christchurch
Wellington
Whanganui
time to start pla ing your
bridge to nowhere ESCAPE
Adventure Hub
RUAPEHU ADVENTURE HUB:
Explore the Whanganui National Park, bring your friends and family and let Bridge to Nowhere Tours show you our back yard!
Email: info@ruapehuadventurehub.co.nz
Website: ruapehuadventurehub.co.nz
Phone: 0800 40 88 88
MOUNTAIN BIKE STATION:
Email: info@mountainbikestation.co.nz
Website: mountainbikestation.co.nz
Phone: 0800 BIKING
WHANGANUI RIVER CANOES:
Email: info@whanganuirivercanoes.co.nz
Website: whanganuirivercanoes.co.nz
Phone: 0800 40 88 88
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE TOURS
Email: bookings@bridgetonowheretours.com
Website: bridgetonowheretours.com
Phone: 0800 480 308
RAETIHI HOLIDAY PARK
Email: info@raetihihiholidaypark.com
Website: raetihiholidaypark.com
Phone: 0800 40 88 88
• If your team are looking for a bit more adventure, we can also help arrange a Bridge to Nowhere Mountain Biking Adventure
Meet our fantastic crew at Pipiriki, and enjoy a scenic jet boat into the Whanganui National Park. On the journey you will hear stories about the landscapes around you, exploring sidestreams, visit waterfalls and learn about the history of watercraft on the Whanganui River.
Enjoy a 40 minute walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, where our driver will talk about the history of the Mangapurua Valley and Bridge to Nowhere over a cup of hot drink and bikkies before heading back to the boat to end your journey.
for your next adventure in the Ruapehu and Whanganui Regions.
Ben and Rebecca have grown up in Whanganui and Ruapehu, and have spent the last 16 years helping visitors from all over the world experience some amazing spots in our region.
Operating Whanganui River Canoes, the Raetihi Holiday Park and Mountain Bike Station, you can get in touch with us and we will be able to help you plan your perfect stay.
Our Holiday Park in Raetihi is a perfect spot to use as your base for all of your adventures, with cozy cabins and powered/non powered sites with Mountain Views. If a three bedroom villa is more your style, we can arrange that too.
At Whanganui River Canoes we love to help you explore the Whanganui National Park for freedom hire trips over 3 or 4 days.
We offer a full service with safety briefings, paddling equipment, and shuttles to the Whanganui River and back.
Mountain Bike Station offers itinerary planning and booking for your ride on the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail. Send us through your details, with the trip you would like to book and we will do all of the planning for you. Ride from the ski fields on Mount Ruapehu, stay in boutique accommodation along the trail, experience forests, rivers, jet boat, canoe, river boats and meet locals along your ride. Throughout your ride, we are there to support you, transporting your luggage and offering briefings for each section of your ride.
WE CAN ARRANGE: • Bridge to Nowhere Tour • Canoe options
"It wa s a huge s ix wee ks of Cricket World Cup a nd your flexibility & ava ila bility outs ide of usu a l ser vice hours w a s huge ly apprecia te d! ”
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
