About Us

The NZHGPA is the governing body of paragliding and hang gliding in New Zealand and exists to develop, protect and promote the sport of hang gliding and paragliding in New Zealand.

On this site you can find information about paragliding and hang gliding schools, tandem flight operators, local clubs, paragliding and hang gliding competitions and national distance records.

New Zealand is an awesome place to fly with coastal ridges and high mountains offering some of the best flying you can find anywhere in the world.

There are approximately 1500 members in the NZHGPA enjoying New Zealand’s uncrowded skies. There are 11 clubs throughout New Zealand and many commercial schools. Hang gliding and paragliding are relatively inexpensive and easy to learn. You will fly solo after a few lessons with a certified instructor.

The NZHGPA is a non-profit Incorporated Society established to represent and support the sports of hang gliding and paragliding in New Zealand. Our Constitution is the guiding document and can be found under Constitution and Community Standards.

The NZHGPA is also a recreational aviation organisation authorised under part 149 of the NZ Civil Aviation rules to administer pilot certificates and equipment standards. Our OPM & Forms page also sets out how we comply with aviation rules

The NZHGPA is a member of the Royal New Zealand Aero Club (FlyingNZ) and is affiliated to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and the Commission Internationale de Vol Libre (CIVL).

The NZHGPA is a proud member and affiliated to the  Federated Mountain Clubs         advocating for outdoor recreation in the natural environment of New Zealand .

About Hang Gliding and Paragliding

Hang gliding and paragliding are two sports that provide unparalleled levels of freedom and recreation in aviation. These are the most accessible and affordable ways for people to achieve one of mankind’s oldest dreams – flying with the birds.

Hang gliding and paragliding also includes flying powered gliders such as paramotors, powered hang gliders and some with wheels such as light weight trikes.

About Hang Gliding and Paragliding in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world to fly. With crystal clear skies, spectacular scenery and endlessly varying terrain, New Zealand offers something for every pilot from beginner to champion. Due to the efforts of NZHGPA members over many years there are literally hundreds of flying sites established in some of the most scenic parts of New Zealand. All of our flying sites are cared for by members of Local Clubs

In New Zealand, hang gliding and paragliding are fully regulated aviation activities. Pilots and flying instructors must be licensed and gliders and other equipment must be maintained according to standards approved by the NZ Civil Aviation Authority. The NZHGPA provides the means for pilots to comply with these aviation laws in a safe and cost efficient way. To fly your hang glider or paraglider in New Zealand you must be a member of the NZHGPA and hold the appropriate pilot certificate. If you are a visitor to New Zealand please see our Flying in New Zealand page for more information. If you are a New Zealand resident please see our Membership page for information.

Administrator

Ian Manton

Ian Manton

NZHGPA Administrator (short term) and Privacy Officer

Executive Committee

Aaron Darby

President

Phone: 021 407 357

Emlyn Revell-Nash

Vice President

Kevin McManus

Executive Member

Email: [email protected]

 

Ethan Shea

Executive Member

Phil Southward

Executive Member

Chris Chandler-Yates

Executive Member

Flying Operations

Nick Taber

Nick Taber

Chief Executive Officer

Nina Harrap

Nina Harrap

National Safety Officer

Blake Round

Blake Round

Training Manager

Rhys Akers

Rhys Akers

National Airspace Officer

Peter Grieve

Peter Grieve

Landspace Officer

Sven Ericksen

Internal Auditor

Paragliding Competition Committee

Phil Southward

Phil Southward

Competitions Committee Member

 

 

Hugo Castanheira

Hugo Castanheira

Competitions Committee Member

Emlyn Revell-Nash

Emlyn Revell-Nash

Competitions Committee Member

Ken Beach

Ken Beach

Competitions Committee Member

Mark Simpson

Mark Simpson

Competitions Committee Member

 

 

Chris Connolly

Chris Connolly

Competitions Committee Member

Greg Ellis

Greg Ellis

Competitions Committee Member

Hang Gliding Competition Committee

Email: [email protected]

John Urlich

John Urlich

Member

Dennis Thorpe

Dennis Thorpe

Member

Tom Mulder

Tom Mulder

Member

 

NZHGPA Communications Team

Email: [email protected]

 

Bill Degen

Bill Degen

Airborn Magazine, Aero Design

Phone: 021 247 2676 (021 AIRBORN)

Home: 03 326 6411

Website: https://issuu.com/nzhgpa

Ryan Larraman

Ryan Larraman

Photography/Film, NZHGPA Instagram

 

Hannah Rutherford

Hannah Rutherford

Website

Lorraine Johns

Lorraine Johns

Media

 

Warren Simonson

Warren Simonson

Digital and Film