Member Spotlight

Laura Wagstaff, Air Ambulance Pilot

Laura is a co-pilot for the New Zealand Air Ambulance Service, which provides inter-hospital transfers throughout NZ.

Holding a CPL (A) with over 1,370 hours, she has spent her time in the air doing instructing, aerobatics, gliding and glider towing.

Sponsored by Air New Zealand, she won the NZAWA Ann Barbarich Award, where she flew to Nadi on the flight deck and experienced the simulators.  

Laura’s advice for any up and coming aviatrix is to just keep going, the outcome is worth any obstacle that might pop up!

Devon Gardner, Cabin Crew & Student Pilot

Devon is currently Cabin Crew for Air New Zealand on the ATR72-600 and has been flying the regional network for the past three years. 

Before taking to the skies in the cabin, Devon trained and worked as an aircraft engineer in Whangārei, Blenheim and Hamilton. She was introduced to NZAWA after receiving a scholarship while studying at NMIT in Blenheim. Through this, she connected with NZAWA member Bernice Hintz, who became a valued mentor as Devon stepped into the industry.

Alongside her cabin crew role, Devon is also working towards her PPL at North Shore Aero Club and has recently celebrated her first solo flight.

Devon’s advice is to work hard and push through when things get tough. The results are so rewarding, and one day you will look back and be proud of how far you have come

The McIlroy family

Sarah, Alice and Lucy all share a love of flying, each connected to aviation in their own way.

Sarah is a Captain with Air New Zealand flying the B787. She holds an ATPL(A) with more than 19,000 hours. Early in her career she gained experience across several areas of aviation including instructing, air traffic control, Skyferry, and Air Nelson.

Alice is a First Officer with Air New Zealand flying the ATR72-600. She holds a CPL(A) with more than 1,680 hours and spent several years instructing before joining the airline.

Lucy may not fly as a career, but the NZAWA Rally competitions make sure a few hours still find their way into her logbook each year.

NZAWA has watched Alice grow from a 16 year old aspiring pilot into an airline First Officer. During Sarah’s time instructing at the Wellington Aero Club she enjoyed being part of the association and still loves the challenge of flying a light aircraft at the Rally, trusting that the muscle memory will kick in.

Their advice is that the industry is full of opportunities to learn from others and build lifelong friendships. Put yourself out there, ask questions, and remember that every day is a school day.

Janine Erb, ATC & PPL 

From watching gliders over Matamata as a teen to controlling aircraft at Wellington Tower, Janine has built an incredible aviation career. She’s been an Air Traffic Controller with Airways NZ for over 20 years, separating everything from jets to helicopters.

Janine loves that no two days are the same. From managing emergencies and medical priority flights to working through Wellington’s famous winds, she thrives on the challenge and teamwork that ATC brings.

A proud NZAWA member since she was 17, Janine credits the association with lifelong friendships, mentorship, and support throughout her career, even through raising a family.

Janine’s advice is if you’re thinking about aviation – do it. It’s a fun, rewarding industry that can take you anywhere. If you’re curious about Air Traffic Control, have a look at the Airways website and start the conversation.