Our People
 Graeme Martin - Manager
Graeme comes from a farming background, having grown up on a sheep and beef property in the Hawke’s Bay. He has significant experience within the wider agriculture sector, having worked as a national sales manager for Nufarm before joining Ballance in 1998. A successful regional sales manager for Ballance, he led a team of nine staff, developing a strong culture of customer focus amongst his team.
Graeme aims to bring this customer orientation to Super Air. ‘The role of manager is quite diverse,’ said Graeme. ‘On the one hand I have the responsibility for looking after aspects such as issues that affect the pilots, and on the other I’m charged with developing services for our customers.
‘One of my prime concerns is health and safety – for our pilots, our support staff and our customers. There is no doubting there are risks associated with agricultural aviation, but we have to work to minimise those. Really, the only acceptable injury rate is zero.
‘The other area I’m keen to address is the relationship between Super Air and its customers. In an industry such as this, where work pressures build up because of the effect of the weather, it’s easy to lose sight of the customer. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen, that we listen to our customers’ needs and keep them informed of developments at Super Air. More than any industry, farming is about partnerships, and I want our partnerships with our customers to be successful and rewarding for all.’
Robert Thurston - Area Manager Masterton
Born and raised in the Wairarapa. Parents were dairy farmers five miles out from Featherston. Commenced flying training at Masterton in 1962, obtained Private Licence in October at age 17 and still at College. Had always said I was going to fly from age of three. Obtained commercial licence in Feb 1966; and as I already had a position with Rural Aviation Ltd, I commenced immediately as a loader shifter (tractors) and loader driver. After two months I started my Ag Training with Dalcom Aviation in Wanganui, which in those days was sponsored 50% by Govt and 25% each by Rural and myself. Two weeks and 50 hours later it was back to Feilding and shortly after to Masterton flying Cessna 180’s until Nov 1966 when I was given a brand new Agwagon ZK-CQN. Three years later changed Companys and flew an Agwagon and Beaver before the first of six Fletcher 400hp aircraft. I also became the Company’s Chief Pilot at this time. In 1979 Air Services (Wai) Ltd and Air Contracts amalgamated (same owner) and became Air Services (1979) Ltd. After the industry down-turned in the mid 80s, all staff were put-off, however I was retained on a contract basis only. Tthe company going from 3,000 productive hours to less than 300 virtually overnight. At this time I also become Chief Pilot of Wairarapa Airlines; at one stage managing and rostering five Pilots in a three aircraft firm operating Piper Chieftan 10 seat S.P.I.F.R. between Masterton-Auckland-Christchurch and four return flights between Palmerston North and Wellington. As the industry recovered I returned to full time topdressing and as work permitted, employed more staff. Back to six aircraft. Air Services obtained their first Walter Conversion in 1999 which I flew for four years before semi-retiring from full time pilot to manage the company after ill health forced the owner onto light duties. I have been appointed Area Manager by Super Air to ensure the continuity of business, and will be a part time pilot.
My wife Sydney and I have three adult daughters and six grandchildren. I follow nearly all sport, hobbies are flying, fishing, horse racing and the grandkids.
Pilots
Joe Cave  - Chief Pilot
Joe was born in Kaitaia to Eric and Shona Cave. Eric started flying for James Aviation in 1962 and retired in1974 to go farming. Joe spent most of his school years in Central Hawkes Bay and went to Massey University for a couple of years. While working in a pub in Sydney he gained his private pilot’s licence in 1993 and his commercial licence at Bridge Pa later that year.
Joe received his Ag rating in early 1994 and in 95 trained for a Multi engine instrument rating. Joe then headed to PNG and flew for a small airline ferrying locals around the bush. In 1997 Joe joined Super Air flying in Malaysia and returned to NZ in 99 where he was based at Pukekohe. In 2000 Joe and his family moved again with Super Air to Te Kuiti where his pastimes include squash, hunting, clay target shooting and watching all other sports. On 1 September 2008, Joe began his new job as Chief Pilot. This in large makes him responsible for the supervision and safety of the Company's operational staff.
Graeme Giffney
Graeme started flying Jan 1971 at Ardmore and worked as a loader driver for Robertson Air Services in Pukekohe for 6 years. He started his Ag training at Hamilton with Kevin Roberts in July 1979 and his first load of fertiliser was sown at Puketapu Sept 4th 1979. Graeme then moved to Taumarunui in May 1981. Robertson Air Services and James Aviation were two of the founding companies of Super Air in 1988. He moved to Taupo July 1990 and has enjoyed Taupo’s delights until January 2006, when he moved to sample the more relaxed Thames/Coromandel area. Graeme is one of the longest serving Super Air pilots. He’s keen on motorbikes, fishing and photography. He also has two grown up children living in Perth and travels there often.
Murray Rowe
Prior to his topdressing career, Murray was a motor mechanic in Dunedin. In 1994, Murray started as a loader driver in Lumsden. Murray began his agriculture flying with Mackenzie Aviation in Gore. He then moved back to Lumsden as the area pilot and then to Agtech Air in Dargaville before joining Super Air in 2002. Murray has also flown in Indonesia and Australia. Murray lives with Roxanne on a lifestyle block trying their hand at raising livestock. When not flying, Roxanne and Murray can be found at their bach at Tinopia fishing. Murray also has an interest in classic cars.
Kevin Young 
Kevin got his Private pilots’ licence in 79, his commercial licence in ’83 and ag rating in 93. Born in the Waikato and raised on a dairy farm, Kevin started his aviation career as an engineer with James Aviation. He joined Super Air after James Aviation and a spell in the Hawkes Bay as an engineer. He worked at Hamilton for 3 years, Malaysia for 2 years and has been at Raglan for the past 5 years. Kevin lives at Raglan and covers from Kawhia to Waimai Valley and East to Whatawhata. Kevin has 3 children and his interests are very family focused. He loves doing a good job and swears by his GPS in ensuring a quality service. Kevin also works part time in the hangar at Hamilton during the winter months. Kevin is now the Super Air test pilot where he has to test every possible flight characteristic of a new aircraft innovation before it is licensed by CAA.
John McFadgen
John is married to Annie and they live in New Plymouth. Both are passionate about motorcycling and get out on their bikes whenever possible. John has been known to go farm canvassing on his motorbike. John always had an ambition from early childhood to fly ag aircraft and gained his Private Pilot Licence in 1984, and Commercial Licence in 1987. He started agricultural flying in the Marlborough high country in 1994, then the Canterbury high country before moving back to the North Island to fly for Fieldair based at Otorohanga during 1996. John then joined Super Air in Feb 1997, based at Taumarunui and flew there until transferring to New Plymouth in June 1999. John was raised on a dairy farm at Rerewhakaaitu, and became a Fitter/Welder in 1978.
Lindsey Cameron
Lindsey was born in Rotorua and is one of the younger pilots at Super Air. His father was a Rotorua based farm contractor and Lindsey decided to become an ag pilot when he watched Gary Langman of Super Air topdress one of the farms nearby. He started training in 95 and got his private pilot’s licence in 99. Lindsey ‘’loves the job. I enjoy meeting farmers – they’re great people to interact with’’. Lindsey plays squash when he can but admits that top dressing is a fairly anti-social occupation because of the long hours.
Dion Currie
Dion was born in Hamilton. He got his private pilot’s licence in 1993 and his ag rating in 2000. Dion joined Super Air in 1996. He spent time training in Te Kuiti whilst being based in Hamilton. Dion then moved to Rotorua for a year prior to being posted at Thames. In January 2006 Dion transferred to Taupo where he can indulge in one of his pastimes of skiing a bit more often. He enjoys playing squash and mountain biking. Dion loves flying and enjoys working with farmers. .
Fraser Wilson
Fraser started loader driving in 1995 before progressing to being a Rep in the King Country/Waikato area for a couple of years, prior to getting his Ag rating in 2003 and starting his flying career. Fraser joined Super Air in 2005, initially in Matatmata before being transferred to Te Kuiti. In April 2006 he progressed into a Turbine aircraft and is really enjoying the step up. Fraser is married with two children, enjoys most sports (but job tends to restrict participationg much!), spending time with family and catching up with friends. "I really enjoy the industry, only downfall is that it absorbs a lot of your time. Just ask my wife!!!"
Glenn Haora
Glenn grew up on a dry stock farm on the outskirts of Whangarei. At the age of 16, he started flying lessons while working as a part time loader driver for Fieldair in the far north districts. After obtaining his CPL in Aug 2000, he moved to Australia to work as a mixer/loader for 8 months while training for his Australian Ag rating. Glenn spent two seasons spraying in Queensland before returning home in 2003 to join Super Air as a loader driver in Taranaki. In July 2004 Glenn moved to Rotorua to start Ag training with Gary Langman, and worked in the Bay of Plenty region for 10 months before shifting to the Waikato in July 2005. Glenn enjoys playing most sports, and living & working in the rural environment.
Andy Dick
Born in Oamaru, parents farmed in Omarama then brought a farm on the east cost of the lower North Island. Started flying in Canada and got my PPL in 2000 in Canada, then headed to Western Australia to drive road trains where I saved enough money to complete CPL in Bunbury WA in 2004.
Moved back to Masterton and started loading for Air Services Ltd. Robert Thurston oversaw my pilot training and I gained my Ag Rating in 2006. Ag Flying is a childhood dream come true. I enjoy working in the farming industry and building good relationships with farmers.
My main hobby is jetboating and anything outdoor related.
Phil Lay 
I was brought up on the family farm at Mangatangi near the “Red Fox Tavern” at Maramarua”. Thames Aerial Topdressing Company used to spread fertilizer on the farm annually. At the age of 5 I got my first ride in a Fletcher standing up beside the pilot and from that moment on all I ever wanted to be was a Topdressing Pilot. My Father used to try and organize the topdressing around the May school holidays, for my benefit. Once I left school I worked on the farm for three years while I was learning to fly. Once I had my Commercial License I applied to Fred Sawyer of “TAT Co” for a loader drivers job and I was sent to Dargaville and then to Pukekohe. This was the period of the farmer subsidies ending. I then went back to Dargaville to do my Ag Flying Training. Based in Warkworth, and then later in Thames with Fieldair and then Superair. In August 1999 we decided to make the big move to Australia and I was based in Griffith, NSW, as the company chief pilot. I was mainly spraying crops like rice and cotton and anything else you can think of. After eight & a half years of no coastline, rain and green hill’s we moved back to NZ, and we are very much enjoying our new home town. I am married to Jan & our son James is grown up. My interests are family life, fishing, hunting, boating and camping.
Derek Williams 
Derek first learned to fly in 1954. In 1955 Derek started work as a loader driver firstly for Tiger Moths with Adastra which later became James Aviation in the seventies. In 1960 Derek achieved his commercial pilot’s licence. Back then it was all Tiger Moths and 225 h.p.Fletcher. Derek started top dressing at Tauranga where he has been based ever since. He continued to work for James Aviation until forming his own company in 1983. Derek joined Super Air in 1988. Derek has worked in Malaysia with Super Air. In 1978, Derek bought an AT- 6 Harvard aircraft from the RNZAF which he still owns and flies at special events such as Anzac Day flypasts and Battle of Britain commemorations. Derek has four children and six grandchildren and enjoys rugby, tennis and anything to do with flying.
Ray Long 
Ray was born in Auckland and did an apprenticeship in sheet metal working. In the mid nineties, he and his wife decided on a complete change from city life and moved to Otorohanga to start a job as a contract milker for a year. Ray then joined Pacific AeroSpace (PAC) as an aircraft engineer in Hamilton before joining Super Air in 96, also as aircraft engineer. That year he also started his flight training. He and his family still live in Otorohanga on 25 acres where they run bulls. Ray flies about 25% of his work time as a roving pilot, going where he's needed most at the time – the rest of his time he works as an aircraft engineer in the Super Air hangar. The Longs have two young sons and Ray’s interests include off road racing of cars.
For all your Aerial Spreading needs phone
0800 SUPERAIR (0800 787372)
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