Wanaka Helicopters Staff

Behind any operation there are always the unsung heroes that keep business affairs in order and assist in the overall smooth running and day to day operations.

Our hard working, indispensable staff:

Nick Millar

Nick started his flying career with Wanaka Helicopters in 1998, and after achieving a Commercial license, went on to gain a Grade 2 Agricultural Rating.

Nick then flew as an agricultural pilot for many years in addition to working on many varied commercial operations including charter, heliskiing, sling, pest and wild animal recovery, film and photography in Southland, Otago and Fiordland.

As a senior B category Instructor with over 4000 hours flight time, Nick has trained many pilots who have benefitted from his broad experience and practical, efficient manner.

Dan Harrison

Dan is from a farming background, having grown up in Geraldine in South Canterbury. He learnt to fly in Timaru, gaining his CPL in 2007. Dan accumulated his hours flying commercial operations, in Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters on many diverse jobs such as farming activities, sling ops, mustering, charter and night frost protection.

After gaining his Instructor rating, Dan worked for a helicopter flight training school in Te Anau. Dan is a B category instructor with over 1200 hours flight experience.

Carolyn Spencer-Bower

Office Administrator and Business Manager

Carolyn has worked with Simon in the helicopter business for more than 30 years. Carolyn started her working life in Real Estate, and has the distinction of being NZ's first female, licensed real estate agent. Carolyn has been instrumental in Wanaka Helicopters gaining the Qualmark, Enviro Bronze, Sustainable Tourism and NZ Qualifications Authority accreditations. Carolyn's business and administration skills are invaluable and if you really want to know whats going on, talk to Carolyn!!.

In her limited spare time, Carolyn enjoys pursuing folk art, home crafts and family activities.

Shae Mills

Reception and Administration

As front desk receptionist, Shae will probably be the first cheerful face or voice you will encounter on visiting or contacting Wanaka Helicopters. Shae originates from Alexandra and is a very capable, outgoing, enthusiastic and helpful person. After a number of years overseas Shae says that Central Otago is one of the most beautiful and amazing places to live. She has a background in marketing, retail sales and customer service. Shae is a keen sports woman, participating in particular, in touch rugby and rowing.

Adele Child

Accounts

Adele has worked for Wanaka Helicopters for many years and now, together with Carolyn, attends to the fiscal and accounting side of the business. Adele has lived with her family in Otago all her life and amongst her many talents she is a scientific glass blower. Adele is a keen sportswoman, playing competitive squash on a regular basis and as an outdoors person, can often be seen cruising on her BMW 650GS motor cycle.

Simon Spencer-Bower, QSM

Owner/CEO, Chief Flying Instructor (the Boss)

Simon was raised as a sheep farmer and learnt to fly aeroplanes soon after leaving school in 1967. In 1980 he gained his helicopter license after which he gave up his farming interests and pursued an aviation career. Simon’s early aviation passion was aerobatics which led to him flying various types of desirable warbird aircraft. Helicopter flight training however has been the main focus of his helicopter career.

Simon has won a number of awards throughout his career mainly relating to aviation safety and in 2010 was awarded the Queens Service Medal (QSM) for services to aviation. Simon’s interests outside of aviation include motor sport, photography, family and travel.