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2010

*  STA TRAVEL INTERN VISITS QUEENSTOWN FOR SOME ADRENALINE
*  RUGBY PRESENTERS TAKE IN THE SIGHTS OF ROTORUA FROM 15,000FT
*  BOLLYWOOD MOVIE RELEASE
*  DIARIES DOWN UNDER
*  AIRSHOW DISPLAY
*  ENVIRO SILVER AWARDED
*  PLUNGE TO PROPOSE
*  FROM SHORTLAND STREET TO 15,000 FEET 

2009

*  I HATE LUV STORIES
*  GAP YEAR CHALLENGE
*  THE BACHELOR
*  JACK OSBOURNE - ADRENALINE JUNKIE
*  DARE DAD - DAD DID!
*  THE ULTIMATE PROPOSAL
*  MPs ELATED AFTER SKYDIVE FOR GOOD CAUSE
*  SPECIAL KIWIS JUMP FOR JOY
*  LEAP OF LOVE
 

2008

*  'LUCKY LEGS' DROPS INTO ROTORUA
*  QUEENSTOWN SKATEPARK CELEBRATION
*  FEMALE TANDEM MASTER ON TEAM
*  QUEENSTOWN BUSINESSES HELP BUCKET LIST DREAMS COME TRUE
*  ALL IN PINK FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
*  NZONE FINALISTS IN BUSINESS AWARDS
*  QUEENSTOWN'S ULTIMATE COMMUNITY CHAMPION
*  CROHN'S SURVIVOR SKYDIVES THE WORLD
*  NZONE 'MAKES A WISH' HAPPEN
*  NZONE'S NEW RECRUIT
*  STAFF TAKE TIME TO UNWIND
 

JULY 10

STA TRAVEL INTERN VISITS QUEENSTOWN FOR SOME ADRENALINE

Lucky Matthew Martin from the UK won the ultimate job of a lifetime as an STA World Traveller Intern. The job (as he calls it) means jetting around the world to check out the best places to visit and take in the best activities the world has to offer.  So it's no wonder that STA sent him to skydive in Queenstown on their short 6 week trip. The interns have uploaded movie clips, blog entries and photos along the way. Find Matthew's Adrenaline fix blog on the website. You can also see why Matthew got the job is his professional commentary in this video.

RUGBY PRESENTERS TAKE IN THE SIGHTS OF ROTORUA FROM 15,000FT!

Two of New Zealand's rugby stars Karl Te Nana and Awen Guttenbeil tried a different kind of high energy sport this week when they skydived 15,000ft over Rotorua.  Maori TV show Hyundai Code presenters Te Nana and Guttenbeil showed no fear as they smiled for the cameras while hurling at the ground at 200KPH.  Te Nana won a gold medal as part of the New Zealand rugby Seven's team at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, while Guttenbeil, a former rugby league player, has represented both the Tongan and New Zealand national sides in his careers and played in two World Cups. 

          

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE RELEASE
 

Bollywood stars of "I hate Luv Story's" got some adrenaline pumping action while filming in New Zealand.  Actors Imran Khan and the beautiful Sonam Kapoor checked out the remarkable view 15,000ft over Queenstown.  Check out the video of their incredible experience below and watch Imran fulfill his childhood dream!

Plus, new amazing video added of their freefall!

 

JUNE 10
DIARIES DOWN UNDER

Its all go in Queenstown this winter. Both Coronet Peak & The Remarkables Skifields are now open. Check out Episode 2 on Diaries Down Under for some great footage of some of NZ's top riders in Action at the Remarkables. Top Kiwi Snowboaders Stef Zeestraten, Nick Hyne and Jake Koia checked out the view of The Remarkables skifield by jumping out of a plane and plummetting towards it at 200KPH! Check out their blog and see why they were blown away by it! Diaries Down Under Blog 

 

 

MARCH 10
AIRSHOW DISPLAY

To celebrate the first arrival of the new International Sydney-Rotorua direct flights, the city of Rotorua treated the community to a free airshow.  Nzone were involved by giving two lucky winners of competitions run by The Daily Post and More FM, 15,000ft skydives and a photo and video package.  Karen Hunt, Rotorua City Councillor also came along for the ride!

MARCH 10 
ENVIRO SILVER AWARDED

One man got the jump on the Valentine's Day marriage proposals in Queenstown last Friday, asking his partner of four years to marry him by landing on a sign after a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet. 
Ray Adcock and Debbie Simmonds are both originally from the United Kingdom, but live in Abu Dhabi and celebrated four years together on February 2.
He had been secretly planning the special proposal with Nzone since August last year, when the couple decided to include a skydive in their New Zealand trip.   Ms Simmonds said the experience was "astonishing".

 

JANUARY 10
FROM SHORTLAND STREET TO 15,000 FEET

Nzone Queenstown were lucky enough to have Bonnie Soper from our national soap: Shortland Street, come and jump with us last Saturday.  Bonnie plays Morgan Braithwaite who is a Theatre Nurse on the Shortland Street drama, who was killed in a hit and run in the series finale for 2009.

DECEMBER 09
I HATE LUV STORIES - BOLLYWOOD'S LATEST

New Zealand takes the plot in the latest Bollywood film due to be shot in Queenstown next month.  Well at least part of the plot!  This film will be a romantic comedy which rate well in India, and is expected to be seen by over 150 million people over the next three years.  While the Executive producer was doing a recce in Queenstown, Marijke deSouza, took time out to do a skydive with us.  It is expected that the two leads of the film will take time out to partake in the numerous activities in the area.

DECEMBER 09
GAP YEAR CHALLENGE

STA along with Tourism New Zealand brought the Gap Year Challenge to New Zealand this year.  Five challengers were chosen from the UK and brought out to NZ to compete in a variety of challenges across the country.  Each week one contestant was eliminated.  They arrived in Queenstown pumped and ready to do a skydive, but for one lucky person they got to Go Solo! while the other two went tandem.  Videos of their challenges were posted daily and the winner, Holly Stile received a 2000 pound trip, and a lovely trophy!!

 

OCTOBER 09
THE BACHELOR

The latest Bachelor, Jason Mesnick of the US TV hit 'The Bachelor' revisited Queenstown a while back to propose to his chosen girlfriend Molly Malaney.  They did this in style at the exclusive Kohara Lodge in Queenstown.  But they didn't miss the opportunity to tandem skydive with Nzone to help celebrate their nuptials.  No word has been heard of when they will marry.

SEPTEMBER 09
JACK OSBOURNE - ADRENALINE JUNKIE

To add to our list of celebrity skydivers, we had a group of them all in one go!  Jack and his latest crew of celebrity adrenaline junkies visited us down in Queenstown.  As Jack can skydive Solo he took this challenge up, while the others; Jesse Metcalf of Desperate Housewives, Reggie Yates of Radio One (UK) and Joanna Page of Gavin and Stacey (UK) completed tandem skydives.  The crew were down here filming for fifth series of Adrenaline Junkie

SEPTEMBER 09
DARE DAD - DAD DID!

Queenstown Primary School Principal, John Weston Embraced the Fear on Fathers Day by Skydiving from 15,000ft last Sunday.  John was nominated for Q92 The Breezes' Fathers Day 'Dare Dad' promotion by his son Ryan.  As part of his prize he won a 15,000ft Tandem Skydive with Nzone 'The Ultimate Jump' in Queenstown.  It was mind-blowing, the most amazing experience, it was absolutely awesome!"  John said after completing his skydive.

AUGUST 09
THE ULTIMATE PROPOSAL

Ryan Weekes proposed to his girlfriend, Tegan Fry, of eight years in Queenstown last Sunday (23rd August).... after both completing Tandem Skydives.  Ryan said he wanted to propose in a unique way in a unique setting.  Now back in Australia, Ryan said the skydive was amazing and would be very hard to top.

MAY 09
MPs ELATED AFTER SKYDIVE FOR GOOD CAUSE

Rotorua MP Todd McClay and Tauranga National MP Simon Bridges are floating on air today (Monday May 4) after making the ultimate jump for a good cause.

The two MPs took a leap of faith with tandem skydive company NZONE Rotorua this morning to raise funs for the children's ward at Rotorua Hospital and Canteen, the charity that supports young people living with cancer.

Mr McClay, 40, said there has been a few nerves as the pair flew up to 12,000 feet before launching themselves out of the plane with tandem instructors Lynette Warn and Peter Fiddler, but said the experience was "fantastic".

"The most enjoyable bit was the freefall, the rush of adrenalin and air before the canopy opened," he said.

"There were a few nerves on the way up there, but once we were sitting by the door there was no going back, not too much hesitation.

"There was an amazing view over Rotorua and the NZONE crew were very professional. I'd say to anyone who hasn't done a skydive that they should do it, it's a lot of fun."

Mr McClay said he and Mr Bridges had raised more than $1,000 to help buy toys and games for children's rehabilitation at Rotorua Hospital, and for Canteen, and said they would each both donate an additional $300 to the total fund.

The fundraising jump came about as a result of a fun 'bet' between the NZONE Rotorua Operations Manager Keith Gallaher and Mr McClay, based on whether or not Mr McClay would get into Parliament.

NZONE was happy to offer the jumps for the pair and two radio hosts, who broadcast the jumps live to air, to raise awareness of the money raising venture and help local children and youngsters in the community. NZONE donated four skydives and four photographers free of charge to help with the fundraising.

In true political style, Mr McClay could not resist a 'dig' at the Tauranga MP. "Simon was really nervous, quite petrified, but here in Rotorua we're all about adventure tourism, rather than Tauranga which is all about lying on the beach."

But even he had to grudgingly admit that Mr Bridges had pulled through. "He was up to the challenge, in the end," he said.

MARCH 09
SPECIAL KIWIS JUMP FOR JOY

Some special Kiwi kids have been walking on air after going on the ride of their lives with Queenstown skydivers Nick Dowling and Colin Aitchison.

Nick and Colin who work for Nzone, just returned from Auckland where they took part in Jump Start, a charity event for skydivers to raise to money to sponsor a young person from CanTeen or Project K.

"It was awesome - words can't even describe how amazing it was to be able to be part of the experience.  Those young people have been through some tough times and to see them literally jumping for joy and having the time of their lives.... well, I'm still grinning!"  says Nick.

Nick and Colin jumped five times with different passengers on Sunday the 15th of March.

Fifteen-year old Hoki Edwards' first comment to Nick as she landed was "oh that was mean!"

The Nzone team was right behind Nick and Colin donating their services to Jump Start.  The company sponsored them by paying them by paying for their flights to Auckland as well as donating a DVD, photo pack, Buff headware and T-shirts to each person they jump with.

JANUARY 09

LEAP OF LOVE

When Canadian Raffella Manni leapt from a plane yesterday for a a tandem skydive, she had no idea she would receive a marriage proposal just after she landed.
The 26-year-old, from Guelph, Ontario, has been studying in Surfers Paradise on Australia's Gold Coast with her boyfriend, Mark Alton (27).
While in Australia, they met fellow Ontarians Jenny Bas and Tyler Rumball and decided to have a holiday in New Zealand.
Mr Alton had been quietly contemplating how best to ask Ms Manni to marry him - with a little help from his friends.
The couple have been dating for two and a-half years and Mr Alton got the "all clear" from his new fiancé's parents two weeks ago.
Ms Manni had one word for the unusual proposal, which she accepted: "Perfect".

 

DECEMBER 08

'LUCKY LEGS' DROPS INTO ROTORUA

Nine-time Coast to Coast and multisport Steve Gurney recently enjoyed the ultimate book launch when he dropped into Rotorua courtesy of skydive company NZONE to promote his new book.

In true Steve Gurney style, the man showed nerves of steel by jumping out of the plane at 15,000ft and reading his book 'Lucky Legs' whilst plummeting towards the earth.

Although he was one of the world's most successful extreme endurance adventure sport athletes before his retirement, Steve had never completed a tandem skydive before.

He pronounced it "awesome".

'What a fantastic buzz, fantastic view and a great team of people! I can definitely tick that one off my bucket list now," he said.

Nzone 'The Ultimate Jump' offers tandem skydiving in both Rotorua and Queenstown for all wiling to challenge themselves and complete one of the most thrilling activities available.

NOVEMBER 08

QUEENSTOWN SKATEPARK CELEBRATION

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is gearing up to celebrate the newest skatepark addition for the district's skating fraternity.  Construction of the park commenced in February with completion of the plaza in June and the bowl in November.

We can't wait to cut the ribbon on the brand new Queenstown Gardens skatepark and I think there will some delighted skate boarders out there who will take absolute pleasure in joining us at the official opening, 'QLDC project manager Russell Engelke said.  In particular the council wanted to use the opening to acknowledge the driving force of the local club, Wakatipu Skateboarders Incorporated and the many sponsors that added the the council's $310,000 contribution to complete the facility.  The completed park included a skate plaza featuring banks, ledges, gaps, rails and otehr 'urban' features and a bowl with three different sections ranging from 6-10 feet.  There was also seating, a drinking fountain, lighting, a water feature and landscaping.  In short the facility has been already receiving rave reviews,' Mr Engelke said not least from the delighted local club. "The overwhelming majority of feedback from professional skaters, wide-eyed primary shcoolers, hard to please teenagers, critical skatebaorders and concerned parents has been one of amazement," WSI spokesman Craig Strong said.  He agreed the reviews had been positive and encouraging.  QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes would officiate at the opening which would include demonstration skateboarding, a celebration of sponsors, music, food and free giveaways.  The celebration would take place from 11am-1pm on Sunday 7 December. "We'd love to see a big turn-out from our community to help us celebrate the new park in style," Mr Engeleke said. The council also extended a vote of thanks to: Central Lakes Trust, The Community Trust of Southland, The Caversham Foundation, The Bill Torrance Charitable Trust, Nzone, Parklife at the Remarkables, Kiri Mains (and her sister); Wakatipu Skateboarders Incorporated, www.queenstown.com, Dick Schulze adn AJ Hackett Bungy.

 

NOVEMBER 08

FEMALE TANDEM MASTER ON THE TEAM

In 1983 Lynette Warn experienced her first skydive; 25 years later our team in Rotorua are helping her celebrate her 10,000 jump milestone.  Lynette has made 6,000 tandem jumps and 4,000 solo jumps.  Lynette is New Zealand's third female tandem instructor and an inspiration to all females wanting to be involved in the industry.

 

NOVEMBER 08

QUEENSTOWN BUSINESSES HELP BUCKET LIST DREAMS COME TRUE

A recent ‘bucket list’ adventure holiday has provided a terminally ill Auckland woman with memories she hopes will sustain her family through the final stages of her disease.

 Several Queenstown businesses collaborated to make the holiday happen for 29-year-old Lisa Knapman-Smith, her husband, daughter and one-year-old son.

 Inspired by the concept of the recent Jack Nicholson movie The Bucket List, Lisa’s friend Debbie Blincoe, initially made contact with JAG AIR pilot Adam Butcher to ask if he would consider taking Lisa on a stunt ride as part of her ‘bucket list’.  Adam was so touched by Lisa’s story he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

 “Lisa is suffering with terminal breast cancer and has had a terrible time over the last three years.  She’s had to endure more pain than anyone should ever have to.  She’s lost two children prematurely, had a battle on her hands with the premature birth of her latest child, and during all of that found out she had cancer which is now incurable,” he said.

 Adam got hold of Lisa’s wish list and quietly hatched a “cunning plan” to rally other local operators to give Lisa and her family some wonderful memories of Queenstown.

 JAG AIR was joined by NZONE Skydiving, Sunrise Balloons, Shotover Canyon Swing, Kawarau Jet, Paraflights and The Helicopter Line in donating activities to the cause.  Central Ridge Boutique Hotel donated accommodation, Juicy Rentals a car and Air New Zealand supplied the flights in order to provide a complete holiday for Lisa and her family.

 An excerpt from Debbie’s email pays testimony to Lisa’s strength of spirit:

 In 2005 at the end of August Lisa gave birth at 31 weeks to a wonderful little girl Eden who unfortunately was only with us for just under a day...This really hit Lisa and her family hard...In 2006 in May she gave birth again to another wonderful girl called Laine at just over 25 weeks!  Laine was with us after lots of complications and hard work for nearly 6 months when she passed away....Then in September last year and just under 25 weeks pregnant Lisa was put into hospital because her wonderful little boy wanted to do what his sisters did and come early...Cort was born just under 25 weeks and yesterday was his first birthday! 

 While Cort was fighting for his life in NICU, Lisa received the word that no one ever wants to hear that she had breast cancer...This woman is the most inspiring and amazing woman ever!  She had a mastectomy in November and in January this year started Chemo...When Lisa started to lose her hair I shaved my head at the same time she did and we were the 2 bald women!  After Chemo she has gone through Radiation and then after follow up tests we were waiting for them to say that things were going well but then we learned after scans etc. that it was now into her Lymph System. 

 Originally I met Lisa through the Treasures Parenting Forum and OMG she has the biggest support and cheer squad ever there.  Reading something she wrote the other day was that there was no way she was going to let this beat her yet as she was so busy and had so much to do!  No matter what, she is always there for her family and friends - onwards and upwards as she says.  When I am having a bad day I think of her and her amazing strength and courage!

 Lisa’s blog after her Queenstown adventure reads:

 “…with everything we did over the weekend surely you could pick a thing or two. But to me there was one thing that stood out the most.  There was one thing that really made my weekend...  THE PEOPLE.

 “Namely Adam, Mike, Rachael and Gill and all the other wonderful operators who came to the party to make this the weekend of a lifetime.

 You are all so wonderful and as you know by the tears shed at the airport and most the way home and on landing back here and a few times today...lol (sop I know) but you guys have made a huge difference in my life and I really do hope to see you all again in the not too distant future because in a few days you became like family.”

 To read more about Lisa’s Queenstown experience and her fight for life visit http://lilmite.blogspot.com/.

 

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS OF

QUEENSTOWN

                  NZONE BREAK BURNER SUPER D MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

                  QUEENSTOWN SK8 PARK

                  JACKS POINT WALKING TRACK

                  MOTATAPU ICEBREAKER

                  ULTIMATE COMMUNITY CAMPION

ROTORUA

                  HANNAH'S BAY WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT

                  ROTARY 'Rotarians Over Rotorua'

                  PINARELLO R4: Bike Rotorua to Whakatane

                  REEBOK EKIDEN RELAY: Run Lake Rotorua 42.2km

                  BIKE THE LAKE:  Bike Lake Rotorua

                  SAM OSBORNE: NZ Triathlon Performance Squad

  

OCTOBER 08

ALL IN PINK FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

The Pink Ribbon Appeal Day is held to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).  This year Nzone Queenstown showed our support by orgainising an 'all in pink' skydive from 12,000ft on Friday 10th October.  Tandem Instructor Nic Price jumped dressed in pink, holding a giant pink ribbon.  'As a young woman it's a great chance to support such an important cause by doing something I enjoy.'

  

SEPTEMBER 08

NZONE ROTORUA FINALISTS IN LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Nzone 'The Ultimate Jump' has been named a finalist in the Rotorua Business Awards for 2008 in the Hospitality and Attractions category.

Becoming finalists is a great achievement considering the level of competition in these categories.

Nzone Rotorua provides Tandem Skydiving experiences 364 days of the year.  "Our focus is on safety, quality & excitement.  Our team at Nzone aim to exceed our customer's expectations, by providing the highest level of service and quality products" says Operations Manager Keith Gallaher.

Nzone Rotorua's continual support to the Hannah's Bay Wetlands Restoration Project, and local community events such as Local's Month, Rotarians over Rotorua fundraising, donations to local charities, sponsorship for local sporting events and entries for junior athletes.

"The local community and environment around Rotorua is very important and anything that can be done to support the local economy, environment and community is paramount to our company ethos" says Sales Manager Sarah Christie

 

SEPTEMBER 08

QUEENSTOWN'S ULTIMATE COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Youth advocate, Fi Sawers, was today named Queenstown's 2008 Ultimate Community Champion for her invaluable contribution to young people in the community.

Fi works at X-it Youth Centre in Queenstown which offers a programme of activities for young people aged 12-24 years who are living in our community.  The centre aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for youth to spend time together as a peer group.

The Ultimate Community Champion is an annual campaign and was launched by Queenstown tandem skydiving company Nzone for the first time last year (August 2007).  Around 25 nominations were received for the scheme this year, which recognised Fi's contribution to the community with $500 to donate to her choice of charity and an Exosfear 15,000ft tandem skydive with personal cameraman to capture her experience.

Fi said she was surprised when she heard she'd won the award.

"I'm honoured because there are many people in Queenstown who deserve this acknowledgement," she said.  "The youth centre relied on people to volunteer their time and they do an amazing job which in turn enables us to do our job well."

Fi has worked with young people for over 10 years in the UK and New Zealand.

"I love working and hanging our with young people, they have a zest for life which is precious and I feel privileged being part of it," she added.

Fi said she was looking forward to her skydiving experience with Nzone and would split her donation between two charities.

"I'd like to give back to Queenstown so I'm donating $250 to the Queenstown Life Trust which is the trust that set up and runs X-it Youth Centre and I'm donating the remaining $250 to the Mission Aviation Fellowship which delivers much needed supplies to remote areas around the world."

Fi was nominated by a grateful local mum Sharee Wood, who said she nominated her because she provided a much needed place for Queenstown teenagers to get together.  "Fi's warm and friendly nature makes the centre a comfortable and welcoming place for children to spend time.  It's not unusual to see her playing pool and laughing with the students when you visit the centre," said Sharee.

Dalice McGregor, marketing manager for Nzone, said that she was inspired by the range of nominations this year.

"It's always difficult selecting just one person but Fi has contributed so much to Queenstown's you people and we felt this deserved recognition."

Julie Yeo from the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network was 2007's Ultimate Community Champion.

 

JULY 08

CROHN'S SURVIVOR SKYDIVES THE WORLD

Queenstown was the stunning halfway point for an Englishman skydiving his way around the world to raise awareness of Crohn's disease and

colitis yesterday.  Having lived with colitis since his diagnosis aged 26, John Hillam of Sunderland was told in 2003 he had developed cancer caused by the years of inflammation in his colon.  After surgery removed a chunk of his bowel and chemotherapy, he is clear but knows that surgery is not an option if the cancer returns.  "I got very sick from the chemotherapy last time ... I don't think I could do that again,'' he said.  After his last cancer check he decided "to go round the world skydiving''.  Mr. Hillam realised he might not get another chance and began organising his trip - 100 jumps and 1 million feet of skydiving around the world. Yesterday he passed the halfway mark and received two hundred and fifty dollars from Nzone "The Ultimate Jump'' Queenstown, for Britain’s National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease.  Nzone’s generosity, the donation and organising a free jump as well as free accommodation gifted by Aspen Lodge owners Sally Woods and Mandy White mirrored other experiences so far.  "I have had tremendous support from people - the sky diving community have been fantastic,'' he said.

Fellow travellers have donated spare cash, and even Air New Zealand waived his excess baggage fee.  Having resigned from work for his cause, that support has enabled him to travel to Ireland, Spain, South Africa and Australia so far.  After jumping in Wanaka and Fox Glacier over the next week, he will fly to South America, then the United States and Canada.

Raising awareness for the diseases is the tour's focus most people Mr. Hillam meets haven't heard of either Crohn's or colitis before.  Having dealt with painful colitis for 31 years he is forthright about what for many would be an embarrassing subject.  While he enjoyed food, eating was something that always "had consequences'' for Mr.

Hillam and spicy food was "right out''.  He said the pain and constant disruption of going to the toilet up to 15 times a day was tiring and it was rare to get an uninterrupted night's sleep.  People who had a ``constant need to go to the toilet'' should go to the doctor, he said.  "Young men especially, are often too embarrassed to go to the doctor when there is a problem  - I was,'' Mr. Hillam said.  He said usual symptoms were frequent, painful bowel motions, passing blood and drastic weight loss.  Colitis had shaped much of his life _ even restricting career advancement _but has now taken him on an experience which may lead him down a new career path.  "I don't know what I'll do [back at home],'' he said.  "But I have done a lot of organising in a short amount of time.''

 To read more on Johns journey, check out his blog: 
 http://roundtheworldskydive.blogspot.com/

 

 

JULY 08

NZONE 'MAKES A WISH' HAPPEN

16 year old Kate Kelly, of Doncaster, Melbourne, celebrated a major milestone of being clear of Leukaemia for five years this April.  Kate celebrated life in the boldest of fashions by 'Embracing Life' as she took on the fear of a Tandem Skydive from 15,000ft above the spectacular location of Queenstown, New Zealand.

Through careful planning between the Make a Wish Foundation, Australia & New Zealand, Nzone 'The Ultimate Jump', were able to help share a dream with Kate in providing her wish to Skydive.

When Kate was asked by Derek Melnick, Nzone's Business Development Manager if she was nervous before her Skydive her response was: "No, no I am really excited.  At which point her mum Catherin added, "If you gave her half the chance she would try to fly the plane!"

Kate was joined in the plane for her 15,000ft Skydive by her brother Patric (15) and mother Catherine .  On the ground were brothers Vincent (8) and Nic (10), and John Kate's father.

On her week long trip in the Southern Lakes, Kate has also been snowboarding at Cardrona and jet boating with Shotover Jet.

Kate commented after her skydive, "This is going to be hard to top!"

 

JUNE 08 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOCUS FOR NZONE'S NEW RECRUIT

 An award-winning Queenstown adventure operator has expanded its management team with the appointment of Derek Melnick in the newly created role of business development manager.

Originally from South Africa, Derek moved to New Zealand in 2005 from Australia, driven by a desire to live in an alpine environment.  He joins Nzone's 40-strong Queenstown team based at its rural tandem skydiving dropzone.

Bringing considerable marketing experience and business savvy to Nzone's thriving operation, Derek has 15 years' experience in a range of management roles in both South Africa and Australia, and a Diploma in Marketing Management.

He was formerly a sales executive in Queenstown's real estate industry for two years and also completed a year of National Service in the South African Navy.

Robynne Williams, Nzone's general manager, said she was pleased to welcome Derek to the diverse business development role.

"Derek's strong background in sales, coupled with his passion for outdoor adventure activities, will brink a fresh perspective and energy to our team."

Derek said joining Nzone was an easy move because the company culture and philosophy matched his own.

"I have a deep connection to adventure sports and see the tandem skydiving product and Nzone's brand as a great fit for me.  Nzone is a dynamic organisation and an iconic tourism operation that is rapidly becoming synonymous with adventure tourism and Queenstown, " said Derek.

"I hope to add value by growing the distribution channel and development new and existing business relationships.  I'll also be focusing on strategic sponsorship and marketing opportunities that align with the brand, and helping to coordinate internal and external communications."

Nzone won the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association's 2007 'Supreme Award' and the Adventure & Visitor Attractions and Activities  categories in the same year.  The company has also been recognised by the Chamber of Commerce as Queenstown's Business of the Year and the 2007 winner of the Excellence in Tourism Award.

MAY 08

STAFF TAKE TIME TO UNWIND

Most colleagues unwind after a hard week with a run, movie or glass of wine.  Not innovative local skydivers
Nzone, who took to the skies in a 18-way freefall formation skydive above stunning Lake Wakatipu.

The formation features 18 Nzone sports skydivers, including freefall photographers, tandem masters, safety officers, parachute packers and ground crew

 

“Our team is a creative bunch and they like to set themselves a challenge or two during their down time. Creating a freefall formation like this is great fun for all involved and it’s an ideal way to enhance strong working relationships. Everyone is a crucial part of the team in the formation and communication has to absolutely spot on to get it right,” said Robynne Williams, Nzone’s general manager.  

NOVEMBER 07

NZONE WINS BUSINESS OF YEAR AWARD

Nzone were delighted to be awarded with the Queenstown Business of the Year Award 2007.

The award was presented at a black tie dinner for the Mountain Scene Queenstown Business Excellence Awards, in association with the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce.

Nzone won its category, the 'Skyline Restaurant, Gondola & Luge Excellence in Tourism Award', and a capped off th evening and the year by winning the title 'Queenstown's Business of the Year'.

We're absolutely thrilled to be singled out as one of the best businesses in Queenstown.  This award is a credit to our team and the many suppliers who have assisted our teams' development.  I'm elated to see adventure activities being recognised at the core of Queenstown business." Robynne Williams, General Manager said.

Nzone has experienced a year of strong growth, which the company attributes to capitalising on changing trends, and recognising continued growth in the independent travel sector.  Earlier this year Nzone won the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association's 2007 'Supreme Award'.

    

AUGUST 07

 

NZONE TRIUMPHS AT TOURISM AWARDS

TOURISM AWARDS 

Queenstown and Rotorua tandem skydive operator NZONE (n-zone) is sky high with delight after winning the country’s top tourism award last night (31 August).

 NZONE won New Zealand Tourism Industry Association’s 2007 Supreme Award as well as taking out the Adventure subcategory and the overall category of Visitor Activities and Attractions

Robynne Williams, NZONE’s general manager, literally flew onto the stage at last night’s gala dinner in Auckland to receive the award.

 “Competition for these awards and the standard of entry gets higher and higher every year, so we’re absolutely thrilled to be singled out this time for our consistent performance and contribution to adventure tourism,” said Ms Williams.

 NZONE was the first tandem skydive operation in New Zealand and the first to be awarded Qualmark endorsement at both its Queenstown and Rotorua locations. While NZONE was a tourism award winner in 2002 and has been a finalist in 2004, 2005 and 2006, this is the first time the company has won the supreme award.

NZONE has experienced a year of strong growth, which the company attributes to capitalising on changing trends, and recognising continued growth in the independent travel sector.

Ms Williams said the independent travel sector had embraced the Internet as a research and booking channel and, as a result, had moved toward direct pre-booking of holiday activities.

 “There’s a definite trend for more pre-planning by adventure travellers. In the past, this breed of visitors would arrive at a destination with nothing booked, but it’s not uncommon now for us to have some bookings made as far as 10 months in advance,” she said.

 “At NZONE our team continually strives to anticipate and respond to market trends, and at the same time enhance both our tandem skydive product and the way we deliver it.

 “Undoubtedly skydiving will always be an edgy, adrenalin fuelled and personally challenging adventure. This industry is our passion, and that’s true for every single one of our team; how we hope we differ is by making sure that passion consumes our customers too.”

NZONE was one of six Queenstown finalists in this year’s Tourism Industry Awards. The company beat stiff competition from former Tourism Award winner Dive! Tutukaka and Shotover Canyon Swing to take home the Adventure Award.