Our Team
The Waikato Aviation team is comprised of dedicated professionals passionate about aviation education. Our instructors bring years of real-world experience, holding certifications and qualifications that ensure top-tier training. We are committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their aviation careers. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to excellence, our team is uniquely qualified to guide you on your aviation journey.
General Manager
William has management and leadership experience gained through various positions in Defence, Academia and Industry, and is familiar with NZQA, TEC, CAA compliance requirements in New Zealand and with the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Coming from the Royal Australian Air Force, William was appointed as Training Manager and General Manager. As well as holding a PhD and Master's Degree in Aviation, he has 35 years of experience in pilot training to include training Air Force pilots and Air Traffic Controllers within the Royal Australian Air Force, and 25 years were in universities delivering, supervising and directing Aviation programmes from diploma level up to PhD. He further holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Assessment and a Bachelor of Law and Political Science, and is qualified to conduct internal and external compliance audits within the Australian Aviation training sector.
William Harvey
Chief Flight Instructor
Tracey took to the skies at a young age in a glider piloted by her father. Over the years that she was raised around gliders, it secured her desire to fly as a career. At sixteen years old, Tracey flew her first solo in a fixed wing. In 2009, she became a qualified instructor after training at Waikato Aviation. Since 2017 she has instructed at Waikato Aviation and progressed into the role as the Chief Flight Instructor.
In her spare time, Tracey enjoys getting outdoors in the countryside and hiking.
Tracey Gore
Club Captain
Craig Crocombe is the Captain of the Waikato Aviation Club and a lifelong aviation enthusiast. His passion for flying led him to begin flight training in October 2023, and he proudly passed his Private Pilot Licence (PPL) check ride in June 2025.
Craig is deeply committed to aviation and to fostering an active, welcoming club environment. As Captain, he enjoys bringing members together by organising fun, engaging, and memorable activities that celebrate flying and strengthen the club community.
Craig Crocombe
Assistant Training Manager
Our diploma students are working towards an NZQA-approved qualification, as well as their CAA licences and ratings.
It is the Assistant Training Manager's role to assist the Training Manager in ensuring all the NZQA requirements are met; the diploma programme is appropriately planned and resourced; and student progress is accurately reported to NZQA and the Tertiary Education Commission.
Julie works with the Training Manager and Chief Flight instructor to recruit diploma students and is responsible for pastoral care throughout their training with us.
Julie Taylor
Safety Manager
Wendy brings more than 50 years’ experience in aviation to work with other safety staff, flying staff, pilots, and students to ensure every flight returns safely.
With a background in air traffic control, flying instruction, safety and air accident investigation, and extensive experience with New Zealand’s safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, Wendy ensures Waikato Aviation is equipped to provide a safe and enjoyable experience to all who fly there.
Wendy is grateful to have the opportunity to pass on her varied experiences and knowledge to others with the same passion for aviation.
Wendy Booth
Charter Pilot
Tony has more than 50 years’ experience in general aviation, including several senior safety and operational roles at Waikato Aviation, and as a consultant to CAA NZ.
Using his extensive aviation experience, Tony now focusses on providing the wide range of air charter services sought from Waikato Aviation. These services include scenic flights for the public and other missions to support businesses, NGOs and Government Departments, in their many roles throughout the country.
Tony has received local (RNZAC) and international (FAI) recognition for aviation achievements, and services to general aviation. As a Bald Eagle, Tony is an active member in the RNZAC local Young Eagles programme supporting young people begin their aviation journey. Tony takes great pleasure in helping others enjoy the experience of flight and achieve their aviation goals.
Tony Petch
Office Administration
Working closely with the General Manager, flight operations team, instructors, and students at Waikato Aviation, Jolandi Ford is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the organisation. Covering office administration, finance administration, and flight operations support, Jolandi provides comprehensive administrative assistance across the business. Jolandi manages front-of-house services, scheduling, communications, documentation, invoicing, payroll processing, and aircraft dispatch support. She also oversees general office operations, compliance documentation, and supports both flight training and Aero Club activities. With her strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and approachable manner, Jolandi is a key contributor to delivering a professional, welcoming, and well-coordinated experience for staff, students, and visitors at Waikato Aviation.
Jolandi Ford
B-CAT Instructor
Seth joined the Waikato Aviation team in September 2022, completing the Diploma in Aviation course in 2021. During 2023 he then became a full time Instructor and now is a B-Category Flight Instructor. He enjoys working in the aviation environment and enjoys passing on that excitement to others
Seth’s future goal would be to work for an air ambulance company and combine his passions of aviation and helping others who are in need. Seth has found it enjoyable seeing the aero club members and the students’ progress in their training and what they have been able to achieve and looking forward to seeing what more they can do heading into the future.
Outside of aviation, Seth enjoys watching the cricket and exploring the outdoors.
Seth Head
B-CAT/Multi Instructor
Courtney attended the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School at age 17, which sparked an interest in aviation as a career. She completed her training in 2015 and has since worked in multiple aviation roles across New Zealand and Australia.
She has further advanced her skills and is a B-Cat instructor with additional instructor endorsements for Night, Instrument Flying, Multi-engine, and Terrain and Weather Awareness.
Courtney has been a part of the Waikato Aviation team since 2024.
Courtney Mackie
C-CAT Instructor
After achieving his first solo days after his 16th birthday Jarrod set his sights on a career in aviation.
On gaining his Private Pilot License in 2019, he continued his aviation journey, gaining his Commercial License in 2021 and his Instructor rating in 2023.
Flying in the South Island for 6 years, Jarrod began instructing at Waikato Aviation in 2025.
In his spare time Jarrod keeps a small number of bee hives and enjoys half finishing various DIY projects
Jarrod Neill-Wood
Address
255 Steele Rd
3282 Hamilton
Opening Hours
Mon - Sun: 8am - 5pm
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