Principal Officers Andy Pender, Kim George, Kelvin Vercoe, Andrew Ridling and Tim Robinson discuss their highlights of the year.

MEDICAL AND WELFARE DIRECTOR ANDY PENDER: 

How many years have you served as a pilot? 

I have been a pilot for the past 14 years. 

Do you do anything special to celebrate Christmas? 

Christmas Day usually pretty busy, visiting numerous friends and family. 

What was your ALPA highlight of the year? 

It’s been great to see the good run of members return to work following mid to long-term medical stand downs. 

What is your Christmas wish for members?

My wish is for that everyone stays safe, while enjoying themselves with their family, friends and workmates. It’s important to keep in mind that the NZALPA Medical and Welfare team is standing by to assist throughout the holiday period. 

VICE PRESIDENT KIM GEORGE 

How many years have you served as a pilot? 

I joined the Air Force on wings course in January 1974 and have been flying ever since. I joined Air New Zealand in April 1985 and am still flying with them. I’ve flown all types of aircraft, including F27, B737, B767, B747-200, A320, B777. I’m currently back flying A320 and new A321 NEOs. 

Do you do anything special to celebrate Christmas? 

Christmas is always a special family affair – either my wife’s family or my family or sometimes with friends. Sometimes it’s spent overseas on TOD, the furthest was London and it was a bit cold and miserable. 

What was your ALPA highlight of the year? 

My highlights this year include a safer aviation environment, becoming the ‘Voice of Aviation’, and that the ALPA subscription system is now functioning properly and seamlessly with easily resolved un-financial member problems. 

What is your Christmas wish for members? 

Be careful and stay safe out there. Take care on your bike, especially if it’s got an engine. Enjoy special places like San Francisco. Merry Christmas 2018 and a very happy 2019.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL DIRECTOR KELVIN VERCOE 

How many years have you served as an ATC? 

I’ve been a ATC for 12 years. 

Do you do anything special to celebrate Christmas? 

Yes, I enjoy spending time with family during the festive season. 

What was your ALPA highlight of the year? 

The creation of the Global ATC Alliance, and its inaugural meeting. 

What is your Christmas wish for members?

Whether on leave or working through, I wish everyone a safe, happy, and relaxed holiday season, and enjoy everything but those three things in moderation. 

PRESIDENT TIM ROBINSON 

How many years have you served as a pilot? 

I’ve served 24 years in the Air NZ Group, six years with Air Nelson, and 18 with Air New Zealand Jet. Prior to that I served six years as a flight instructor in General Aviation. 

Do you do anything special to celebrate Christmas? 

Normally I try and get together with close or extended family. We have a blended family with plenty of members so it can often be a very busy time! 

What was your ALPA highlight of the year? 

My highlight was building the relationships we have at senior leadership level with employers, government, CAA, Ministry of Transport, Aviation New Zealand and other industry stakeholders. This has enabled us to be more effective in getting our messages and issues in front of industry decision makers and being part of the key decisions made. 

What is your Christmas wish for members?

Please have an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas and holiday season, and for those working through this period - fly and control safely. 

INDUSTRIAL DIRECTOR ANDREW RIDLING 

How many years have you served as a pilot? 

I joined Air NZ as a First Officer in 1989 as an F27 F/O. I was made redundant and re-joined as a S/O on the 767 in 1994. In total I’ve spent 24 years with Air NZ.

Do you do anything special to celebrate Christmas?

This year it should be my turn to fly so I am intending to be away. Normally we have Christmas at home with the family and then head to the beach on Boxing Day. 

What was your ALPA highlight of the year? 

The highlight of the year would be the settling of a number of contracts including the Air New Zealand Jet contract. Even greater is the commencement of discussions with Air NZ’s regional carriers. 

What is your Christmas wish for members? 

Please have a safe and enjoyable festive season. For those of us working I hope we all get time with friends and family.