From left, RIDBC ambassador and author Tara Moss, Harry
Moeke, Lyn Wairau, Te Rangi Moeke, singer-songwriter
Krystel Keller, Qantas captain Craig Lambert, Te Whetu
Moeke, Rodney Parker, Meri-Jade Lambert and Shilo Davis.
Photo by James Beech.
Queenstown welcomed the first fundraising flight by the
Australia-based Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
(RIDBC) to New Zealand on Saturday.
The 2009 Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight to the resort was
the eighth annual flight and was a sold-out event.
A full capacity of 168 passengers of all ages and
backgrounds, mostly from Sydney, but some from interstate,
paid $A750 ($NZ916) each to board the Boeing 737 for the
one-day cultural and adventure experience across the Tasman.
The charity was on course to raise more than $100,000 from
ticket sales for the institute's teleschool.
The teleschool provides education and support to children
with sensory impairment living in regional and rural areas of
Australia.
Qantas donated the 737's use, flight crew and ground staff.
Qantas Flight Catering and LSG Sky Chefs provided the
on-board catering, while Shell and ExxonMobil donated the
fuel.
The flight was piloted by Qantas captain Craig Lambert, who
joined his wife Meri-Jade Lambert, plus blind
singer-songwriter Krystel Keller and RIDBC ambassador and
author Tara Moss on Steamer Wharf.
The Lamberts' 5-year-old daughter Natalija is blind and a
pupil of the institute.
Mr Lambert said Queenstown had the the best landing in the
world and explained how RIDBC had supported his family in
raising Natalija.
Occupational therapy had taught her the basic functions of
life.
The institute helped set up her room to aid her mobility and
provided brail and 3D pop-up books.
Ms Moss praised the beauty of Queenstown's scenery and hoped
to return for a longer visit.
The institute was unique and its work was close to her heart,
she said.
"As a writer, I'm quite taken with the cause because of the
importance of expression and communication, and the fact that
these kids have special needs and they need the services that
the institute offers."
NZ Haka performed a traditional Maori welcome for the
visitors on the wharf before the group boarded the historic
steamship Earnslaw for a cruise to Walter Peak Station.
Visits to the arts and craft market on Earnslaw Park and to
Skyline Gondola rounded off their whistlestop tour, then it
was back to Queenstown Airport for departure.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.