Pioneering ballooning adventurer to relive the magic

Roly Parsons - preparing to fly over Mt Cook January 1976

Media Release

Changes for Balloons Over Wairarapa Line-up

Pioneering ballooning adventurer to relive the magic

The countdown is on to the 15th Balloons Over Wairarapa, and even the late withdrawal of the festival's special shaped balloon – Iwi the Kiwi - won’t leave any gaps in the bustling programme.

Iwi, owned and piloted by veteran Carterton balloonist Rick Walzcak is unable to be flown over the four days of festivities, after Rick was injured in an accident while working on his property last week.

“I really thought I could still fly Iwi but the doctors have said “no” until my injuries heal. I am so sorry about what has happened as I was looking forward to this great home event,” he said.

The balloon festival had been without a special shape in the past and the event had lost none of its spark because of it, said balloonists, who are now counting down the days to lift off.

On a high note for Trust House Balloons Over Wairarapa, Wing Commander Roly Parsons, 72, who has conquered New Zealand firsts in his aerial adventures, will make his first ever appearance at a New Zealand ballooning festival.

It was thirty-eight years ago that Mr Parsons etched his name in New Zealand ballooning history when he conquered a hot air balloon crossing over Cook Strait.

On New Year’s Day 1975, at 3.41pm, from a farm in Queen Charlotte Sound, he and his 77,500 cubic feet of balloon “West Wind” rose into the sky and finally landed exactly three hours later in empty grassy paddocks in Whitby.

He is the only balloonist to have ever successfully achieved the feat.

Roly Parsons - crossing cook strait January 1 1975

The following year, he became the first to pilot a balloon directly over the top of Mt Cook.

Mr Parsons, who is living in Wellington these days, will take part in the mass ascension when all the balloons take flight together from Carrington Park in Carterton on Thursday March 21 marking the start of the four days of colour and fun filling the Wairarapa skies.

Wairarapa Balloon Society chairman Jonathan Hooker said the event was delighted that Roly would spend time in the Wairarapa over the days of the festival.

"As a nation we aren't very good at celebrating success and also remembering those that have gone before us. As one of the pioneer balloonists of the sport in NZ it will be a huge privilege to have Roly at our event. Our veteran pilots are excited at the chance to meet and talk with their ballooning hero."

The annual balloon extravaganza will see balloons and their pilots take part in a series of competitions and displays.

Weather playing its part, the balloons will launch each day at dawn when the breeze is gentle and drift with the wind over Wairarapa towns, farms and vineyards.

The festival’s celebrated highlight, the Trust House Night Glow takes place on Saturday 23 March at Masterton’s historic Solway Showgrounds, where tethered balloons glow like light bulbs and brighten the night sky in a dazzling show choreographed to music.

Entry to all events is free, except for the Night Glow where adults are $7 and children $4. Children under five are free and a $15 family pass is available.

TIPS FOR SPECTATOTRS

• Get up early to see all the action! The balloons must fly early in the day (from 7.15am) or from 5.00pm when the winds are light and the sun is not too hot.

• Balloons take about 15–30 minutes to inflate, depending on their size. This is great to watch. The festival's opening morning is a great chance to watch this up close when the balloons all launch from the same place. Please stand well clear of the balloons when they are launching.

• On a good day balloons will be in the air for approximately 1 hour. This can be longer or shorter depending on the weather conditions.

• Ballooning is totally weather dependent and events may be delayed or cancelled if the conditions are unsafe for flying or inflation.

• Check the home page on www.nzballoons.co.nz for updates on event status from 6.30am daily. Plus follow us on Facebook: Balloons Over Wairarapa and on Twitter: @BalloonsoverWai.

• If you live on a farm or have a large open space on your property mark a large X on the ground (toilet paper works well!) to encourage the balloon pilot to land there.

• Don't forget your camera and lots of film!

SAFETY TIPS

• If a balloon is launching or landing near you stand well clear and not in front of where the balloon is heading.

• Please do not smoke near the balloons. Highly flammable propane gas is used in their inflation process.

• If you are driving while balloons are overhead, please watch the road, not the balloons or pull over and stop in a safe place.

• Dogs can be frightened by the balloons and the noise of the gas burners. If the balloons are overhead keep your dog inside the house, garage or its kennel with adequate ventilation.

ENDS

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