2025 pilots
Balloons Over Waikato wouldn’t be possible without our incredible pilots, who bring the magic to our skies each year! From thrilling competition mornings at Innes Common to special events like The Base Basket Burn and Balloons Visit Waipā & South Waikato, they make it all happen.
Get to know the talented pilots behind the balloons by reading their bios below:
Colin Graham
Flying: Ms. Autumn
With many hours as a commercial pilot, Colin Graham brings a deep-rooted passion and a long family legacy in ballooning to every journey. Based in Lake Havasu City, USA, Colin commands the magnificent Ms. Autumn—a 93,000 cubic feet Aerostar balloon that exemplifies precision and the spirit of adventure.
Gary Moore
Flying: Owlbert Eyenstein
Based in Lake Havasu City, USA, Gary Moore is a full-time hot air balloon pilot. A proud General Motors retiree, Gary’s passion for ballooning was sparked in 1989 after purchasing a ride at a local event. His career took flight after engaging with seasoned pilots, and he now navigates the skies in his 105,000 cu.ft Valdemir Taveira balloon, affectionately known as Owlbert Eyenstein.
Darryn Redshaw
Flying: Blueprint
Sponsored by: Nihao China (China Cultural Centre NZ)
Growing up in the region, one of Darryn’s most memorable experiences was a long jump competition flight—flying solo for just over four hours from south of Tokoroa to north of Ngatea, covering 121 km.
This festival, Blueprint will also be celebrated as the Nihao China Balloon, reflecting the visionary support of the China Cultural Centre in Auckland
Liam McGirr
Flying: Te Awa Lake’s Balloon
Sponsored by: Te Awa Lakes
Liam McGirr, an Excavator Operator from Hamilton, has been captivated by hot air ballooning since childhood—chasing balloons on his bike and dreaming of the day he’d take to the skies himself.
He dreams of flying as often as possible to share the wonder of our sport, and his achievements are proudly sponsored by Te Awa Lakes.
Rolf Dennler
Flying: Happy 2
Sponsored by: Independent Traffic Control NZ (iTraffic)
With many flight hours under his belt and a background as a builder carpenter from Cambridge, Rolf Dennler lives his lifelong dream of being airborne.
At this year’s event, Happy 2 soars under the sponsorship of Independent Traffic Control NZ, or iTraffic.
Andrew Peel
Flying: TnS
Andrew Peel from Hamilton, a dedicated Sales Manager, embodies the pure love of ballooning.
Andrew’s journey began with a simple passion for flight—sparked by a memorable ride on his 13th birthday.
Andy Nicholson
Flying: Egg
Based in Christchurch, Andy Nicholson pilots his uniquely designed balloon, Egg. Aptly named for its distinctive shape, Egg captures the essence of Andy’s passion for flight—sparked by unforgettable moments such as the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Daryl McKee
Flying: Poppies
A semi-retired commercial balloon pilot from Hamilton, Daryl McKee’s love for ballooning was ignited by his wife’s adventure in Australia.
David Norris
Flying: Dragonfly
Based in Hamilton, David Norris pilots this 77,000 cu.ft Kubicek balloon Dragonfly,
His iconic balloon has become so revered that it’s inspired a collection of dragonfly artefacts around his property.
Gail Dryland
Flying: Lollipop
Retired dairy farmer Gail Dryland brings the heart and resilience of rural life into every flight. Gail pilots Lollipop and has become a beloved mentor within the Waikato Balloon Club.
Howard Watson
Flying: The Wairarapa Balloon
A proud member of the Wairarapa Balloon Society, Howard Watson bring The Wairarapa Balloon—a 105,000 cubic foot Kavanagh machine—to Balloons Over Waikato.
James Lawson
Flying: Firedancer
James Lawson is a true veteran of the skies. This USA-based pilot embarked on his aviation journey at just 16 years old and transitioned to ballooning by 19.
Firedancer is owned by local balloonist Kieran, who will be co-piloting Firedancer with James.
Jeremy Tomkinson
Flying: Dutch Oven
Jeremy did a flight in England and was hooked. Now flying Dutch Oven, Jeremy wants you all the attend and enjoy the experience/sport of Balloons Over Waikato.
Joshua Anderson
Flying: Waikato Balloon
Piloting the classic Waikato Balloon, Joshua’s most memorable journey was a long-distance flight from Tokoroa to Ngatea that left him buzzing with excitement.
Katie Pepper
Flying: Lighter than Air
Piloting Lighter than Air—a 60,000 cubic foot Skysport Aviation AD-60 built in a Waikato garage and taking its first flight in February 2025—Katie has already made her mark by representing New Zealand at the Woman’s World Championships in an experimental balloon built with her closest friends.
Kevin Briggs
Flying: Goldilocks
Kevin’s ballooning adventure began when he transitioned from crewing for his sister to flying on his own. One of his most memorable experiences was a breathtaking flight along the Southern Alps at Hororata.
Kieran McKee
Co-pilot: Firedancer
Surrounded by ballooning from a young age, just three, Kieran’s passion for ballooning is fuelled by the joy he sees in others—the smiles and wonder on faces as his balloon takes to the sky.
Lance Wagstaff
Flying: Egmont
Lance is known for his adventurous spirit. Inspired by the mentorship of Andrew Nicholson and Rob Noble, Lance flies his Cameron-built “N105” under the Egmont banner.
Mark Brown
Flying: Kiwi Balloon Company
Mark Brown is the driving force behind Kiwi Balloon Company and one of New Zealand’s most experienced balloon pilots.
Mark Wilton
Flying: Swan
Mark finds profound beauty in the art of ballooning. Piloting Swan, Mark has flown in the UK, France, and Australia.
Martyn Stacey
Co-pilot: Egg
Martyn Stacey has been a hot air balloon pilot since 1997, and has only recently stepped away from being our Flight Director. Martyn flies for fun and is always keen to learn and meet other pilots and like-minded people.
Michael Toulson
Flying: Sweet Pea
Michael has been drawn to ballooning since childhood. Piloting Sweet Pea, a family-owned gem, designed by one granddaughter and flown by another, and Michael dreams of exploring the world’s skies—especially the majestic Swiss Alps.
Paul Archer
Flying: Strata
Paul has nurtured his passion for flight since childhood.
Paul fondly recalls a memorable flight over Lake Taupo that continues to fuel his dreams.
Pauline Hickey
Flying: Sunrise
Pauline’s professional life is complemented by her passion for ballooning. Piloting Sunrise, a Kavanagh balloon equipped with smart and turning vents, she has soared to remarkable destinations like Cappadocia, Turkey.
Roman Tairi
Flying: Fantail
Roman Tairi’s journey into ballooning began at an early age—he joined the Waikato Hot Air Balloon Club after his very first ride on his 13th birthday. Now Roman flies the striking Fantail with enthusiasm and precision. He is looking forward to completing ballooning tasks held at Innes Common.