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 South Waikato, they make it all happen.
Get to know the talented pilots behind the balloons by reading their bios below:
Brad Burdue
Flying: Prickly Pete
Sponsored by: Daymark
Say hello to Bradley Burdue all the way from Ohio, USA. Brad is a heavy cargo jet pilot and has been in aviation for over 30 years. From aircraft engineer to balloon pilot, his journey started with a simple trade – balloon maintenance in exchange for flying lessons. Safe to say… it worked out pretty well!
Best flying moment? Landing a hot air balloon on an abandoned bridge.
Dream flight location? Antarctica (but we reckon the Waikato is a pretty great option too).
Ultimate goal? A wonderful, safe flight and a soft landing every time.
2026 will be Brad’s very first visit to New Zealand so let’s give him a huge Waikato welcome!
Will Randell
Flying: LuLu the Leopard
Sponsored by: Phatma®
LuLu the Leopard is a one-of-a-kind 105,000 sq ft special shaped hot air balloon built by AirFly Balloons. Her bold spots, playful grin, and larger-than-life presence make her an instant crowd favorite wherever she goes!
Piloted by Will Randell of Lehigh Valley Hot Air in Pennsylvania, LuLu has taken to the skies across the United States, and Canada, delighting spectators young and old. As an experimental system, designed in Brazil, she represents innovation and artistry in modern balloon design, combining precision engineering with wild personality.
In 2026, LuLu and her crew are thrilled to be joining Balloons Over Waikato, bringing her signature leopard charm to New Zealand for the very first time!
Darryn Redshaw
Flying: Blueprint
Sponsored by: Nihao China (China Cultural Centre)
Darryn grew up locally, and ballooning has always been a part of Hamilton life. He started crewing at 14 and hasn’t missed a single Balloons Over Waikato in 21 years which is pretty incredible!
One of his standout flights was a four-hour long jump competition covering 121km from south of Tokoroa to north of Ngatea.
And when the sun goes down?
Darryn is the voice behind the magic at The Base Basket Burn and the ZURU Nightglow Glow show, talking to pilots live through headsets and cuing them on when to fire their burners. If you’ve ever watched the balloons light up to music, that’s him.
Liam McGirr
Flying: Te Awa Lake’s Balloon
Sponsored by: Te Awa Lakes
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.
Andy has flown at every Balloons Over Waikato festival since 1999. That’s an incredible 27 events (not counting 2026 just yet!). His dedication to the event and love of ballooning makes him a true part of the Balloons whānau, and we’re always thrilled to see Egg floating over the Waikato skies.
Andrew Peel
Flying: TnS
As a Waikato local, Andrew has been hooked on the skies since winning his first flight at age 10!
That single, lucky experience sparked a lifelong passion, and we’re excited to showcase Andrew’s spirit and skill at Balloons Over Waikato 2026.
Daryl McKee
Flying: Poppies
Daryl is a semi-retired pilot who spent more than 40 years flying commercially. His ballooning journey began after his wife went for a flight in Australia and came home saying, “We have to do this.” One flight later with Andy Nicholson and Daryl was hooked.
Daryl has been part of every Balloons Over Waikato since the very first event in 1999, flying in the festival for 27 years so far.
Some of his most memorable flying experiences include taking to the skies with around 1,000 balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and drifting through the incredible landscapes of the Grand Canyon near Taos, New Mexico.
David Norris
Flying: Dragonfly
Meet David, a landscape gardener who enjoys the challenge and adventure that comes with ballooning. When he’s not working outdoors shaping beautiful landscapes, you’ll likely find him preparing for his next flight.
One of David’s most memorable ballooning moments happened right here in Hamilton, when he played the bagpipes while the Piper balloon flew overhead. He was also the winner of the Radius Care Cash Grab competition in 2025, adding another special moment to his ballooning journey.
Looking ahead, David would love the chance to fly overseas, with Scotland and Switzerland sitting high on his ballooning bucket list.
Mark Brown
Flying: Hamilton
Mark is the driving force behind Kiwi Balloon Company and one of New Zealand’s most experienced hot air balloon pilots.
He’s the only commercial pilot operating passenger flights during Balloons Over Waikato — and yes, those rides sell out fast every year! Missed out for 2026? Don’t worry. You can book a flight with Mark and the Kiwi Balloon Company outside of festival week and experience the same breathtaking views of the Waikato from above.
Martyn Stacey
Flying: EGG
Martyn Stacey has been a hot air balloon pilot since 1997 and has flown at every Balloons Over Waikato festival since 2000. Over the years he has become a familiar face in the Waikato skies and a valued member of the ballooning community.
Martyn served as Flight Director for 17 years and, while he has recently stepped back from the full-time role, we’re pleased he will still be joining us as Flight Director for two days at Balloons Over Waikato 2026.
During his time at the festival he has received several honours including Best Team, Best Flying and Spirit of the Festival, and was named Overall Winner in 2003.
His passion for ballooning began in 1988 when he experienced his first hot air balloon flight. He purchased his own balloon, The Three Amigos, in 1997 and has been deeply involved in ballooning ever since.
In 2004 Martyn represented New Zealand alongside Per Rold at the 16th World Hot Air Balloon Championships in Mildura, Australia.
Martyn flies for the love of the sport and enjoys connecting with fellow pilots and sharing his passion with the ballooning community. We’re lucky to have his experience helping guide us in the skies.
Gail Dryland
Flying: Lollipop
Jeremy Tomkinson
Flying: DutchOven
Jeremy is the Head of Technology based in Timaru, but when balloon season rolls around you’ll find him looking to the skies. His ballooning journey began after a flight in England that completely hooked him on the sport.
One of Jeremy’s favourite flying experiences so far was attending the balloon event in Metz, France, where hundreds of balloons filled the sky. It’s an incredible sight and one he won’t forget in a hurry.
If he could fly anywhere in the world, Jeremy would love to take to the skies over the Alps in winter. His ultimate goal in ballooning is simple. To see as many people as possible enjoying the magic and excitement of hot air ballooning.
John Clifton
Flying: Abel Tasman
John joins the skies at Balloons Over Waikato as one of our experienced pilots. Now retired, John has spent years enjoying the magic of ballooning and the incredible places it can take you.
One of his most memorable flying experiences was drifting across the breathtaking European Alps. It is the kind of scenery most of us only dream about, and a reminder of just how special ballooning can be.
Like many of our pilots, John loves sharing the experience of flight with others and bringing a little wonder to the skies above Waikato. We are thrilled to have him as part of the 2026 event.
Joshua Anderson
Flying: Balloons Over Waikato
By day, Joshua works as a Live Audio Engineer and Production Manager, but when the burners fire up he swaps sound desks for the skies.
Joshua has been fascinated by every part of ballooning since he was young, and that early curiosity turned into a passion for flying. One of his favourite ballooning memories so far is completing an epic long-distance flight from Tokoroa all the way to Ngatea.
If he could fly anywhere in the world, Rome is at the top of his list. But for now, Joshua is focused on doing what he loves most – planning long-distance flights and enjoying every moment in the air with friends.
Katie Pepper
Flying: Strata
Katie works as a Senior Biodiversity Officer, but outside of work you’ll often find her chasing the freedom of flight.
Having grown up around balloons, Katie saw firsthand the joy, wonder and inspiration they bring to people. That early exposure sparked a passion for ballooning, and the personal challenge and freedom of flying quickly became addictive.
One of her most memorable ballooning experiences was representing New Zealand at the Women’s World Championships, flying an experimental balloon that she and her team built themselves alongside some of her best friends.
If she could fly anywhere in the world, the Masai Mara would be top of the list. Until then, Katie’s goal is simple: to experience ballooning in as many countries as possible.
Below is 2025’s information.
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.
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 Wilton
Flying: Swan
Mark finds profound beauty in the art of ballooning. Piloting Swan, Mark has flown in the UK, France, and Australia.
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.