NSAC Staff
The club is staffed by a professional, vibrant team who are passionate about your goals. The instructing team is made up of various graded instructors, from C to A, including flight examiners. So you can guarantee a high level of expertise.
North Shore Aero Club is governed by an executive committee. Our current President is Brent Hempel supported by our Vice President Douglas Kruger, Secretary Stef Gwilliam, Club Captain Christoph Berthoud and Committee Members Stephen Jones, Rob Fry, Ben Howard, Lance Hellyer.
Management
John Punshon
General Manager
John Punshon
John is the General Manager of NSAC. He manages the club, airport and flying activities and is the CEO of our Part 141 certificated operations. In his own right, he is also an A-Cat Instructor and Flight Examiner.
Daryl Gillett
Chief Flying Instructor
Daryl Gillett
Daryl is an A-Cat Flight Instructor and Flight Examiner. He has been with the club since 2005 and the CFI since 2008. Daryl is highly enthusiastic about delivering the highest quality flight training possible to our students and members whilst maintaining a safe and enjoyable learning environment. He is always approachable to discuss any aspects of your flight training here at NSAC.
Instructors
Paul Ryan
B-Cat, Deputy CFI, Student Liaison Officer
Paul Ryan
My adventure into aviation began way back in 2009 at Ardmore Flying School, where I obtained my PPL, CPL and MEIR. I came to NSAC in 2015 to obtain my C-Category Instructor rating and in 2018 I started working for the Club.
I quickly obtained my B-category Instructor privileges in early 2019 and haven’t looked back since.
Everybody starts their aviation adventure with a goal or target in mind, be it going solo to obtaining their PPL or even an Instructor rating of their own.
I have the privilege of being able to support and mentor people to realise these dreams. It is something I am extremely passionate and dedicated to and seeing people achieve their goals is always rewarding.
Tim Marshall
A-Cat/Safety manager
Tim Marshall
Tim is a vastly experienced instructor and has been around the club since childhood. He works full time for PADI.
Dawson Boles
B-Cat
Dawson Boles
Dawson is a part time B-Cat instructor. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Dawson has a lot to offer those with an appetite to learn.
Chantel Strooh
B-Cat
Chantel Strooh
Chantel used to be a full-time instructor but has reduced her hours due to a young family. She's certified to teach BMF and Aerobatics.
Brendon Sheehan
C- Cat
Brendon Sheehan
Always had an interest in planes, Flight Simulator and posters on the wall from a young age etc.
Kept flying part-time, gradually gaining Aerobatics and Night ratings, CPL, and Multi-Engine Instrument rating, all at north shore. Embarked on a C-Cat in 2019 as a new challenge, really enjoyed it and was provided with an opportunity to put it to work at NSAC at the start of 2021.
Currently instructing on the weekends, alongside my day job in Product Management and Pricing at New Zealand Post.
Highlights of instructing are supporting club members through their qualifications and seeing them progress towards their flying dreams; and getting the opportunity to work alongside an incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished instructing team – some of which have guided me through my own flying journey.
Most memorable flying moments are landing at Milford Sound and Stuart Island on club South Island trips, and test flying my father’s home-built RV9 after watching it be delivered to his garage as flat aluminium sheets a few years before.
Tegan Knightbridge
C-Cat
Tegan Knightbridge
Tegan is one of our young dedicated and knowledgeable instructors who is always ready to share her passion for aviation with future pilots.
We are happy to have Tegan as part of our esteemed group of flight instructors at North Shore Aero Club (NSAC), and we are confident that her experience, dedication, and enthusiasm will be invaluable assets to all who train under her guidance
Here is a bit of a back story from TK:
I started flying at NSAC in 2018, alongside studying Geophysics at the University of Auckland and competing internationally in Orienteering. I soon realised that I was more interested in flying than University so left after a semester and instead set my sights on a career in aviation. I gained my PPL after a couple of years, following this I wanted a change of scenery so enrolled at Nelson Aviation College and completed my CPL and MEIR during COVID-19 times. I then decided Auckland wasn’t as bad as I had previously thought and returned to NSAC, where I completed my C-Category Instructor Rating in October 2022. I really enjoy instructing here at NSAC, definitely cannot beat the view from the office!
Josh Jensen
C-Cat
Josh Jensen
Abigail Evans
C- Cat
Abigail Evans
Abi joined North Shore Aero Club back in July 2022 and with her wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, she is ready to guide you on your own path to becoming a skilled and confident aviator. We are truly fortunate to have her expertise here with us today
Here is what Abi saying about herself:
I was a juggler of many hobbies at age 16. Competitive international roller skating, field hockey, drama and production, flying. Like most teenagers, these were generally short-lived. However, flying was one that I just could not shake. I started my aviation career at a young age out of the Wellington International Airport. I pride myself on my experiences of “adverse” weather and busy airspace at the start of my training and took this skillset to Nelson Aviation College where I completed a double Diploma of Aviation, in Airline Preparation and Flight Instruction. My qualifications gained me an instructing role back at my home of Wellington Aero Club and after a year had passed, I made the tough decision to become an Aucklander…
The benefit of this choice is that I am now part of a fantastic team, instructing here at North Shore Aero Club. I am looking forward to experiencing more of the adventures and thrills that flying has to offer as we both embark on this journey!
Caleb Norrish
C- Cat
Caleb Norrish
Caleb started his flying career back in 2017 after completing a trial flight at North shore aero club where he also completed his first solo flight. He then moved to Ardmore Flying School where he finished off his PPL. After a short break, Caleb moved back home to North Shore Aero Club completing his CPL, MEIR and Instructor rating at North Shore before joining the team in 2022.
Caleb enjoys spending his spare time outside going for a surf, hitting the golf course or making some home brew. Caleb also works the bar on a Sunday night where he’s always open for a chat and a good story about flying.
Rhiannon Tarr
C- Cat
Caleb Norrish
Rhiannon embarked on her aviation journey at North Shore Aero Club back in 2020. It was here that she soared the skies solo for the first time. Following her passion, she transitioned to Nelson Aviation College, where she further honed her skills and obtained a Diploma in Aviation, specializing in Flight Instruction.
By 2023, Rhiannon's expertise brought her full circle, and she began her role as an instructor at NSAC, imparting her knowledge to aspiring pilots. When she's not soaring high in the skies, you can find Rhiannon embracing the great outdoors. She cherishes her moments on the beach and enjoys the thrill of hiking.
Angela Competente
C- Cat
Caleb Norrish
Admin
Tania Rameka
FInancIAL Administrator
Tania Rameka
Tania is a new addition to the team in 2021 and works in the account department.
Anton Ramenskiy
Marketing Manager & Events coordinator
Anton Ramenskiy
Anton is a new addition to the team in 2021 and works in marketing. You'll often see his smiling face around the club.
Tim Mahar
Airport Facilities Technician
Tim Mahar
Misha Underwood
Reception Administrator
Misha Underwood
Hi, my name is Misha, I work at reception at North Shore Aero Club.
I love meeting all our students who are so passionate about all things Aviation!
When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my beautiful crazy family, I also enjoy hiking and reading.
Jin Seo
Receptionist
Misha Underwood
