The Rockgas Flight Directors
Martyn Stacey(Flight Director)
Hot air balloon pilot since 1997
Is currently on the CAA steering committee for balloonist’s rules regulations and licensing.
Martyn was the Flight director for the Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta 2007 and 2008
Was the chief d’ mission and tactician for the New Zealand Hot Air Balloon teams, at the 16th World Hot Air Balloon Championships held at Mildura Australia 24 June - 4 July 2004 the teams came 60th and 80th He was Navigator for one of the two teams and the New Zealand CIA/FAI representative at the competition
Member Ballooning Association of New Zealand (BANZ) 1997 -
Secretary / Treasurer 1999 - 2004
President 2004.
Member New Zealand Airship Association (NZAA) 1980 -
President 1990 - 92
New Zealand Delegate to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) since 2000 - (The organization that sets and records all records to do with Lighter than Air i.e. Distance, height, size etc)
New Zealand Delegate to the Commission Internationale d’ Aerostation (CIA) since 2000 ? (The organization that sets the standards rules and authorises the level of competition etc.)
Won the Teams award at the Waikato International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2004
Placed Second at the Hawkes Bay Matariki Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2003
Overall winner Waikato International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2003
Organiser of both Marlborough Bubbles and Balloons Fiestas 2000 and 2001
Placed Fourth Wairarapa International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2001
Won the inaugural Wairarapa International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta with Per Rold 1998
Martyn and his team The Three Amigos have consistently been in the top ten at most events throughout New Zealand for the past five years.
They have won the team event for the Spirit of the Fiesta at both the Waikato and Wairarapa International Balloon Fiestas several times.
Martyn fly’s for fun is always keen to learn and meet other pilots and like minded people and is very keen to promote his sport and keep the authorities on board to the benefit of all balloonists
Trevor Graham(Nightglow Director)
The Token Pom Is Back !
For the third year running, we are delighted to welcome back Trevor Graham from the UK to the festival. Trevor, (or Trev the Token Pom as he is affectionally now known in New Zealand), will be our Nightglow Director and Creative Producer. Trev will also be providing his own unique brand of commentary on our balloon ascents, blending this with his selection of beautiful music tracks to create some ballooning magic. Trev is involved with all of the major balloon festivals in the UK including the world famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and a number of other aviation events, both in the UK and New Zealand, including the Biggin Hill International Air Fair, Warbirds Over Wanaka and Wings over Wairarapa.
Trevor said, ‘ It is fantastic to be back on the team again. Working with Martin Stacey and Michele Connell and her team is a genuine pleasure and in my view they have turned Balloons over Waikato into a world class event.
