At WASSI, we exist to secure the future of The Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School by providing the critical support it needs to thrive.

We operate as a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven society. We are committed to building a modern, sustainable fleet while still managing, refurbishing, and standardising aircraft. 

While the aircraft are not at The Walsh, we lease aircraft where possible to flight training organisations around New Zealand to help cover costs and ensure long-term viability.

WHO WE ARE.

WASSI members come from many backgrounds, including past and current flying instructors and staff at The Walsh, former students, and people who support the school and youth opportunities

All aircraft used at The Walsh must meet the minimum standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, but their condition varies. Finding enough suitable aircraft is becoming harder, which could impact the future of The Walsh. This may limit the school’s ability to provide aviation experiences for young people in the wider community.

WASSI was created to support The Walsh by helping provide the safest training aircraft for its students and limiting the challenge of sourcing suitable aircraft 

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WASSI’S
Direction

WASSI plans to build a fleet of ten two-seat aircraft and one four-seat aircraft. After discussions with Air Traffic Controllers from Airways New Zealand who regularly attend The Walsh, it was recommended that the fleet include a mix of high-wing and low-wing aircraft to improve control, separation, and safety.

At the 2026 school, WASSI supplied five Piper PA-38 Tomahawk aircraft and one Cessna 152 Aerobat for flight training.

Each aircraft has undergone significant refurbishment, depending on its condition at purchase. The goal is to create a modern, safe, and highly standardised training fleet.

All WASSI aircraft are equipped with modern avionics, including electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS), ADS-B Out and In transponders, VFR navigation and traffic displays, and high-quality radios.

To improve visibility and help controllers manage traffic in the often busy Matamata Aerodrome circuit, bold colour panels were recommended, with aircraft painted in different colours rather than all the same. For this reason, WASSI chose bright colour schemes and installed LED lighting.

WASSI aircraft certainly stand out.

WASSI Committee

The Committee of The WASSI is made up entirely of passionate volunteers
who generously give their time, skills, and experience.
They receive no salary or financial reward for their service- their contribution is driven purely by
their commitment to The Walsh community and their belief in the personal development
and opportunities it creates for young people.

Read Our Constitution Here

  • Mark Woodhouse

    Chairperson, Nelson

  • Steven Bodt

    Treasurer, Auckland

  • Janelle Rouse

    Secretary, Wellington

  • James Hillson

    Committee Member, Wellington

  • Jason Robson

    Committee Member, Hawkes Bay

  • Grant Reidy

    Committee Member, Auckland

  • John Hamilton

    Committee Member, Hawkes Bay