Newsletter: May 2005 (Note: all external links open in a new window)
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Minutes of the meeting on Tuesday 4th April 2005.
Apologies
None
MEMBERSHIP
Concerns raised regarding 'former' members continuing to fly. One person in particular was mentioned. Concerns about the lack of desemination of information regarding sites, safety issues etc, and lack of insurance cover for these people. Grant offered to contact the person mentioned to inquire if there was some reason for the lack of membership.
Failure to comply with the requirements of CAA and the NZHGPA may result in regulatory steps being taken.
PAEKAKARIKI
Comment made that a PG wing (and pilot!) was seen launching from the paddock up behind the lookout, sometime round Feburary. The observer, when questioned, was in little doubt the launch was made from the paddock there (ie - Betty Perkins place, the PG launch). Several members voiced their suspicions that the PG launch was regularly being used in disregard of the status of the launch.
In an attempt to reconcile our relationship with the Perkins family, and with Harry Memelink, it was suggested that a tandem HG or PG ride be offered.
SPONSORSHIP
Graham Mills, of Meridian Energy, has expressed an interest in sponsorship of the NZHGPA activities. Graham is involved with the setting up of wind energy projects. He is also interested in having a tandem hang glider ride. Kris is currently liaising with him on behalf of the NZHGPA.
CLUB DESIGN
Motion - that the club authorises further expenditure up to $140 for the completion of a suitable graphic design to represent to club in future. If the cost is expected to be more than $140, then an estimate is to be provided.
nominated - Kris, sec Teresa. Unanimous.
WEBSITE
Guy to contact Alex re incorrect info on website - airspace. Also to (respectfully - it is Alex' website) inquire about updating the accompanying logo on the hang-dog site, and setting up a method for updating information such as the newsletter.
Meeting Closed 9.30pm.
(note - the person refered to in the subject MEMBERSHIP is Gary Steele. I see no reason to withhold his name now after some of his latest actions. As mentioned above, I contacted Gary by phone the following week, and Gary said that - yes he had been slow to forward the membership form and payment earlier in the year, and since then had actually flown only a very small number of times. He assured me that from today on his priority was going to be snowboarding, and any days that were good for flying, he wouldn't be around. He said he intended to rejoin next financial year. Cheeky, but fair enough I thought.
I was since informed that that following weekend Gary Steele was seen by another member of the club walking down to the stile from The PG launch at Paekak. When challenged, he responded that he wasn't flying, he was just up there looking at the weather. Incidently, the conditions were too light to soar, and Garys wing was seen in the back seat of his car.
My opinion (and not necessarilly that of the club or Gary) is that if it were 'on', Gary wouldn't have been only looking at the weather. Which anyone can quite accurately do from the lookout. He would have launched from the PG launch with total disregard of the delicate nature of this, our premiere coastal site. And this is on top of sponging off the rest of us.
Actions and attitudes like this causes lost sites and bitterness. I don't enjoy making accusations, but peer pressure may be the most effective way of preventing negative outcomes.
Grant Tatham
Secretary
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