TRUST BOARD
NEWS AND UPDATES
12 Days of Christmas.
Thanks to Trademe and our amazing sponsors, we have regularly run our "12 Days of Christmas Charity Auctions". These auctions have proven very popular with auction items such as acrobatic flights, performances by the RNZAF band and fantastic tourism attractions. We are very grateful to our sponsors for the amazing auction items they have gifted us in the past and we look forward to our next Christmas auctions.
Wingman Day 2017.
Another amazing night at Park Road Post Production in Miramar. This exclusive theatre, designed and built by Sir Peter Jackson, has been the home of two movie nights now, with this year's being Topgun in 3D. A great turnout, with lots of great costumes, and a great atmosphere as the crowd sang-along with Maverick and Goose and the ladies screamed as they play volleyball: topless in 3D. Another $10,000 raised and we're already planning the movie night for next year.
RNZAF Air Tattoo.
We had a fantastic time at the 2017 Air Tattoo. Not only did we raise around $10,000 for the trust, but we had the opportunity to talk with a wider range of the NZ public about what we do and how they can help. And if was great to launch our new range of hats and caps at the same time. They look great! You can get your own one here.
New Memorial.
One of the things that can be really important to a number of our Wingman families is still feeling connected to the Air Force after a loved one has died. There are many ways we remember these families and their loved ones and it's an important part of what we do. This new memorial to mark the location of the final flight of NZ1990 is another example of this. It has just been made and installed on the coast at Raumai, in time for the anniversary in January. We will remember them.
3 Squadron Book Launch.
On August 31st, Paul Harrison's official history of the Fighting Third was launched at RNZAF Ohakea. This 600 page beauty tells the stories of the men, women and machines that have been a part of the squadron for the past 86 years. You can buy a copy today by emailing in your order here, but you'll need to be quick as they're selling fast with over 70% of copies already sold. $80 incl p&p, and each copy raises money for the trust!
Wings Over New Zealand Podcast.
Checkout Episode 110 of this kiwi aviation podcast from 31 July 2016. It features Tim Costley, founder of our charity, and gives you a bit of an insight into the trust in the lead-up to the Wingman Brunches in August.
The WONZ forum can be found here, or you can visit the Cambridge Air Force page here.
Museum Trip.
In July 2016 we took two trust families to the RNZAF Museum in Christchurch, at the former Base Wigram. A fantastic and emotional day for both families. For one family (pictured) it was the very first flight (on the Air Force 757) for three of the boys. So cool that we could be a part of that, and a special connection for them with their dad's old job.
We only play a small part, but it's great to maintain the connection with the families of those we've lost, and remind them that we still remember and they are still a part of us.
Thanks also to the RNZAF for helping us get them there.
Scholarship Awarded
Fantastic to be able to award another teritary scholarship to the daughter of a former serviceman. This is initially a two year award to give her some certainty during the first years of her study. Great to be able to help, and wishing her all the best for the year ahead!