About Us

Staff photo with helicopter in background

TIM BARROW

DIRECTOR / CHIEF HELICOPTER PILOT

EMAIL: tim@volcanicair.co.nz

PHONE: +64 27 494 2092

Tim has an aviation career extending over 35 years operating in all fields of helicopter aviation including; Commercial, Agricultural, Fire Fighting, Search and Rescue, Tourism, and Charter operations. He has flown extensively in New Zealand and Australia and even had a brief period operating helicopters in Borneo. Tim’s qualifications include endorsements in excess of 14 different helicopter types including both single and multi engine aircraft and he is a qualified Airline Flight Examiner. Tim has been based in Rotorua for a large part of his life, rating the local landscape including its Volcanoes, Lakes, National Parks and Geothermal reserves as some of New Zealand’s most interesting, beautiful and diverse scenery.

IAN JOLLY

CEO / DIRECTOR / HELICOPTER PILOT

EMAIL: ian@volcanicair.co.nz

Ian Jolly is a local of Rotorua, an accomplished businessman and an enthusiastic aviator. He joined the company mid 2023. Ian brings a wealth of business acumen combined with a passion for aviation to his role as CEO. Ian’s love for flying spurred him to get his fixed-wing license in 1983 and his helicopter license in 2015. Having flown extensively throughout New Zealand, he is passionate about the local area and has called Rotorua home for most of his adult life.

Man posing next to front of DHC floatplane

STEVEN NEWLAND

CHIEF FLOATPLANE PILOT / FLIGHT EXAMINER

EMAIL: steven@volcanicair.co.nz

PHONE: +64 21 459 007

Originally from the small town of Thames in the Coromandel Peninsula, Steve’s flying career started when he was 18 years old. He has amassed over 4000 hours of flying across New Zealand and Australia on multiple aircraft types, both land based and sea planes. Steve started flying floatplanes in Rotorua in 2007, left, and then returned again in 2018. Steve sets the standard by working hard but having as much fun as possible while he does so – and if you drop a prized possession off the jetty into the water, you can bet he will go swimming to get it back for you!

NATASHA HISLOP

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SALES & MARKETING Coordinator

EMAIL: info@volcanicair.co.nz

PHONE: +64 7 348 9984

Natasha Hislop is proud to call Rotorua home. Drawn to the region’s natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable geothermal landscape, she has built a career doing what she loves most—welcoming visitors from every corner of the globe. Working in tourism feels like the perfect fit for Natasha; being part of a supportive, energetic team and helping guests discover Rotorua’s magic is what truly fills her cup.

Whether she’s creating smooth guest experiences, sharing local insights, or adding a warm smile to someone’s adventure, Natasha brings genuine enthusiasm to every day. For her, the joy of the job comes from the people—her colleagues, the travellers she meets, and the stories they exchange along the way.

Alice Barrow

Client Relations, Commercial Sales & Accounts Coordinator

EMAIL: info@volcanicair.co.nz or alice.barrow@volcanicair.co.nz

PHONE: +64 7 348 9984

Alice first worked at Volcanic Air in the summer of 2017 before returning to the office full-time in 2023. After a short stint out of the office, she is now back in her role as Client Relations, Commercial Sales and Accounts Coordinator. She brings a wealth of local knowledge, gained through a range of tourism roles across Rotorua, making her a valuable part of the team.

Alice holds a Diploma in Tourism and Travel from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and has also spent time working as a Stud Groom at Waikato Stud, alongside experience within the wider equine industry and Rotorua’s tourism sector. Drawn back by her passion for tourism and strong connection to her hometown, she has since rejoined the industry. Alice is currently working towards her private fixed-wing licence—so don’t be surprised if you spot her in the pilot’s seat in the near future.

JOSH AXTENS

HELICOPTER PILOT

EMAIL: helicopters@volcanicair.co.nz

Josh joined the Volcanic Air team in early 2024, bringing with him over nine years of aviation experience and five helicopter type ratings. He earned his Commercial Pilot Licence in 2019 while flying in the stunning landscapes of Wanaka, before spending the next four years honing his skills across Australia. Now back in Aotearoa, Josh’s favourite machine—the Squirrel AS350—takes him all over the North Island on a variety of missions including commercial operations, firefighting, tourism, and charter work. A proud dad of three, Josh loves nothing more than exploring the beauty of the Bay of Plenty with his family.