Welcome to the August GNZ newsletter.

Firstly, thanks for all the positive feedback regards my first newsletter in this new format, it's nice to know that it is being viewed and enjoyed.

Some of the feedback was, who are you? Can we have an intro please? Even though I have been around the gliding scene for a while now not everybody knows me of course, so here goes with a bit of an intro.

I’m a proud member of the Auckland Aviation Sports Club. That’s the gliding club located on the Air Force base at Whenuapai. I’ve been flying gliders since 1989 after soloing on an ATC gliding camp at Hobsonville, back when that was still an airfield and not another suburb of Auckland. I enjoy instructing, competition, distance and adventure flying.

I have a young family and am lucky enough to enjoy fantastic support from them whenever we go on a gliding adventure, be it local or further afield.

My lovely wife is Lisa whom many of you will know. Best crew ever! Has previously retrieved me from a paddock whilst almost 9 months pregnant, using the pram as a wing stand while our 2 year old played nearby in the long grass. Legend!

Now a bit older, my two kids Fraser & Grace. Interested in cars and drawing but still happy to help crew.

Now before you get too bored it's time for a video. Flying Auckland's West Coast is one of my favourite things, so below is a video with a great perspective, showing what it's all about. Enjoy!

Yours in the name of gliding fun

Steve Wallace

GNZ President