29 Jan 2016

Events Man Martin Wilson

From New Zealand Society, 2:20 pm on 29 January 2016

By Amelia Nurse

Martin in his hillside orchard

Martin in his hillside orchard. Photo: RNZ Amelia Nurse

At University, Martin Wilson studied politics, international relations, anthropology, psychology, geography, development studies, environmental studies, public policy, commercial law, and economics. 

He’s also a musician - but these days he spends most of his time as Events Manager for Capital Productions in Wellington. Following the success of his annual Birdman event, Amelia Nurse went to have a chat with him at his Aro Valley home.

Esther the chicken being interviewed

Esther the chicken being interviewed. Photo: RNZ / Amelia Nurse

Fleeting flights but soaring smiles

Participants in annual contest Birdman Wellington are challenged to "fly" off a ramp suspended over the harbour - ideally in costumes, and the wackier the better.

The original Birdman was hatched in Selsey, West Sussex in the United Kingdom in 1971 and it has since become an international event.

It was conceived as a human flight competition, with competitors launching themselves from a 10m high platform wearing self-devised flying devices. The winner is the person that achieves the greatest distance from the launch point - and, these days, the first prize is £10,000.

In Wellington, the launch pad is lower, and the primary point is to challenge yourself, create an awesome costume, enjoy the water and have a good time on Wellington Anniversary Day.

In this year's event, held yesterday, friends Holly and Sara came as "happy hula birds" festooned with bird hats, hula skirts, colour-coordinated bathing suits and leis.

They weren't scared, they said: "We did it last year as well. We were pirate parrots!"

Mack, 8, and Stirling, 11, who recently moved to Wellington, were first-time leapers - but Mack had jumped three times by the time RNZ arrived.

Neither had attempted to fly although, Mack said, "I wish I could".

Event organizer Martin Wilson said his personal goal was to promote environmental issues, family activities and creativity.

More than 40 brave fledglings of all ages took to the air this year and, although their flights were fleeting, the smiles soared.

 

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