Our Story
Youth Glide New Zealand (YGNZ) is a not-for-profit organisation that was founded in 2006 after two students and an instructor saw the declining involvement of young people in gliding in New Zealand.
YGNZ was established to bring young people in gliding together and grow their motivation, confidence and flying skills. YGNZ was also established to act as an advocate for youth in gliding.
In 2010 the well-known 10-day Youth Soaring Development Camp was established in Omarama by Roger Read. This event grew steadily in size from 3 youth pilots to 25 youth pilots in recent years. This event provides youth with a safe and supportive environment to make significant progress on their flying skills along with meeting other like-minded youth from all over New Zealand. This popular event continues to be hosted annually in both Omarama and has since expanded to Matamata.
In recent years, YGNZ has also expanded its operations into other initiatives to support youth in gliding which includes mini-camps, competition flying funds, youth instructor training, insurance schemes, a new skylaunch winch and much more.
Our Mission
Using the sport of Gliding to inspire and develop young people’s imagination, character and self-determination with the excitement and possibilities of flight as a lifelong adventure sport or a fulfilling aviation related career prospect.
Meet the Executive
Our executive includes members of the gliding community with diverse backgrounds and careers who share a common goal of supporting youth in gliding.
President
Felix Harper
Secretary & Treasurer
Tim Austen
Exec Member
James Mitchell
Exec Member
Charlie Irvin
Vice President
Tim Tarbotton
Exec Member
Roger Read
Exec Member
Amy Smith
Exec Member
Bradan Foster
Our Sponsors
Youth Glide New Zealand relies on the support of sponsorship from generous organisations, gliding clubs and individuals to help us achieve our mission of promoting and developing the sport of gliding among young people in New Zealand.
We would like to recognise the following sponsors:
