Opportunity of lifetime for Wakatipu student

August 07

The Queenstown Airport Corporation is seeking a Wakatipu year six student to experience the opportunity of a lifetime, QAC chief executive Steve Sanderson said.

“On September the 13, the Prime Minister will be opening Queenstown Airport’s $31 million upgrade. Immediately after proceedings we need to get the Prime Minister to Dunedin for another function,” Mr Sanderson said.

Heliworks would fly the Prime Minister and her entourage to central Dunedin but a spare seat in the helicopter sparked an idea.

“We thought why not make that seat available to one young member of our community? What an amazing experience that would be,” Mr Sanderson said.

The corporation has invited Wakatipu year six students (10-11 years) to write in no more than 50 words what they would talk to the Prime Minister about and why they should be chosen.

“Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes will “blind” judge the entries and one will be chosen,” Mr Sanderson said.

The successful student would then spend the 35 minute flight to Dunedin in a helicopter having a one-on-one chat with the leader of the country.

“This is something that comes along in a child’s life that they will never forget. We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer this incredible opportunity, which the Prime Minister’s office had no hesitation agreeing to,” Mr Sanderson said.

After the journey to Dunedin the student would then fly back home to the Wakatipu.

“No doubt they will have an incredible story to tell their family and friends,” Mr Sanderson said.

Children from Glenorchy, Arrowtown, and Queenstown were participating in the competition, with the support of primary schools in the area.

The successful student would be notified after September 5.

For further information please contact Steve Sanderson 03 450 9031.