Gliding New Zealand controls the sport of gliding

Gliding

Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne. The word soaring is also used for the sport.Gliding as a sport began in the 1920s...

 in New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

 for those clubs and other organisations that are affiliated to it. It was established after the Second World War to:

• Liaise with government agencies in particular with the Civil Aviation Authority and Airways Corporation of New Zealand
• Establish and publish procedures and operating standards
• Manage the training for pilots, instructors, engineers, and tow pilots
• Maintain standards for training and the operation of gliders
  Glider (sailplane)
  A glider or sailplane is a type of glider aircraft used in the sport of gliding. Some gliders, known as motor gliders are used for gliding and soaring as well, but have engines which can, in some cases, be used for take-off or for extending a flight...
  
  and tow planes
• Encourage competitions
• Liaise with international gliding organisations
• Promote the sport of gliding

GNZ has 32 constituent members (clubs), who represent some 1000 pilots and operate over 300 gliders. GNZ represents 11% of all certificated/ licenced pilots in New Zealand and 10% of all registered aircraft in New Zealand.

GNZ annually elects an Executive Committee (President, Vice President and three Members) and a Secretary. Persons appointed to the following positions assist the Executive Committee:

• Operations Officer
• Airworthiness Officer
• Airspace Officer
• Executive Officer

Each of the National Officers is supported by appointed Committee members who have responsibility for the various regions of New Zealand. GNZ officers conduct on-going audits of operational and maintenance activities. There are additionally a number of other appointees such as the Medical Officer, Awards Officer, Quality Manager, Publicity Officer, and the Webmaster.