SOUNDSAIR.COM / ISSUE NO. 02
SOUNDS GOOD
WELCOME. DISCOVER. EXPLORE.
YOUR C O M P L I M E N TA R Y COPY
LOSE YOUR S E L F at Lochmara Lodge
C E L E B R AT I N G O U R seasonal workforce
AWA K E N I N G A G H O ST on the West Coast
Holden have gone the extra mile. You can now get the best-selling Colorado LTZ range from just $35,990+GST+ORC. That’s in addition to 3 years Free Service, 3 years Roadside Assist and 3 years Warranty. holden.co.nz/offers
No matter what size SUV you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Wadsco Motorworld. There’s the 7-seater Captiva, Trailblazer with 3 tonne towing capability or Trax LS all with Apple CarPlay. So, get to Wadsco and find the SUV that’s right for you.
Wadsco Motorworld 55 - 59 Scott Street, Blenheim T 03 578 5199 wadscoholden.co.nz
Dangerous Skies WW2 EXHIBITION OMAKA AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE
GU I D E S
CONTENTS
12
What’s On
42
Dining Guide
IN-FLIGHT I N FO RM AT I O N 46
Route Map
47
Terminal Locations
1 1 | C E O W E LC O M E 14
Keep your eyes on the skies
16
Awakening a ghost on the West Coast
19
The Taupo Wellbeing Market
20
Slip Inn for great food, brews & views
24
A rough ride
27
Catch a Mohaka trophy
28
Lose yourself at Lochmara Lodge
31
Otaki’s International Film Festival
32
Watch the sport of kings
34
Good times are brewing in the hop capital
36
Celebrating our seasonal workforce
4 4 | YO U & U S 45 | TEAM SOUNDS AIR Tegan Williams
48 | SPEAKING SAFETY WITH SOUNDS AIR Craig Anderson
50 | COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS SPCA
COV E R & AB OVE
I MAGE
HagePhoto
Direct return flights from
Wellington, Nelson, Taupo, Blenheim, Christchurch, Picton, Westport, Napier & Paraparaumu.
www.soundsair.com
For bookings, timetables & fare information call 0800 505 005 or visit us online to find out more. 6
SOUNDS GOOD / ISSUE NO. 02
IMAGE hawkesbaytourism.nz
PUBLISHING DETAILS
P U B LI S HE R
Carter Consultants Simon Carter simon@carterconsultants.co.nz
E D I TO R
Juliet Calder Calder Communications juliet@caldercommunications.co.nz
C R E AT I V E D I R E CTO R
Hannah Buutveld Artikel Design hannah@artikeldesign.co.nz
M A RK E T I N G E X E C U T I VE Erin Bailey Carter Consultants erin@carterconsultants.co.nz
A DVE RT I S I N G E N Q U I RI E S Carter Consultants simon@carterconsultants.co.nz erin@carterconsultants.co.nz
P RI N T
PMP 30 Birmingham Drive Middleton, Christchurch 8024
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions are solely those of the contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by Sounds Air.
PROUD TO HAVE FED & WATERED SOUNDS AIR CREW & PASSENGERS FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS! WWW.LECAFEPICTON.CO.NZ
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SOUNDS GOOD / ISSUE NO. 02
Cuisine Magazine Restaurant Personality of the Year 2017 One Hat Cuisine Good Food Awards 2017 Best Restaurant ‘Top of the South’ Aronui Dine Out 2017 36 Godfrey Road, Blenheim +64 3 572 7989
arbour.co.nz
IMAGE hawkesbaytourism.nz
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to Sounds Good, the magazine of Sounds Air. AT SOUNDS AIR WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO FLY TO SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL REGIONS IN THE WORLD. FROM PICTURESQUE TAUPO, TO THE STUNNING WINE REGIONS OF HAWKES BAY AND MARLBOROUGH, OUR CULTURAL CAPITAL CITY OF WELLINGTON, THE RUGGED WEST COAST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND, AND THE EVER EVOLVING CHRISTCHURCH CITY – PLUS PLENTY MORE IN BETWEEN.
Allow Sounds Good to take you for a journey through these regions and learn some of the secrets that they have to offer. This issue will take you mountain biking on some world-class trails on the West Coast or in Christchurch; admiring the unique blend of natural and man-made beauty at Lochmara Lodge; watching the skies at the Wairarapa Balloon Festival; and introduce you to some of the workers at the coalface of our successful wine industry. Read on, and start planning your next getaway with Sounds Air.
ISSUE NO. 02 / SOUNDS GOOD
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HHM837 03/18
BAY OF IS L AN DS • WAITAKERE ROTORUA • TAUP O • GIS B ORNE MARLB OROUGH • KAIKOURA AKAROA • CROMWELL
Marlborough Vintners Hotel
The Reef Resort, Taupo
Experience a place like no other. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most stunning scenery. In many of these spots you’ll find a unique hotel that’s part of the Heritage Collection. Explore what we have to offer.
Akaroa Cottages
BOOK NOW
heritagehotels.co.nz/collection-hotels
THE FUTURE Planting a billion trees in ten years is a huge challenge. The government’s aim is long term – for employment and climate change targets decades into the future. Today’s children will get the rewards when they are grown up. Our industry already contributes 1.7 million hectares of plantation forests. We’ll produce 32 million cubic metres of logs for timber this year and we replant the land after we harvest. We look forward to sharing; with government, iwi and farmers, all of the great future which comes with growing trees. Let’s plant.
www.nzwood.co.nz
10 SOUNDS GOOD / ISSUE NO. 02
ABOVE Andrew Crawford,
CEO WELCOME
Managing Director, Sounds Air.
AT SOUNDS AIR, SAFETY IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING WE DO. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON HAVING THE BEST PEOPLE IN EACH ROLE TO DELIVER AN OUTSTANDING SERVICE. FROM OUR MAINTENANCE CREW TO OUR PILOTS AND EVERY PERSON IN BETWEEN, WE ARE ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED TO EXHIBITING THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF AIR AND GROUND OPERATION SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. The aircraft in our fleet are selected specifically for their excellent safety records. The Cessna Caravan was designed for use in remote areas with extreme operating conditions, so it is renowned for being safe, reliable and rugged. It also manages to deliver passenger comfort levels far exceeding comparable similar sized aircraft. All of this makes it the perfect aircraft for our short Wellington based routes. The Pilatus PC12 aircraft also deliver excellent safety, reliability and passenger comfort, as well as offering gas turbine/jet engine smoothness and dependability. It is famed for its versatility, with the ability to depart from a short unimproved runway, climb quickly to high altitude, cruise at over 270 knots for over 3000 km, and then arrive in style. In fact, these are the very reasons The Royal Flying
Doctor Service of Australia and the US Air Force both operate the PC12 for their specific missions. In this second issue of Sounds Good our Sounds Air Safety Manager, Craig Anderson, takes us through the process we have recently gone through to develop a new Safety Management System. This has been a huge undertaking for Craig and our whole team, but I am thrilled with the complimentary feedback we have received from the Civil Aviation Authority as a result. Getting you to your chosen destinations safely and in comfort is what we do, and hopefully this magazine will inspire you to visit more of our amazing locations. Autumn in New Zealand is a great time to get out, explore the regions and enjoy the great outdoors while the weather is still warm enough. No matter what sort of travel you enjoy - whether it’s an active challenge, a social gathering or a relaxing break you are after – there is something within the following pages that should appeal. I hope you enjoy the read. And thank you, as always, for choosing to fly with Sounds Air. Andrew Crawford, Managing Director Sounds Air.
CHRISTCHURCH LANTERN FESTIVAL 10 & 11 March 2018
Bring along your family and friends to experience Chinese culture in Christchurch’s central city this March, when vibrantly coloured lanterns will light up the Avon River Precinct. This free event is for everyone and features music, performance, dance, food, and lanterns from 6pm to 10pm both nights. The Lantern Festival has been part of the Chinese New Year celebrations since the Han Dynasty (206BC - 221AD) and marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.
More information at christchurchnz.com
FRAMINGHAM HARVEST CONCERT 9 March 2018
WHAT’S ON
2018
The annual Framingham Harvest Concert is a chance for international vintage workers and Marlborough locals to celebrate the harvest by partying in the Framingham Winery courtyard. Around 450 people are expected to attend this eighth festival, which will see up and coming bands from New Zealand take to the stage, including Framingham’s very own winery band Renwick Nudes, as well as Dictaphone Blues, Kodatone and Big Scout. Celebrate with some Framingham Nobody’s Hero wine, Garage Project beers and local fare from The Feast Merchants.
Limited tickets available; Framingham Cellar Door; eventfinda.co.nz; or Wino’s (Grove Road, Blenheim).
NEW ZEALAND FESTIVAL
23 February – 18 March 2018 Aotearoa’s leading celebration of cutting-edge arts, the New Zealand Festival fills Wellington’s streets, theatres and laneways with the best arts and artists from around the world. This much-anticipated festival offers experiences for everyone with world-class theatre, dance, music and so much more. Opening with the free harbour spectacular A Waka Odyssey on 23 February, the themes of that event echo through the rest of the programme: epic journeys; a sense of discovery; home, and belonging.
www.festival.co.nz
PULSE ENERGY OPARARA WILDERNESS TRAIL RUN 21 April 2018
The Pulse Energy Oparara Wilderness Trail Run will take you through the ancient, untouched rain forest of the Oparara Valley in Kahurangi National Park at the top of the South Island’s West Coast. Choose the 36km or 20km race, each through beautiful native bush. This race will take your breath away in more ways than one. Fly Sounds Air to Westport then take the Karamea Express bus service to the race venue.
More information at opararawildernesstrailrun.co.nz
PORIRUA GRAND TRAVERSE 8 April 2018
The Porirua Grand Traverse is a vibrant festival of fitness with something for everyone. From the Arena 9k Fun Run/ Walk, through to the full 52k Multisport and 42k Duathlon events, and the 10k Paddle, 24k Mountain Bike and 18k Mountain Run, there’s a place for you on the start line. The Porirua Grand Traverse is a non-profit community event that promotes a healthy, outdoor lifestyle while showcasing Porirua’s beautiful hills, harbour, bush and beaches. Challenge yourself now!
For more information visit pgt.org.nz
IMAGE www.marathon-photos.com
TAUPO MASTERS WEEKEND 7 & 8 April 2018
IMAGE Mark Tantrum
WHAT’S ON
2018
The 2018 Taupo Masters Weekend is a chance to get away for a great weekend of golf with a bit competitive edge thrown in for good measure. Taking place on the same weekend as the US Masters from Augusta, our very own Masters event will take place at Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary, one of the most picturesque and popular courses in New Zealand. Taupo Masters Weekend is a Stableford format competition allowing golfers of all abilities to take part and compete for individual and team bragging rights across the two rounds, with a range of top draw prizes on offer.
For more information or to book, nzgolfandtravel.co.nz
THE BIG EASY
30 March – 1 April 2018 The Big Easy on the Hawke’s Bay Trails is the ultimate antidote to all those serious cycling events. Starting at the stunning Black Barn Vineyard, you will then meander along 42 km of the Hawke’s Bay Trails, making plenty of tasty stops along the way. You will aim to finish at Church Road Winery for the finale party and concert, which starts at 2pm. Also back for 2018 are The Little Easy events in Central Hawke’s Bay on Friday 30 March and Wairoa on Sunday 1 April, catering to the younger riders with easy 5 to 12 kilometre jaunts.
More information and tickets from thebigeasy.co.nz
THE BIG TAHUNA OCEAN SWIM 31 March 2018
Interislander The Big Tahuna is the newest addition to the Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, and takes place at beautiful Tahunanui Beach in Nelson. Consisting of four different swim events, The Big Tahuna provides an ocean swim event for all ages and abilities – from the ‘I’m Going Long’ 3k swim around the iconic Fifeshire Rock, to the ‘Banana Boat Ocean Kids’ 200m shallow water swim along the Tahunanui Beach shoreline.
For more information visit oceanswim.co.nz
IMAGE Mark Tantrum
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE SKIES DON’T BE ALARMED IF YOU SEE A GIANT KIWI OR A ROCKET IN THE WAIRARAPA SKY THIS EASTER. THE 2018 WAIRARAPA BALLOON FESTIVAL WILL AGAIN FILL THE SKIES WITH COLOUR AND THE REGION WITH FESTIVITIES.
The competition lifts off at 7am on 29th March with the Mass Ascension in Carrington Park, Carterton. The Tranzit Burner Parades will then parade through Greytown’s Main Street and then drive north to light up Carterton’s High Street that evening. Greytown, Masterton and Martinborough will all host early morning flights across the five day festival, where pilots will showcase their skills in various skill challenges, competitions and displays.
The ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Festival is the Trust House Night Glow at Solway Showgrounds on Saturday night, where family entertainment is provided and tethered balloons light up the night sky in a dazzling display set to music. For regular Wairarapa Balloon Festival attendees, a highlight in 2018 is bound to be the return of ‘Iwi The Kiwi’ and his pilot Rick Walczak. An impressive seven-stories high, Iwi the Kiwi has travelled the world since he first appeared in the Festival six years ago.
For further details and to check weather postponements or cancellations, visit the Wairarapa Balloon Festival Facebook page and www.nzballoons.co.nz 14 SOUNDS GOOD / ISSUE NO. 02
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Awakening a ghost on the West Coast
photography - SVEN MARTIN
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IN THE REMOTE BACKCOUNTRY OF NEW ZEALAND’S WEST COAST, A GHOST HAS BEEN AWAKENED. THE OLD GHOST ROAD TRAIL OPENED IN DECEMBER 2015 AND HAS BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO THIS HISTORIC AND PREVIOUSLY FORGOTTEN SECTION OF WEST COAST WILDERNESS. Part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, but also building a strong following with intrepid trampers, the Old Ghost Road has quickly become one of the most revered backcountry trails in the world and was recently taken into the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s stable of ‘EPIC Rides’. The trail itself is partly an old and long forgotten gold miner’s road and partly previously untouched wilderness. It is New Zealand’s longest continuous single track, stretching 85 kilometres between the historic gold-rush town of Lyell in the Upper Buller Gorge (a 50 minute drive from Westport on State Highway 6) to the Mokihinui River at Seddonville (50 kilometres north of Westport on State Highway 67). Those riding or tramping the trail will pass through or by four ghost towns and see numerous mining relics and historical artefacts along the way. It is a part of the country so untouched in the last century that you will feel as though you have been literally transported back in time to the late 1800s.
IMAGE HagePhoto
It is a 12 kilometre journey from Lyell Saddle hut through spectacular scenery that will make you feel like you are on top of the world before arriving at the second hut, Ghost Lake, which sits atop a cliff with breathtaking views.
IT IS A PART OF THE COUNTRY SO UNTOUCHED IN THE LAST CENTURY THAT YOU WILL FEEL AS THOUGH YOU HAVE BEEN LITERALLY TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME TO THE LATE 1800S.
The natural landscape is as impressive as the history on this trail, with everything from lush native forests to open river valleys and cliff tops to traverse. The recommendation is to take 2 – 4 days to bike the trail, or 4-5 days to tramp it, and there are five huts along the route (bookable via oldghostroad.org.nz) to allow you to take your time and soak up the incredible combination of heritage and wilderness as you go. Starting at the southern trailhead at Lyell, you will begin your journey through beech forests, climbing to the Lyell Saddle – your first optional hut stop – and then up further to the mighty and rugged Lyell Range and the highest point of the track (1340m).
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A thrilling 12 kilometre downhill section will take you to the third hut at Stern Valley, and you will then journey through the Ernest Valley, climbing up to the Solemn Saddle before descending to the confluence with the Mokihinui River and Goat Creek. Wind your way through towering podocarp forest to the Mokihinui ‘Forks’ and the refurbished DOC hut located there, or continue a further 3 kilometres downstream to the Specimen Point Hut site at the head of the Mokihinui River Gorge. The old miners’ road is rejoined for the undulating and, at times, cliff-hugging and stomachtingling, 17 km journey out to the Seddonville end of the trail. This is not a track to overestimate your riding or tramping ability on. It is a Grade 4 (Advanced) mountainbike track with steep and sustained climbs and descents along a narrow trail and through difficult terrain. However a range of packages aptly offered as ‘Old Ghost Adventures’ make the track accessible to a wider audience, with options such as helicopter rides to the alpine tops, heli-biking or heli-hiking, and rafting the Mokihinui Gorge as the final leg of your journey. Whichever way you choose to do it, this promises to be an awe-inspiring and unforgettable journey that will deeply challenge and reward.
IMAGE Christin Hume
THE TAUPO WELLBEING MARKET AS OUR PACE OF LIFE HAS INCREASED, SO HAS THE DESIRE TO FIND POCKETS OF PEACE AND CALM WITHIN OUR HECTIC WORLD. We have become more aware than ever of the need to look after both our mental and physical health and that has spawned a multitude of health trends. Far from being a passing fad though, the concept of ‘wellbeing’ has become commonplace in all aspects of our lives – smart workplaces are implementing wellness strategies for their employees; children are learning mindfulness and meditation at school; there is a tourism market of wellness retreats; government agencies use wellbeing standards alongside
economic indicators; and clean eating has infiltrated the café scene and whole sections of our supermarkets. So many practices and products that would once have been considered unconventional are now the conventional. Bringing the world of wellness to life this March is the Taupo Wellbeing Market. The largest of its kind in the North Island, the market is a free weekend run by people who are passionate about making the world a better place through health, natural medicine, stress-free living and environmental awareness. From natural health therapies and organic beauty products to the raw food phenomenon and Reiki, there is plenty to learn from the forty-plus
exhibitors and various free seminars that will take place across the weekend. You can also get some body pampering, a free health check, a psychic reading, join a yoga or meditation session, or simply pick yourself up some jewellery, crystals, essential oils and more.
AN AMAZING WEEKEND MARKET F O R M I N D , B O D Y , S P I R I T.
The 2018 Taupo Wellbeing Market takes place on 17 and 18 March, 10am to 4pm, at the Taupo Great Lake Centre. For more information go to wellbeingmarkets.co.nz
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SLIP INN FOR GREAT FOOD, BREWS & VIEWS The Slip Inn Café is in the beautiful Havelock Marina, nestled on the edge of the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. IT IS RENOWNED FOR ITS ‘HAVELOCK GREEN LIPPED MUSSELS’, FRESH OFF THE BOAT AND PAIRED WITH AWARDWINNING MARLBOROUGH WINES AND STUNNING VIEWS OVER THE MARINA THAT ARE HARD TO LEAVE. Owners Richard and Chrissie Wright purchased the Slip Inn in May 2015. They are farmers in Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury, but have a strong connection with the region, Chrissie having lived on Arapawa Island in Queen Charlotte Sound and in Pelorus Sound where her brother and his family still farm today. “Owning the Slip Inn gives us a good reason to visit the area we love.”
Richard and Chrissie’s farm Tamar is a 1470-hectare property and is a mix of beef, cropping and dairy. The farm sits between two rivers, with a backdrop of the snowy Southern Alps. All the animals are bred and reared on the farm on a grass based system. A beef herd of purebred Red Devon cattle are farmed, and a Hereford herd is being established as well. They have some of their prime beef processed locally in Ashburton, and then delivered to the Slip Inn where you will see it on the menu. “Red Devon meat is renowned for its marbling - we are especially proud of our prime cuts which have outstanding flavour and tenderness, and of our salami and chorizo too. It is exciting to
see the whole journey from paddock to plate. While we are not currently supplying all the steak for the restaurant, it is an area that we are keen to pursue further.” “Obviously being so far away from the café means we are totally reliant on the staff and we are extremely fortunate that Manager Cieran, and his fabulous team take complete pride in their workplace and strive to deliver outstanding food with service to match.” Experience the excellent service, fantastic views and delicious food for yourself any day from 8am until late. For more information visit slipinn.co.nz
FABULOUS WATERFRONT DINING FROM 8AM TILL LATE. Come and enjoy our friendly service, either inside by the fire or sit on the deck and watch the boating world go by. Relax with a cup of coffee, a glass of local wine or a bowl of delicious Green Shell Mussels, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marlborough Sounds. FIND US ON THE WATERFRONT, HAVELOCK MARINA. For reservation & enquiries phone 03 574 23 45 or email info@slipinn.co.nz Check out the menu on our website www.slipinn.co.nz
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It’s what we do on the ground that helps you in the air. At Air BP, we know you love to fly. That’s why we go that bit further to get you off the ground – from your local Account Manager to the trained refueller who fills your plane at one of our eighty locations across the country. At Air BP, it’s what we do on the ground that helps you in the air.
fuelling confidence
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air
SHORT WALK
VIBRANT HUB AT CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT
FROM THE AIRPORT TERMINAL
There’s something for everyone at Spitfire Square, Christchurch Airport’s vibrant convenience retail and hospitality precinct. It’s the only full service shopping centre near the airport and the iconic Spitfire replica aircraft makes it easy to find on Memorial Avenue. There’s a Countdown supermarket, alongside bars, cafés, fast food restaurants, a gym, pharmacy, and hair and beauty salon… with plenty of parking. christchurchairport.co.nz
MASSEY UNIVERSITY RPAS SHORT COURSES 2018
RPAS CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY – PILOT – RPAS MULTI-ROTOR: Is an Industry qualification and CAA NZ Certification. Allows holder to operate an RPAS within 4km of an aerodrome with appropriate clearance. Course offers options of practical assessment available; I. Multi-Rotor Manual Reversion Flight Test or II. GNSS only Flight test All RPAS courses delivered by Massey’s Flight Instructors.
Call 0800 Massey or visit
massey.ac.nz/aviation
MODELS FROM
$19,990 RS TURBO SHOWN $25,990
PLUS ORC
PLUS ORC
A rough ride words ANNE NEWMAN / images THE PERFECT LINE
IT OPENED IN DECEMBER 2016 AND BOTH CANTABRIANS AND TOURISTS FLOCKED TO IT. ADVENTURE SEEKERS TO SIGHTSEERS, AND PLENTY OF CURIOUS LOCALS, CAME TO THE PARK IN THEIR TENS OF THOUSANDS AND ALL SIGNS POINTED TO THIS BEING A MASSIVELY SUCCESSFUL VENTURE. Then on 13 February 2017, just eight weeks after it had opened, two separate fires ignited in the Port Hills within 90 minutes of each other. The Christchurch Adventure Park was forced to close its gates due to high winds and the nearby fires, and over the next two days the fires ripped through the forest that the Christchurch Adventure Park is located in and combined into one massive blaze that went on to claim 1600 hectares of land on the Port Hills, eleven homes, and the life of a helicopter pilot helping to fight the fires. 24 SOUNDS GOOD / ISSUE NO. 02
It would be ten stressful and arduous months before the gates of the Park would reopen. Fortunately the village itself, containing the 200-seat café, bike rental and guest services, was spared any damage. However an intensive logging operation, rebuilding of the trails, and replacement of the chairlift and ziplines had to take place before the public could be invited back in.
- from first-time to experienced mountain bike riders, hikers, thrill seekers, bird watchers, foodies, yogis, sightseers and more. THE TRAILS
In December last year, the Park was finally ready to reopen its doors. The hillside is virtually unrecognisable since the fires, and the trails have a different look and feel to them without the forest surrounds. But there are silver linings too, with the removal of trees creating incredible unhindered views from the top of the chairlift, and the new trails receiving rave reviews from riders who have returned to try them out.
The world-class facility has set a new standard for mountain biking internationally. Christchurch Adventure Park is the world’s first chairlift accessed, four season mountain biking operation, and boasts the longest chairlift in New Zealand with the 1.8km chairlift specifically designed for mountain bikers and their riders. The chairlift is used to access the mountain bike trails and the start of the zipline tour, or can be ridden just for the spectacular views over the City, Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Pacific Ocean and Lyttelton Harbour.
It has been a tough start, but the Christchurch Adventure Park ‘Take 2’ has risen from the ashes and there is still something for everyone here
For mountain bikers, an evolving network of machine cut and hand built trails with varying degrees of difficulty cater for safe and confident progress
through the park for beginners through to highly advanced and experienced riders. Trails are categorised according to difficulty and type – Green trails are best for beginner riders and include gentle slopes and wide trails. Blue trails are for intermediate riders and have steeper slopes, potentially narrow trails and man made objects. For advanced riders there are the black trails, which will have steep descents, wallrides and numerous obstacles. In each of those categories there are both ‘Freeride’ trails, which are machine-cut and contain man-made features such as dirt jumps, gaps, and berms; or ‘Technical’ trails which are designed to embrace the rugged shape and terrain of the
mountain. They are typically handbuilt and feature organic obstacles such as rocks, roots, logs, drops and jumps.
THE CHRISTCHURCH ADVENTURE PARK HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT IN ITS SHORT LIFE.
There is also an uphill track, which is also popular amongst walkers and hikers. The track goes from the village up to the top of the chairlift, where you can then catch a free ride back down the hill if you wish. Bikes and other essential riding gear are available to hire, and a team of experienced and professional instructors provide guided tours and offer a range of skills clinics and lessons to suit all levels and progression goals.
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M O R E T H A N A B I K E PA R K
You don’t have to ride a bike to find adventure at the Christchurch Adventure Park. A zipline offers a thrilling way to tour the park. It is dual-lined to allow two riders to race each other through the heights and width of the park. The zipline has four stages ranging in length from 400m to 1100m, and at heights up to an adrenaline inducing 150m above the forest floor – the Christchurch Adventure Park hosts both New Zealand’s highest zipline and New Zealand’s longest. The zipline tour can take about two and a half hours to complete, and includes sites of geographical and historical significance. The Village Café Bar at Christchurch Adventure Park is the social hub of the Port Hills. It provides seating for more than 200 people, including a large covered deck which is heated in winter. It is a beautiful spot for pre and post-ride food and drinks, after work drinks, coffee and catch ups, and all day dining.
More information and updates at christchurchadventurepark.com
The Village Café Bar deck looks out across the park to the end of the bike trails, and directly in front of the park’s pump track, so parents can sit and watch their little ones having a go on their mountain bikes, or even their little balance bikes. A fully licensed bar serves Cassels and Sons beer on tap, well known from its brewery at The Tannery in Woolston, wines from Black Estate at
Waipara, and Underground Coffee, another well-known Canterbury brand. The menu is casual, fresh, and hearty. With a focus on rebuilding trails since reopening, the marketing team at the Christchurch Adventure Park has been thinking outside the square and offering a variety of activities to bring in new clientele and grow awareness outside of the core mountain bike market. Over 1500 people came to the Park for Christmas functions in December, and family packages made the Park a favourite destination for summer school holiday fun. The Park hosted an Uphill Walking Event, which saw a thousand people tackle the uphill trail by foot and enjoy a free chairlift ride back down. The café deck becomes an outdoor yoga studio on Saturday mornings, and hosts Spin classes on Sundays. The café has also been hosting a variety of events such as Humpday Happy Hour, Quiz Nights and Tapas Friday, making it a dining destination for anyone. All this is already on the doorstep of Canterbury, but it doesn’t stop there. As a 900 acre space in a working forest, the Park will be constantly evolving with new trails and new developments. Whether you’re a local, visiting or come from afar the Christchurch Adventure Park is a must on any itinerary for chilled out downtime or adrenaline fuelled activity.
DON’T KNOW A BERM FROM A BOOTER? Learn some of the mountain biking terms below so that you sound the part when you head off to shred some gnarly trails.
GAP
ROCK GARDEN
BERM
LADDER
ROLLERS
A raised bank on the outside of a corner that allows a rider to maintain speed without losing traction or sliding out.
BOOTER
A jump that has a gap in between the takeoff and landing.
An elevated wooden feature slightly wider than a skinny. Also known as a bridge.
RAMP
A steeper than average jump.
The angled takeoff or landing on a jump or feature.
DROP
RIDE-AROUND
A vertical drop in the trail, usually at the end of a log, rock or abrupt slope.
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An alternate and easier route that usually avoids a technical obstacle.
A section of trail filled with rocks, roots and other rough features.
A series of small bumps that can either be rolled or gapped.
STEP-DOWN
A jump that has a landing lower than its takeoff.
STEP-UP
A jump that has a landing higher than its takeoff.
TABLETOP
A narrow, wooden trail feature raised off the ground.
A jump shaped with relatively even ramps on both sides and a flat, table-like deck in the middle.
SLOPESTYLE
WALLRIDE
SKINNY
A type of riding characterized by man-made features, including jumps, wallrides and berms.
A vertical or near-vertical wall-like surface.
IMAGES - Kindly supplied by Derek Miller, Fish‘N Tales Outfitters.
CATCH A MOHAKA TROPHY NEW ZEALAND IS A FISHERMAN’S PARADISE, AND THE MOHAKA RIVER IS AMONGST THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER SPOTS. NEW ZEALAND IS A FISHERMAN’S PA R A D I S E , A N D T H E M O H A K A R I V E R IS AMONGST THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER SPOTS THANKS TO ITS ACCESSIBILITY, THE ABUNDANCE OF BROWN AND RAINBOW TROUT, A N D T H E C H A N C E O F C AT C H I N G A TROPHY SIZED FISH IN ITS CLEAR W AT E R S .
The Mohaka River originates in the Kaimanawa Ranges and flows first south-east before turning east to enter the sea between Wairoa and Napier in the Hawke’s Bay. The upper reaches of the Mohaka flow through remote native bush, making for excellent wilderness fishing, while sea run trout can be caught from the river mouth in the Mohaka township.
being the most popular method, but fly-fishing, spinning and wetlining all viable options.
There are numerous spots in between that provide anglers with a range of fishing experiences, with nymphing
For a unique Hawke’s Bay fishing experience, contact Derek at hawkesbayflyfishing.co.nz
From mountain to sea, you are sure to find something to suit along the mighty Mohaka.
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Lose yourself at Lochmara Lodge words - JULIET CALDER
“I want to come here a thousand & a million times. It’s soooo fun!” ELSIE
LOCATED IN LOCHMARA BAY IN THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE SOUND, THE PICTURESQUE SURROUNDS ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH REASON TO MAKE THE SHORT BOAT TRIP OVER FROM PICTON. But this unique lodge also manages to cater for the animal-lover, the eco-warrior, the art-enthusiast and the fitness-fan amongst others. On our visit, it was a fun family day out with the kids that we were after. What we got was so much more. THE WILDLIFE
Before you even arrive at Lochmara Lodge you are likely to have some memorable wildlife encounters. Owner, proprietor and skipper, Shayne Olsen, knows exactly where the Marlborough Sounds locals like to hang out and will take you for a visit on your boat trip across from Picton. Seeing seals “waving” at them and dolphins swimming and playing alongside them was a highlight for Molly (6) and Elsie (4), and set the tone for the magical day ahead.
Once at Lochmara Lodge, the girls were delighted with the very enthusiastic greeting we received from Lockie, the resident fox terrier. The next resident we met, Banjo the talking parrot, was apparently not so delighted: “Go away Lockie” had zero effect on the dog but elicited a hearty giggle from the girls. There is a much more serious side to what Lochmara Lodge is doing with its wildlife though. Shayne and his crew are clearly passionate about protecting the local environment and its inhabitants and have put in place numerous measures to achieve this. The Lodge has been operating a Mainland Island predator control program for over a decade and the success of that is apparent in the varied bird life living there. It is also home to the Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre, a facility dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and the education, protection and enhancement of the Marlborough Sounds environment. Breeding programmes for Kakariki (long tailed parrot), the Marlborough Green Gecko and Weka, as well as
nesting boxes for the Blue Penguin and the Tree Weta, are helping to increase numbers of these important natives. Even the resident Kunikuni pigs have an environmental role to play, by ensuring there is never any waste from the café kitchen. The pigs were not a favourite with Molly and Elsie, but being allowed to hand-feed the Kakariki was an experience they won’t soon forget. The latest addition to Lochmara Lodge’s conservation offerings is an underwater observatory. A glass-sided boat is now permanently moored in the bay with a marine garden on its base to attract sea life. With an underwater scavenger hunt, stingray feeding and a seaside touch tank filled with weird and wonderful touchable sea creatures, this guided marine tour is a lesson in how to educate through experiences. Far from a dull classroom lecture, Marine biologist Kiah had Molly, Elsie and the other children in our tour group – not to mention the adults - hanging off her every word.
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“I loved it. I wish we could come here every single day.” M O L LY
THE ADVENTURES
Lochmara Lodge is located on the world famous Queen Charlotte Track, with a 3.5km side path leading from the Lodge to the main track and offering unreal 360 degree views of the Sounds. For Molly and Elsie, being let loose in the 10 acres of land belonging to Lochmara Lodge was adventure enough. The self-guided nature walks allow you to totally lose yourself in the Lochmara bush, while wellmaintained tracks and numeous sign-posts ensure you never get truly lost. For those who want something a bit more adrenalin-inducing, an 80 metre flying fox might do the trick, or try the rope swing that will drop you straight out to sea. We were happy to just make use of the free kayaks on the beach and take a gentle paddle out in the bay.
Unfortunately this was not on the children’s itinerary, but lunch was, so at least we got to indulge at the Lochmara Café. In keeping with the Lodge’s commitment to the local environment, the menus have a focus on sustainability and source meat, seafood and fresh produce locally as much as possible. The kids were more than happy to share a burger and some fish and chips from the Children’s Menu, while a steak sandwich satisfied the husband and vegetarian nachos did the trick for me. The dinner menu promises a step up in sophistication, with options such as venison loin with shiitake mushrooms and cherry tomato salad, or pan seared salmon fillet with a quinoa and citrus salad and salmon cavier. It will have to be a child-free trip next time with baths, massage and dinner at the top of the to-do list I think! THE BEAUTY
THE INDULGENCE
After all that adventure, you have probably earned yourself a bit of pampering and relaxation, and Lochmara Lodge can provide that too. The Lodge’s Bath House is the perfect place to treat and soak tired muscles, with their twin bath tubs and a choice of massage treatments for hikers, kayakers, or just pure relaxation.
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There is so much natural beauty at Lochmara that you might think adding artworks to the landscape is unjustified. In fact the sculptures and artworks have been done in such a way that it melds with and enhances the character and curiosities of this quirky place. The sculpture trail is a living gallery that reveals both beauty untouched
and man-made marvels – from the ‘punga people’ to stone carvings, colourful mosiacs and playfully adorned trees (the ‘tea tree’ complete with hanging tea cups was a favourite for Molly and Elsie). What the team at Lochmara Lodge have recognised is that, as well as being a place of beauty itself, this is an environment that can inspire beauty too, and that is where their Artist Residencies come in. The residency programme allows serious and professional artists to apply for a short term residency at the Lodge to work on a specific project. As well as the sculpture trail, artworks are displayed in a number of exhibition spaces at the lodge and throughout the public and accomodation areas. If you cannot find beauty at Lochmara Lodge, you will struggle to find it anywhere. It is around every corner, in the views, in nature, in the artworks and in the clear commitment to enhancing the environment. But I’ll leave it to our young visitors to succintly sum up our Lochmara Lodge experience. “ I loved it. I wish we could come here every single day.” M O L LY
“I want to come here a thousand and a million times. It’s soooo fun!” ELSIE
OTAKI’S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL THE MAORILAND FILM FESTIVAL, NEW ZEALAND’S INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL, RETURNS TO THE KAPITI COAST IN MARCH 2018. The Ma-oriland Film Festival, New Zealand’s International Indigenous Film Festival, returns to the Kapiti Coast from 21-25 March 2018 for five days of screenings, workshops and special events celebrating Indigenous voices and storytelling in film.
and filmmakers attending from around the world, 58 events across the five days, as well as 15 feature-length and 86 short films from 11 countries and 65 Indigenous nations, the fifth annual Ma-oriland Film Festival will be the biggest yet.
Ma-oriland introduced an audience of 3,500 locals to the world of Indigenous film when it was first held in Otaki in 2014, and that audience swelled to 9,500 in 2017. With festival directors
Eight international documentaries will have their New Zealand premiere, including Larissa Behrendt’s landmark documentary ‘After The Apology’ about Aboriginal children
being removed from their families in Australia, and Oscar nominated Sámi filmmaker Nils Gaup’s ‘Birkebeinerne - The Last King’, a historical epic set in a civil war-ravaged Norway. Come along to be entertained, educated and inspired by the phenomenal local and international talent on display. For more information visit maorilandfilm.co.nz
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WATCH THE SPORT OF KINGS The Heineken Urban Polo is where sport, socializing, fine beverages and cool music collide. IT RETURNS TO FOUR MAJOR CENTRES IN 2018 INCLUDING CHRISTCHURCH ON 3 MARCH AND WELLINGTON ON 24 MARCH.
The event includes three adrenalinefilled 30 minute polo games, live music from some of the hottest DJ’s, plus on and off field entertainment. All of this set against beautiful urban backdrops – Hagley Park in the centre of Christchurch city, and Kelburn Park in Wellington with the harbour in the background. Urban polo is a faster and more intense version of traditional polo.
You will witness the skill and pace of some of the world’s best polo players, on a significantly smaller field than normal to bring the action as close to the spectators as possible. Each event kicks off at 2pm and wraps up at 9:30pm, with plenty of action in between.
For more details visit urbanpolo.co.nz
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GOOD TIMES ARE BREWING IN THE HOP CAPITAL There is no better place to experience the Kiwi craft beer culture.
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CRAFT BEERS ARE ENJOYING A RENAISSANCE IN NEW ZEALAND, BUT IN THE TASMAN REGION HOP GROWING AND BEER BREWING HAS BEEN A PART OF LIFE SINCE THE EARLY GERMAN SETTLERS ARRIVED IN THE 1840S.
For more information visit nbw.co.nz or marchfest.com
There is no better place to experience the Kiwi craft beer culture, and this March brings the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in it. Nelson Beer Week is a nine day celebration of all things beer-related, taking place from 17- 25th March. It is a chance for people to explore beyond normal beer experiences and brings together breweries, bars, restaurants and other businesses showcasing the best of NZ craft beer, amazing local cuisine with fun craft beer-related events across Nelson & Tasman. The festivities will culminate with the annual MarchFest event on Saturday 24th at Founders Park, with live music (headlined by Hollie Smith) from 12:30pm until 10pm and an amazing selection of 22 brand new beers specially commissioned for the event and never previously tasted by the public.
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IMAGE Jim Tanner Photography
Celebrating our seasonal workforce words - JULIET CALDER
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IMAGE Jim Tanner Photography
RICO THU
RICO THU HAS ACHIEVED A LOT FOR A 24 YEAR OLD. HE HAS HELPED TO FINANCE THE BUILD OF HIS MOTHER’S HOUSE IN VANUATU; HE HAS NOW ALSO BUILT HIMSELF A HOUSE THERE; AND HE IS A VITAL COG IN THE WINE-MAKING WHEEL IN NEW ZEALAND AS A TEAM LEADER FOR A VINEYARD CREW IN MARLBOROUGH.
If it wasn’t for people like Rico and the more than 10,000 other workers who come to New Zealand, largely from the Pacific Islands, to do this work each year, our wine industry would not have been able to grow and thrive as it has. They tirelessly plant, prune, pluck and pick the fruit to allow it to be turned into bottles of delicious New Zealand wine, and their efforts are benefiting not just our wine industry but also their communities back home. Seasonal workers like Rico are the drive behind labour supply company, Hortus, partnering with the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon this year. Hortus wants to use the event to raise awareness and appreciation for the substantial contribution that these vineyard workers make.
THE RECOGNISED SEASONAL EMPLOYER SCHEME
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme was introduced by the Government in 2007 to help fill a labour gap in the horticulture and viticulture industries. It allows workers to be recruited from overseas for seasonal work when there are not enough New Zealand workers available. Unless employers can show they have pre-established relationships with workers from other countries, they may only recruit workers under RSE policy from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu or Vanuatu. Those workers are allowed to stay in New Zealand for a maximum of seven months each year (except for those from Tuvalu and Kiribati, who can stay for nine months because of the distance from New Zealand and the cost of travel), but can return in successive years.
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In it’s first year, the number of RSE workers allowed into New Zealand was capped at 5,000 places, but the success of the scheme has led to increased demand from employers and the cap has been steadily increased over the years, and the most recent increase in December last year brought the number of places up to 11,100. The scheme has become a major source of labour in the industry - in Marlborough, approximately 75 percent of all pruning and development work in the wine industry is undertaken by RSE workers. A WIN-WIN FOR NEW ZEALAND AND T H E PA C I F I C N AT I O N S
Central to the creation of the RSE scheme was the idea that it should benefit both New Zealand and the Pacific nations who provide the majority of RSE workers. For New Zealand, the scheme has meant a steady and reliable supply of
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workers to keep these important industries performing at their peak. As Aaron Jay, Managing Director for Hortus, points out, it has also meant the creation of new jobs for those regions that employ RSE workers. “The number of people that have benefited from the RSE scheme is incredible. Having this regular workforce has allowed the major industries and this region as a whole to grow, and this has in turn created work for people that didn’t exist before. “For example, the wine industry now needs more machinery operators, supervisors, vineyard managers, pastoral carers, housekeepers, and field managers than ever before, and that’s just one small part of a massive industry. As the vineyards have been able to invest in growth and supply ever increasing demands for their products, the wineries have had to increase in size and staff numbers, and that then also leads to more administrators, accountants,
marketing and sales staff. There is no doubt that the benefits spread to the wider community as well, through the social and economic contributions these workers make,” Aaron says. For the Pacific nations, it is an employment opportunity that many of these workers would not otherwise have and at a pay rate well beyond what they would be able to earn at home. “The awesome thing about the money that they earn here is how far it spreads. We get to hear from guys who return the next season about what they’ve used their money for while they’ve been back home, and time and time again you will hear the most heart warming stories about what they have done for their family members and community,” Aaron says. Felix Roy is a 23 year old from Vanuatu who is working for Hortus in Blenheim via the RSE scheme. He says that he and his family back home are
IMAGES Jim Tanner Photography
benefiting hugely from the money he earns in New Zealand. “After my first season here when I go back home, I just wanted to help my family – my grandma, grandpa, mum and dad. Now in my second season I am doing it for me. I will prepare to build a house and to be able to have a good family.” Rico Thu is back in Blenheim for his fourth season on the RSE scheme, and agrees that working here has given him a huge step up in life.
I wasn’t coming to New Zealand I would have to work for so many years if I wanted to build a house.” “It’s really helpful for Vanuatu. Each person that comes here goes back to Vanuatu and helps their families and their communities. Sometimes people think they should just wait for the Government to change things for us, but we are doing it ourselves; we are changing things for our villages and making things better,” Rico says.
“In Vanuatu it is really hard to find jobs and a lot of young people don’t do anything after school. I worked in construction for a little while, but it’s not like New Zealand – for one day I might make $12 but here I can earn maybe $200 or more in a day.
And it’s not just money that the RSE workers go home with. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has established the Vakameasina programme to teach them important life skills such as financial literacy, reading, maths, English, nutrition and practical skills such as repairs of chainsaws and solar panels.
“After my first season here when I went back to Vanuatu I helped my Mum to finish building her house. Then after my second and third season I went back and built my own house. If
“So these guys are heading back home with a whole lot of knowledge and skills that they can use to improve their living standards and those of their communities,” Aaron says.
“After my first season here when I go back home, I just wanted to help my family - my grandma, grandpa, mum & dad. F E L I X R O Y.
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S O W H AT D O E S A N Y O F T H I S H A V E TO DO WITH THE SAINT CLAIR V I N E Y A R D H A L F M A R AT H O N ?
Well in 2018, for the first time a number of RSE workers as well as staff from Hortus will be taking part in the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon. “We were looking to sponsor a local event and the Saint Clair Half Marathon ticked all the boxes we wanted,” Aaron Jay says. “As an RSE Employer heavily involved in the wine industry, we thought this was a brilliant platform to tell the story of RSE workers and the benefits it has for the communities and the people of the Pacific, but also reminding people of the benefits for our own local community. Too often people only hear about RSE when it gets bad press, and people don’t talk enough about all of the success stories. This is a great chance for us to celebrate these workers who give so much to our region, and an opportunity for these men to get further involved in their New Zealand community.”
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Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon director Chris Shaw says RSE workers will also be providing some entertainment at the event, with a Ni-Vanuatu band of RSE workers playing amongst the vines to help spur the runners along. “One of the aspects of the event that we’ve pioneered is the ‘surprise and delight’ that people get when they come across a band, or a Sauvignon blanc Gelato in a random spot on the course. So having a NiVan band out there will be absolutely fantastic, and it’s an opportunity to celebrate their contribution to Marlborough’s wine story. We hope that they have a great time and realise how much their efforts are appreciated,” Chris says. “We’ve all driven past vineyards and seen people working on the vines in the heat of the day. Without those people we wouldn’t have any Trophy wine to deliver at the end of the race.
They’re such a vital part of the industry and probably not a group that gets acknowledged as much as they should. “This event is about celebrating all that is wonderful about Marlborough and our wine industry, so it is only right that some of these RSE workers should be a part of that. We are thrilled to have Hortus on board as a partner this year, and stoked that some of their workers are going to be taking part in the run.” Aaron says there won’t be too much training needed for these workers as they are kept very fit by the physical work they do on the vines. “Unlike myself! When I said I was keen to get involved I was really meaning from a sponsorship perspective, not to run it.But I guess you have to lead by example so I’ll give it a crack!I reckon some of the RSE workers will do well
though, you don’t need to teach those boys how to run, they’re already like athletes.They’re very competitive too so I reckon this will become a regular thing for some of our workers and I suspect they’ll get better each year.” The Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon takes place on 12 May 2018 and winds through 22 vineyards and alongside the Wairau River. It has three categories: run, walk and hybrid (where you choose to run or walk at your discretion). It started in 2007 and had 4,000 participants last year. With Feast Marlborough, a four day food festival, happening across the same weekend, it is the perfect time to jump on a Sounds Air flight to Blenheim or Picton and celebrate the incredible food, wine and scenery that this region has to offer. For information visit vineyardhalf.com or feastmarlborough.nz
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CARTER
ARTIKEL DESIGN
CONSULTANTS
a creative & strategic graphic design studio
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motion & light
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WE TELL CINEMATIC STORIES THAT EXCITE,
Proud to be the marketing team behind Sounds Air.
EDUCATE, INSPIRE
say hello. hannah@artikeldesign.co.nz
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TEGAN WILLIAMS
TEAM SOUNDS AIR
IF YOU HAVE CHECKED IN AT BLENHEIM AIRPORT FOR A SOUNDS AIR FLIGHT, THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE IT WAS TEGAN’S SMILING FACE GREETING YOU AT THE COUNTER. She will also have taken your luggage, loaded it onto the plane, and seen you on your way. Tegan works as Ground Crew for Sounds Air, taking care of all of the passengers’ needs up to the point that they board the plane. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING FOR SOUNDS AIR?
For the last year.
W H A T W E R E Y O U D O I N G P R E V I O U S LY T H AT L E D YO U TO T H I S J O B ?
Nothing to do with aviation! I had actually just finished school so was looking for a job. Andrew, the Sounds
Air CEO, had contacted our school for some suggestions of people they thought might like to apply for the role, and they put my name forward. HOW DO YOU FIND WORKING FOR SOUNDS AIR?
It’s fun! You get to learn something everyday, and everyone is so nice. I love meeting all of the passengers and it’s great that you get to know some of the regulars. YOUR FAVOURITE SOUNDS AIR D E ST I N AT I O N ?
Probably Wellington. I have a lot of friends there so I like going over to hang out with them and maybe do a bit of shopping. ANY TRAVELLING TIPS?
Check your bag in. We don’t have overhead lockers on our planes so it’s much easier than having it with you.
GET SOCIAL WITH US. @sounds_air @soundsairnz
EVERY WINDOW HAS A VIEW WORTH SHARING.
A collection of photos by You of Us. Share your photos using #soundsair for your chance to be featured next issue. @williamegread
Amanda Beattie
SOUNDS AIR ROUTE MAP + AIRPORT GUIDE WELLINGTON
TAUPO
WELLINGTON
WESTPORT
WELLINGTON
BLENHEIM
WELLINGTON
NELSON
WELLINGTON
PICTON
BLENHEIM
CHRISTCHURCH
BLENHEIM
PARAPARAUMU
BLENHEIM
NAPIER
PARAPARAUMU
NELSON
Taupo
Napier
Paraparaumu Nelson Westport
Blenheim
Picton
Christchurch
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Wellington
BLENHEIM
NELSON
TAUPO
(NZWB / BHE)
(NZNS/ NSN)
(NZAP/ TUO)
MARLBOROUGH AIRPORT
NELSON AIRPORT
TAUPO AIRPORT
Tancred Cres, Springlands, Woodbourne
Trent Dr, Nelson Airport, Nelson
1105 Anzac Memorial Dr Wharewaka, Taupo
CHECK-IN
CHECK-IN
CHECK-IN
CHRISTCHURCH
PARAPARAUMU
WELLINGTON
(NZCH/ CHC)
(NZPP/ PPQ)
(NZWN/ WLG)
CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
KAPITI COAST AIRPORT
WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Main Terminal Building
30 Durey Rd Christchurch
CHECK-IN
Main Terminal Building
60 Toru Rd, Paraparaumu Beach (To get to Toru Rd, go through Ocean Rd and then Bluegum Rd)
Main Airport Building
Stewart Duff Drive Rongotai, Wellington Airport, Wellington
CHECK-IN
Ground floor, Main Check-In Area
CHECK-IN
Main Airport Building
Level One, Domestic Terminal, Main Check-In Area
NAPIER
PICTON
WESTPORT
(NZNR/ NPE)
(NZPN/ PCN)
(WSZ)
HAWKES BAY AIRPORT
PICTON AIRPORT
WESTPORT AIRPORT
State Highway 1 Koromiko, Marlborough (8 km south of Picton)
CHECK-IN
Main North Rd, Hawkes Bay Airport, Napier
CHECK-IN
Main Airport Building
Tiphead Rd, Carters Beach Main Airport Building
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Main Terminal Building
ALL LOCATIONS Check-in opens ONE HOUR PRIOR to departure
For flight schedules and more information visit
soundsair.com ISSUE NO. 02 / SOUNDS GOOD
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SPEAKING SAFETY WITH SOUNDS AIR SOUNDS AIR SAFETY MANAGER, CRAIG ANDERSON, TALKS US THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT WILL ENSURE SOUNDS AIR REMAINS AN INDUSTRY LEADER FOR AVIATION SAFETY. The past few years have seen dramatic expansion and change within Sounds Air. In December 2015 we quietly introduced the fifth Caravan to the fleet, while April 2016 saw the first of now five Pilatus PC12 aircraft begin service on the Wellington to Westport route. The route structure has expanded significantly since then, pilots have increased from 3 in 2006 to 25 currently, and total staff now number around 70.
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2017 has also seen another revolution within our company, although not as outwardly spectacular as a new fleet of aircraft. Nonetheless, it is one that has had a huge influence for the better on the way we do things within Sounds Air, how staff approach their jobs, how management deal with change, and how we manage risk and hazards in our operation. Another name for this is culture. We have seen a culture change revolution within Sounds Air, and one of the major driving forces behind it has been the introduction of SMS – our new Safety Management System. The NZ Civil Aviation Authority recently mandated that every aviation organisation within the country must
have an approved Safety Management System in place, and our date for compliance was 1 February 2018. Creating a personalised Safety Management System that is tailored to our business and that meets our own very high standards was important to us. So rather than employ a consultant, we chose to create our Safety Management System ourselves, from the ground up. We have developed our own procedures, written our own manuals and trained our own staff. The development of our new SMS has forced us to revisit all aspects of safety within the business, from hazard and risk management to internal staff reporting, dealing with changes in the
CRAIG COMES TO THE SAFETY M A N A G E R R O L E W I T H A W E A LT H O F R E L E V A N T E X P E R I E N C E .
He has held the following positions: Avionic engineer with Air New Zealand (Christchurch) for 15 years, Base Engineer for Eagle Airways in Blenheim, Maintenance Controller for Vincent Aviation (both NZ and Australia) and SoundsAir, Managing Director Sounds Aero Maintenance for 8 years, and Chief Pilot Sounds Air for 2 years.
CRAIG ANDERSON
Craig is a keen aviation enthusiast, and has flown the Beech 1900 for Vincent Aviation, the C208 Caravan and Pilatus PC12 for Sounds Air, and is currently the Chief Pilot for Sounds Air. He also holds “C” and “D” Category Flight Instructor ratings. Craig’s passion in life is flying his Piper Pacer ZK-BSH into the back blocks of NZ, hunting and fishing and landing in areas normally inaccessible to most aircraft. He carries out strip and bush flying training in the Pacer and other aircraft for students keen to advance their flying skills.
business, emergency response planning, and staff training. This was never about fixing a problem, because at Sounds Air we already prided ourselves on putting safety first. Nonetheless, the benefits of going through the process of developing a new SMS have been significant. All staff have embraced the process and contributed to a positive culture change, not to mention excellent feedback from the Civil Aviation Authority audit in November last year. SMS may well be the trendy new name for something that has been around for years, but for us this is another way that Sounds Air is striving to be the best regional airline out there.
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS SOME FURRY FREIGHT At Sounds Air we often help to transfer family pets, so when the Marlborough SPCA contacted us to see if we could assist in getting some kittens across to Wellington, we were pleased to be able to help. Thirteen kittens, who had been at the Marlbourgh SPCA for up to six months without being adopted, made the early morning trip across the strait to make their new temporary home at the Wellington SPCA. The move to a larger city increases the chances of adoption for the animals. Sounds Air Ground Operations and Security Manager Sophie MacDonald said being able to provide this type of community service helps to make Sounds Air a company that staff feel proud to work for.
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“As a regional airline, we believe that it is essential to give back to the communities that support us, and this is just one small way that we can do that. We have transported animals for the SPCA before, and it is nice to know that we are helping some of these furry friends find a new home.� SPCA New Zealand is a charity that helps protect animals who are sick, injured, lost, abused or simply abandoned. Every year the 46 SPCA centres across the country receive 60,000 animals through their doors and 14,000 animal welfare complaints. As a charity, they receive only a small amount of government funding so rely almost entirely on the generosity of New Zealanders to carry out their life-saving work.
SOUNDS AIR IS PROUD TO S U P P O RT A N D PA RT N E R W I T H A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY GROUPS. IN 2017 WE WERE PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING O R GA N I SAT I O N S W I T H D O N AT I O N S O R OT H E R AS S I STA N C E :
Bayleys Marlborough, Bears Family Fundraiser, Blenheim Playcentre, Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand, Clifton Terrace School, Fostering Kids NZ, Graeme Dingle Foundation, Havelock School, Life Flight, Linkwater School, Marlborough Aero Club, Mistletoe Charitable Foundation, Picton School, Rapaura School, Rotary Club of Blenheim South, Seddon School, SPCA, Springlands School, Waikawa Yacht Club, Wairau Hospital Annual Charity Ball, Wakefield School Gala, Whitney Street School, Woodbourne Half Marathon.
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THE ORIGINAL Many claim originality, but there is always only one true pioneer. In designing the PC-12 our objective was to create the world’s most versatile, high performance, efficient and safe aircraft and back it up with the highest level of service. Today, with over 1,500 aircraft in operation, our commitment is just as strong as when the first PC-12 was delivered. At Pilatus, we succeed by helping our customers succeed. How’s that for an original idea? Step up to the “Pilatus Class” now. Pilatus Australia Pty Ltd • Phone +61 8 8238 1600 • www.pilatus-aircraft.com