About 80 women gathered at Hamilton Airport over the weekend for the 2023 New Zealand Association of Women in Aviation Rally, with the event’s visual air navigation contest sponsored by Airways, New Zealand’s air traffic management provider.
The 2023 NZAWA Rally draws women in aviation together from around New Zealand for a long weekend of competition, education and camaraderie – with guests from Australia and Papua New Guinea.
This year’s Airways VFR Enroute Competition prize – which tests the skills of fixed-wing pilots using visual flying rules – was won by NZAWA president Margaret Wright of Wellington, with Emily Lord of Hāwera taking second place. Airways’ Hamilton chief controller Scott Cowley presented the trophy.
Meanwhile, Gisborne-based Airways air traffic controller Tuna Cheung won the Jessica Rose Trophy for capturing the true spirit of airwomen over the rally weekend.
Airways VFR Enroute Competition prizewinner Margaret says she was surprised to win one of the event’s air navigation prizes but even more delighted by the success of the rally.
“The NZAWA attracts women who’re involved in all aspects of aviation, from fixed-wing, glider, helicopter and microlight pilots to parachutists, air traffic controllers and engineers. They might be involved professionally or recreationally.
“They range from beginners to veterans – the oldest here this weekend are in their 80s and 90s, and the youngest are in their teens. What we have in common is the love of aviation, and the NZAWA Rally is a chance to get together, support one another and have a lot of fun,” she says.
Airways New Zealand general manager commercial and partnerships Jamie Gray says the country’s air traffic management provider is delighted to sponsor an event that encourages more women to get into aviation and to excel.
“It’s exciting to see the way this event fosters both excellence in aviation and bonds among women in the sector. Their enthusiasm is catching.
“The Airways VFR Enroute Competition encourages safety and precision in air navigation. Our congratulations to all the rally-goers for the skills they’ve shown,” he says.
