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Aviation runs in the family for Winston, who has just joined the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service as a pilot.

For the last three years Winston has been based in Wanaka flying for Southern Alps Air. We’re delighted he’s chosen to move north and bring his skills and experience to the New Zealand Flying Doctor team.

What are you most looking forward to at the NZ Flying Doctor Service?

“I’m really excited by the variety of work at the Flying Doctor Service and to be within a strong, positive team environment with such a great crew,” says Winston. “It’s also pretty special that I can do what I love while helping people at the same time.”

Getting to know Winston

Aviation is a family affair for Winston – his dad is a helicopter pilot and his two brothers also work in the aviation industry. “I’ve always been a technical thinker; my favourite subject at school was mechanical engineering, where we had to design and build a go-kart. It involved problem-solving and critical thinking, which I think are real strengths being a pilot.”

When not flying, Winston loves anything that gets him into the outdoors, keeping physically and mentally fit. “I grew up on a sheep and beef station near the head of the Rakaia so I love heading back there or getting out jetboating,” Winston says. Water skiing, snow skiing and hunting are also favourite pastimes for Winston.

Welcome to the team Winston – we can’t wait to see the impact you will have on this life-changing and life-saving service.