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 MANAGER

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.

EMMA-SUE MARRINER

CUSTOMER SERVICE & LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

EMAIL: info@volcanicair.co.nz

PHONE: +64 7 348 9984

Born and raised right here in Rotorua, Emma-Sue brings local pride to our Volcanic Air team. After studying accounting at the University of Canterbury, she followed her creative side to earn a degree in interior design from the Institute of Interior Design New Zealand. When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find her running the trails of the Redwoods, grabbing a bite at Eastwood Café, walking her dog, or taking a refreshing swim in Lake Tarawera. And if she’s away from Rotorua? Chances are she’s soaking up the sun on the beaches of Rarotonga. She is also an aspiring helicopter pilot and is starting out with her license! Maybe we will see her change from Customer Service & Logistics Coordinator to Helicopter Pilot in the near future!

BEN OVERINGTON

FLOATPLANE PILOT

EMAIL: floatplanes@volcanicair.co.nz

Ben started flying floatplanes for Volcanic Air in September 2024. Growing up in Cambridge, he found his passion for flying after being given a trial flight. Earning his Fixed Wing Private Pilot Licence in 2019 and Commercial Licence in 2020, Ben has flown across both the North and South Islands. He worked in Real Estate for 3 years in Mount Manganui, but flying kept calling him back. After a year of overseas travel, Ben returned home and connected with Volcanic Air. His skill, professionalism, and persistence made him a natural fit. When he isn’t zooming around the skies (and waters), Ben can be found teaching others to fly through the Rotorua Aero Club, or shanking golf balls at one of the golf courses around town!

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.