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Current articles:

*  CROHN'S SURVIVOR SKYDIVES THE WORLD
*  NZONE 'MAKES A WISH' HAPPEN
*  NZONE'S NEW RECRUIT
*  STAFF TAKE TIME TO UNWIND
*  NZONE WINS BUSINESS OF YEAR AWARD
*  NZONE PILOT CLOCKS 1000 HOURS
*  NZONE BRAKE BURNER
*  NZONE TRIUMPHS AT TOURISM AWARDS

JULY 08

CROHN'S SURVIVOR SKYDIVES THE WORLD

Queenstown was the stunning halfway point for an Englishman skydiving his way around the world to raise awareness of Crohn's disease and

colitis yesterday.  Having lived with colitis since his diagnosis aged 26, John Hillam of Sunderland was told in 2003 he had developed cancer caused by the years of inflammation in his colon.  After surgery removed a chunk of his bowel and chemotherapy, he is clear but knows that surgery is not an option if the cancer returns.  "I got very sick from the chemotherapy last time ... I don't think I could do that again,'' he said.  After his last cancer check he decided "to go round the world skydiving''.  Mr. Hillam realized he might not get another chance and began organising his trip - 100 jumps and 1 million feet of skydiving around the world. Yesterday he passed the halfway mark and received two hundred and fifty dollars from Nzone "The Ultimate Jump'' Queenstown, for Britain’s National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease.  Nzone’s generosity, the donation and organising a free jump as well as free accommodation gifted by Aspen Lodge owners Sally Woods and Mandy White mirrored other experiences so far.  "I have had tremendous support from people - the sky diving community have been fantastic,'' he said.

Fellow travelers have donated spare cash, and even Air New Zealand waived his excess baggage fee.  Having resigned from work for his cause, that support has enabled him to travel to Ireland, Spain, South Africa and Australia so far.  After jumping in Wanaka and Fox Glacier over the next week, he will fly to South America, then the United States and Canada.

Raising awareness for the diseases is the tour's focus most people Mr. Hillam meets haven't heard of either Crohn's or colitis before.  Having dealt with painful colitis for 31 years he is forthright about what for many would be an embarrassing subject.  While he enjoyed food, eating was something that always "had consequences'' for Mr.

Hillam and spicy food was "right out''.  He said the pain and constant disruption of going to the toilet up to 15 times a day was tiring and it was rare to get an uninterrupted night's sleep.  People who had a ``constant need to go to the toilet'' should go to the doctor, he said.  "Young men especially, are often too embarrassed to go to the doctor when there is a problem  - I was,'' Mr. Hillam said.  He said usual symptoms were frequent, painful bowel motions, passing blood and drastic weight loss.  Colitis had shaped much of his life _ even restricting career advancement _but has now taken him on an experience which may lead him down a new career path.  "I don't know what I'll do [back at home],'' he said.  "But I have done a lot of organising in a short amount of time.''

To read more on Johns journey, check out his blog: 
http://roundtheworldskydive.blogspot.com/

JULY 08

NZONE 'MAKES A WISH' HAPPEN

16 year old Kate Kelly, of Doncaster, Melbourne, celebrated a major milestone of being clear of Leukemia for five years this April.  Kate celebrated life in the boldest of fashions by 'Embracing Life' as she took on the fear of a Tandem Skydive from 15,000ft above the spectacular location of Queenstown, New Zealand.

Through careful planning between the Make a Wish Foundation, Australia & New Zealand, Nzone 'The Ultimate Jump', were able to help share a dream with Kate in providing her wish to Skydive.

When Kate was aked by Derek Melnick, Nzone's Business Development Manager if she was nervous before her Skydive her response was: "No, no I am really excited.  At which point her mum Catherin added, "If you gave her half the chance she would try to fly the plane!"

Kate was joined in the plane for her 15,000ft Skydive by her brother Patric (15) and mother Catherine .  On the ground were brothers Vincent (8) and Nic (10), and John Kate's father.

On her week long trip in the Southern Lakes, Kate has also been snowboarding at Cardrona and jet boating with Shotover Jet.

Kate commented after her skydive, "This is going to be hard to top!"

JUNE 08 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOCUS FOR NZONE'S NEW RECRUIT

 An award-winning Queenstown adventure operator has expanded its management team with the appointment of Derek Melnick in the newly created role of business development manager.

Originally from South Africa, Derek moved to New Zealand in 2005 from Australia, driven by a desire to live in an alpine environment.  He joins Nzone's 40-strong Queenstown team based at its rural tandem skydiving dropzone.

Bringing considerable marketing experience and business savvy to Nzone's thriving operation, Derek has 15 years' experience in a range of management roles in both South Africa and Australia, and a Diploma in Marketing Management.

He was formerly a sales executive in Queenstown's real estate industry for two years and also completed a year of National Service in the South African Navy.

Robynne Williams, Nzone's general manager, said she was pleased to welcome Derek to the diverse business development role.

"Derek's strong background in sales, coupled with his passion for outdoor adventure activities, will brink a fresh perspective and energy to our team."

Derek said joining Nzone was an easy move because the company culture and philosophy matched his own.

"I have a deep connection to adventure sports and see the tandem skydiving product and Nzone's brand as a great fit for me.  Nzone is a dynamic organisation and an iconic tourism operation that is rapidly becoming synonymous with adventure tourism and Queenstown, " said Derek.

"I hope to add value by growing the distribution channel and development new and existing business relationships.  I'll also be focusing on strategic sponsorship and marketing opportunities that align with the brand, and helping to coordinate internal and external communications."

Nzone won the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association's 2007 'Supreme Award' and the Adventure & Visitor Attractions and Activities  categories in the same year.  The company has also been recognised by the Chamber of Commerce as Queenstown's Business of the Year and the 2007 winner of the Excellence in Tourism Award.

MAY 08

STAFF TAKE TIME TO UNWIND

Most colleagues unwind after a hard week with a run, movie or glass of wine.  Not innovative local skydivers
Nzone, who took to the skies in a 18-way freefall formation skydive above stunning Lake Wakatipu.

The formation features 18 Nzone sports skydivers, including freefall photographers, tandem masters, safety officers, parachute packers and ground crew

“Our team is a creative bunch and they like to set themselves a challenge or two during their down time. Creating a freefall formation like this is great fun for all involved and it’s an ideal way to enhance strong working relationships. Everyone is a crucial part of the team in the formation and communication has to absolutely spot on to get it right,” said Robynne Williams, Nzone’s general manager.

Photo credit: Scott Wingate

NOVEMBER 07

NZONE WINS BUSINESS OF YEAR AWARD

Nzone were delighted to be awarded with the Queenstown Business of the Year Award 2007.

The award was presented at a black tie dinner for the Mountain Scene Queenstown Business Excellence Awards, in association with the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce.

Nzone won its category, the 'Skyline Restaurant, Gondola & Luge Excellence in Tourism Award', and a capped off th evening and the year by winning the title 'Queenstown's Business of the Year'.

We're absolutely thrilled to be singled out as one of the best businesses in Queenstown.  This award is a credit to our team and the many suppliers who have assisted our teams' development.  I'm elated to see adventure activities being recognised at the core of Queenstown business." Robynne Williams, General Manager said.

Nzone has experienced a year of strong growth, which the company attributes to capitalising on changing trends, and recognising continued growth in the independent travel sector.  Earlier this year Nzone won the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association's 2007 'Supreme Award'.

NOVEMBER 07

NZONE PILOT CLOCKS 1000 HOURS

Kellie Haveman pilot at NZONE Rotorua has just clocked over 1000 hours.  Kellie started flying in February 2003, her enthusiasm for aviation started in 2001 when she attended an aviation awareness day.

Kellie gained her private pilots licence when she was 18 years old.  She went on to get her commercial pilots licence and then gained her instructors rating.  In 2005 Kellie placed 2nd in the Air Women's aerobatics competition.

Meanwhile she has gained her Parachute Drop and Multi Engine Instrument Ratings, her goal is to build up her hours and go onto to become a commercial airline pilot.  She admits 'I just love to fly'.  For now, Kellie flies a Turbine Walter Fletcher for NZONE 'The Ultimate Jump', dropping Tandem Skydivers out of the NZONE plane from 15,000ft above the Rotorua Airport.

'One thing most people don't realise is how beautiful the scenery actually is taking the Ultimate Jump from above Rotorua' she says.  She has also done four Tandem Skydive, and would like to complete the XLR8 Go Solo course.
 

NOVEMBER 07

NZONE BRAKE BURNER

This year Nzone has jumped at the chance to sponsor the inaugural Brake Burner.  Brake Burner is a Super D - 6 hour endurance downhill mountain bike race held at Coronet Peak on 2nd February 2008.  This race is the world's first, lift-accessed, 6 hour Super D, endurance race for recreational riders.  This unique event will encompass adrenalin, speed, thrill and atmosphere. It is the only 'gravity assisted' mountain bike endurance relay event with the aid of a chair lift.  Like a Super D race on steroids.

For more information and entry forms visit www.brakeburner.co.nz

AUGUST 07

NZONE TRIUMPHS AT TOURISM AWARDS
TOURISM AWARDS 

Queenstown and Rotorua tandem skydive operator NZONE (n-zone) is sky high with delight after winning the country’s top tourism award last night (31 August).

NZONE won New Zealand Tourism Industry Association’s 2007 Supreme Award as well as taking out the Adventure subcategory and the overall category of Visitor Activities and Attractions

Robynne Williams, NZONE’s general manager, literally flew onto the stage at last night’s gala dinner in Auckland to receive the award.

“Competition for these awards and the standard of entry gets higher and higher every year, so we’re absolutely thrilled to be singled out this time for our consistent performance and contribution to adventure tourism,” said Ms Williams.

NZONE was the first tandem skydive operation in New Zealand and the first to be awarded Qualmark endorsement at both its Queenstown and Rotorua locations. While NZONE was a tourism award winner in 2002 and has been a finalist in 2004, 2005 and 2006, this is the first time the company has won the supreme award.

NZONE has experienced a year of strong growth, which the company attributes to capitalising on changing trends, and recognising continued growth in the independent travel sector.

Ms Williams said the independent travel sector had embraced the Internet as a research and booking channel and, as a result, had moved toward direct pre-booking of holiday activities.

“There’s a definite trend for more pre-planning by adventure travellers. In the past, this breed of visitors would arrive at a destination with nothing booked, but it’s not uncommon now for us to have some bookings made as far as 10 months in advance,” she said.

“At NZONE our team continually strives to anticipate and respond to market trends, and at the same time enhance both our tandem skydive product and the way we deliver it.

“Undoubtedly skydiving will always be an edgy, adrenalin fuelled and personally challenging adventure. This industry is our passion, and that’s true for every single one of our team; how we hope we differ is by making sure that passion consumes our customers too.”

NZONE was one of six Queenstown finalists in this year’s Tourism Industry Awards. The company beat stiff competition from former Tourism Award winner Dive! Tutukaka and Shotover Canyon Swing to take home the Adventure Award.

QUEENSTOWN CHAMPION BRINGS RAY OF ‘HAPPINESS’ TO COMMUNITY

Local volunteer, Julie Yeo, was today named Queenstown’s first Ultimate Community Champion for her invaluable contribution to community organisations.

Julie works as a volunteer to prevent family violence in the community for the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network and volunteers at Happiness House, a drop-in centre that provides clothes, household items and social services to people in the community. 

She also teaches the Teen Abuse Prevention Programme (TAP) to Wakatipu High students, providing information on substance abuse, peer pressure, party pills, family violence and sexual abuse.

The Ultimate Community Champion is an annual campaign launched by Queenstown tandem skydiving company NZONE. Thirty nominations were received for the inaugural scheme, which rewarded Julie with $500 to donate to her choice of charity and an Exosfear 15,000ft tandem skydive with personal cameraman to capture her experience.

Julie was nominated by Sarah Deering, a fellow colleague from the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network. Sarah says she nominated Julie because she’s an incredible asset Queenstown’s community.

“She works tirelessly, often without recognition, and is always happy to volunteer what little time she has as a mother to four children. Julie is one of those people who just keep on giving and I think it would be really nice if something was given back to her.”

Julie says that she was completely overwhelmed to receive the award and is thrilled with the acknowledgement of her work.

“I’m very honoured as I know that there are lots of people who volunteer their time and effort to various organisations.  I’m passionate about the causes I work for, and, particularly in light of recent abuse cases, I think it’s really important to raise awareness of the organisations who try to make a difference.

“I’m lucky that by working for both Abuse Prevention and Happiness House, when people come in who need help I can point them in the right direction for support,” says Julie.

Robynne Williams, general manager for NZONE, says that she was rapt that so many people had come forward to nominate Queenstown’s unsung heroes.

“It was difficult to choose a winner as everyone contributed so much to the community in different ways.  Julie is selfless in contributing her time to help others, and for that reason she really stood out.”

FUNDING BOOST KICKS CONSERVATION WEEK OFF ON HIGH NOTE

The announcement of sponsorship for the Hannah’s Bay Wetland Restoration Project was music to the community’s ears yesterday, as Conservation Week got off to a promising star.

Local tandem skydiving company NZONE, who operates a drop zone in the same catchment area as the wetland, has committed funding to offset carbon emissions for the next two years. This financial commitment, calculated on annual flights, is estimated to total around $1,000 each year.

According to Community Restoration Project Coordinator Denise La Grouw, funding from organisation’s like NZONE is fundamental to achieving the conservation vision for the Hannah’s Bay area.

“Due to the increasing deterioration of the Rotorua Lakes water quality, local community members got together and formed the Hannah’s Bay Community Restoration Project in 2003,” said Ms La Grouw.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to secure the ongoing support from NZONE. They’re going to purchase trees for planting in the wetland and yesterday they rolled up their sleeves to help during our Conservation Week Planting Day.”

“It’s very important to create a wetland area that can be appreciated on a number of levels by the many hundreds of people living in our community. Not only is the wetland area a popular spot for walking and riding, it’s an essential wetland ecosystem and a prime place to educate children about environmental issues.”

“NZONE’s generous sponsorship was exactly what we needed to put into action our Wetland Restoration programme. It’s enabled us to buy plants which we’re not able to get as part of our other partnerships with Regional and local council,” said Ms La Grouw.

Sarah Christie, Sales Manager for NZONE, says the company looked into a range of local projects to support and it was the tangible environmental impact that made wetlands restoration stand out.

As well as providing financial support, NZONE’s team is helping to buy, transport and plant the new vegetation in the wetland.

Conservation Week is a Department of Conservation initiative running from August 5 – 12, spanning environmental projects such as land art, glowworm and Kiwi talks, group walks, a Te Amorangi Museum clean-up day and a Blue Lake pleasure paddle.

JULY 2007

FUNDING BOOST SUPPORTS TRAILS TRUST VISION

 An ambitious ten year vision for the Wakatipu Trails Trust took a significant step forward today with the announcement that Queenstown-based tandem skydive company NZONE has committed $4,000 to the Trust.

According to the Wakatipu Trails Trust Executive, Tina Haslett, use of local trails is growing year on year, but problems arise when tracks are built without provision for their ongoing maintenance. Ms Haslett says this is “an unfortunately common issue.”

 “Money from organisations like NZONE will allow us to develop a blueprint which clearly sets out what needs to be done to keep a track functional in its early stages for the many thousands of walkers, runners and cyclists using them.”

Established in 2002, the Wakatipu Trails Trust is focused on fundraising, trail governance and community advocacy.

“There’s an assumption that the Trails Trust is in charge of all local tracks, but we don’t own any land. We’re a voluntary group motivated to care take trails in the interim period between them being built and having a longer term owner,” says Ms Haslett.

 Getting a new trail open is often just the first hurdle; securing ongoing management is the biggest challenge.

“Until a trail is established, it’s difficult to secure agreement from the authorities for their long term care. Often a new trail needs time to prove itself before the level of ongoing work can be agreed to. This is where the Trails Trust fills a temporary role, caring for new trails during the early periods. It’s a critical time in the development of a trail, so it’s wonderful to have corporate funding to help us manage it.”

Funding from NZONE, committed over the next two years, has already been earmarked for a new Trails Trust initiative to help maintain the Jardine Park to Jacks Point track until a long term maintenance agreement is secured.

“We are hopeful that the Department of Conservation will eventually assume responsibility for this trail.”

“NZONE’s generous sponsorship was all we needed to put into action a programme to care for this trail during the transitional period, and we’re hopeful that other organisations will follow this example.”

“We have a great group of 350 volunteers, but it’s historically difficult to attract financial support for the short term trail maintenance that’s the backbone of the world-class trail and cycle network we’re determined to establish.”

Robynne Williams, general manager for NZONE, says she’d researched a number of environmental projects to support, but the Trails Trust stood out.

“Tandem skydiving is our passion and flying is a fundamental aspect of our business, but we’re also acutely aware of the impact our operations have on the environment,” says Ms Williams.

“Getting behind the Trails Trust with financial and physical support is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability. It’s incredibly exciting and rewarding to get involved in a project that’s on our doorstep and right in the middle of the area our business operates in.”

For ten years, environmental efficiencies have been in place across NZONE’s business.

“We work as close to zero-waste as possible by implementing waste management, recycling and vehicle efficiency programmes,” says Ms Williams.

The Jardine Park to Jacks Point track trail maintenance project will include spraying, line trimming, pruning and small culvert work. Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Trails Trust to take part. Work is scheduled to begin in early Spring.

“The success of our trails network relies heavily on keeping the routes clear of natural debris, making sure they’re safe and easily accessible. This can’t be done without money and many hands on deck,” says Ms Haslett.

ROTARY CLUB HONOURS LOCAL FUNDRAISERS

Local Rotorua operator, NZONE Tandem Skydiving, has this week been presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their role in the innovative charity fundraising ‘Rotarians Over Rotorua’ tandem skydive project.

The Certificate, presented by the Rotary Club of Rotorua Lakes, is in recognition of NZONE’s support for the charity project which saw community figures and Rotorua locals skydive to raise $16,000 over two years.

Annette Burgess, immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Rotorua Lakes, said NZONE’s support for fundraising had been outstanding.

“The team at NZONE has been absolutely awesome with their support of the Rotarians Over Rotorua project, from accommodating suitable dates for the skydives so that we were able to raise the most money possible, right down to making us feel at home at their Rotorua HQ.”

Keith Gallaher, NZONE operations manager, says it was a very pleasant surprise for his team to be recognised in this way.

“When Rotary got in touch to tell us about the award, it was a bolt out of the blue. We’ve been only too happy to support Rotarians Over Rotorua for the past two years, particularly since so much of the money raised helps local heritage projects and youth initiatives,” said Mr Gallaher.

“It’s rewarding to know that funds have also been used by the Rotary Foundation, the largest charitable organisation in the world, for projects like eradicating polio. We’re pledging our support here and now for next year’s fundraiser too.”

This year the Rotarians Over Rotorua funding supported the Rotorua Museum Centennial Trust, Cure Kids, ROMAC - an organisation which provides much needed surgery for people around the world, and the Rotary Foundation.

In 2006 the funds helped the Rotorua Museum Centennial Trust for the extension of The Bath House and provided sponsorship of Rotary Youth Programmes and the Rotary RotoHomes Project in Fiji.

To date more than 110,000 customers have tandem skydived from NZONE’s attention grabbing aircraft in Rotorua and Queenstown. One notable customer was plucky Skydiving Supergran Helen Collins, who skydived during Rotarians Over Rotorua at the grand age of 84.

NZONE TAKES A DIVE INTO INDIAN MARKET

By Owen Hembry – NZ Herald

NZONE hopes with the right information, the Indian market will grow.

Established skydiving tourism operator NZONE has been strapping people to its belly and jumping out of planes for 17 years, but an enterprise trip to India is opening up a whole new market.

The traditional customer is aged between 18 and 35 and comes from Australia, Britain, parts of Europe, and the United States.

But sales manager Ben Chapman said the customer base was broadening and more people in their 40s, 50s and 60s were jumping. The company’s oldest skydiver was 96 and the youngest only 6.

NZONE had about 12,000 customers a year at its Queenstown centre and about 3000 in Rotorua. An increasing number came from India.

“They are the rich, they’re the elite, so there’s very much a, ‘I wear these clothes, I drive this car, I travel to places like New Zealand and I partake in these activities'," Chapman says. “It is a bit of a status thing."

In March, the company joined a week-long Tourism New Zealand enterprise mission to India, during which they held meetings with 14 key travel industry companies and gave presentations to about another 100 firms in Delhi and Mumbai.

The reception was exceptional, Chapman said. “Obviously, we’re well established in New Zealand and we are a product that, for our core markets, is maturing. In India it’s a very new product."

NZONE’s Indian market was still small but growing - up about 46 per cent between May 2005 and May last year. “It’s made us realise that even though we have a company that’s 17 years old, there are still new markets that have really no concept of our product. With the right education and information they will want to experience it."

According to Statistics New Zealand, 21,038 people visited New Zealand from India during the year ended May, still a relatively small number but an increase of 11.5 per cent on the previous year.

“Because those 20,000 people only deal with a select number of travel trade [companies] that deal with New Zealand, their awareness is high and so we expect significant growth within that market in terms of share going forward," Chapman said.

The family summer season for Indian travellers was between March and May, Chapman said. “May is our down time so we’ve suddenly got a significant increase in business in a time that we’re normally quiet," he said. “It does make a huge difference for us."

Tourism New Zealand‘s contacts were invaluable, and working with the international marketing body was as good as having staff in India, Chapman said. “The scenario is relatively simple: when you pull up in Auckland to an office, it’s well signposted and you walk in the door to reception and go to the person you’re supposed to meet," he said.

“But in India, you walk down an alley, through a door and up three flights of rickety stairs and suddenly you’re in an office of 20 people."

MAY 2007

NZONE SHORT LISTED FOR COVETED TOURISM AWARD

NZONE has been named as a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards 2007. The company’s nomination is in the ‘Adventure Activity’ category.

“We’re thrilled to have our operation recognised by reaching finalist status. We’re in Rotorua at the Tourism Rendezvous NZ conference right now, and receiving some great feedback on our achievement,” said General Manager Robynne Williams.NZONE has experienced a year of strong growth, which the company attributes to capitalising on changing trends, and recognising continued growth in the independent travel sector.

Ms Williams said the independent travel sector had embraced the Internet as a research and booking channel and, as a result, had moved toward direct pre-booking of holiday activities.

 “Traditionally the psychology of the adventure market has been to plan nothing, arrive at a destination, then make activity decisions. This is definitely changing to a pre-planning focus,” said Ms Williams.

“The growth of the Internet as a booking channel, coupled with the fact that people want to maximise their holiday time, means there is more planning before they leave home. We have some bookings as far out as 10 months in advance, which would have been unheard of a couple of years ago.

”NZONE directors have grown their business from a modest staff of three in 1990, to a team of 40 full-time, dedicated skydiving enthusiasts spanning their Queenstown and Rotorua operations.

As Queenstown’s only tandem skydive company, NZONE operates from their private airstrip on farm land just twenty minutes from the town centre.As New Zealand industry leaders, NZONE’s business philosophy focuses on value coupled with exceptional quality. To date more than 100,000 customers have tandem skydived from NZONE’s iconic aircraft (see image attached). 

The company challenges customers to experience the adrenalin-fuelled freefall of the ‘Exosfear’ 15,000ft jump, ‘Stratosfear’ 12,000ft jump or ‘Troposfear’ 9,000ft jump.

NZONE is one of six Queenstown operators named as this year’s Tourism Industry Awards finalists and one of three adventure activities short listed in New Zealand overall. Following finalist evaluation and site visits, winners will be announced in August 2007.

NZONE was a tourism award winner in 2002 and finalists in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The company was the first tandem skydive operation in New Zealand and the first to have been awarded the Qualmark endorsement at both its Queenstown and Rotorua locations.

“This trend-setting sport continues to grow in popularity and tandem skydiving is rated amongst the top three adventure activities undertaken by international visitors to New Zealand,” said Ms Williams.

Queenstown was the stunning halfway point for an Englishman skydiving his way around the world to raise awareness of Crohn's disease and colitis yesterday.  Having lived with colitis since his diagnosis aged 26, John Hillam of Sunderland was told in 2003 he had developed cancer _ caused by the years of inflammation in his colon.  After surgery removed a chunk of his bowel and chemotherapy, he is clear but knows that surgery is not an option if the cancer returns.  ``I got very sick from the chemotherapy last time ... I don't think I could do that again,'' he said.  After his last cancer check he decided ``to go round the world skydiving''.  Mr. Hillam realized he might not get another chance and began organising his trip _ 100 jumps and 1 million feet of skydiving around the world. Yesterday he passed the halfway mark and received two hundred and fifty dollars from Nzone ``The Ultimate Jump'' Queenstown, for Britain’s National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease.  Nzone’s generosity, the donation and organising a free jump as well as free accommodation gifted by Aspen Lodge owners Sally Woods and Mandy White mirrored other experiences so far.  ``I have had tremendous support from people _ the

sky diving community have been fantastic,'' he said.

Fellow travelers have donated spare cash, and even Air New Zealand waived his excess baggage fee.  Having resigned from work for his cause, that support has enabled him to travel to Ireland, Spain, South Africa and Australia so far.  After jumping in Wanaka and Fox Glacier over the next week, he will fly to South America, then the United States and Canada.

Raising awareness for the diseases is the tour's focus most people Mr. Hillam meets haven't heard of either Crohn's or colitis before.  Having dealt with painful colitis for 31 years he is forthright about what for many would be an embarrassing subject.  While he enjoyed food, eating was something that always ``had consequences'' for Mr.

Hillam and spicy food was ``right out''.  He said the pain and constant disruption of going to the toilet up to 15 times a day was tiring and it was rare to get an uninterrupted night's sleep.  People who had a ``constant need to go to the toilet'' should go to the doctor, he said.  ``Young men especially, are often too embarrassed to go to the doctor when there is a problem _ I was,'' Mr. Hillam said.  He said usual symptoms were frequent, painful bowel motions, passing blood and drastic weight loss.  Colitis had shaped much of his life _ even restricting career advancement _but has now taken him on an experience which may lead him down a new career path.  ``I don't know what I'll do [back at home],'' he said.  ``But I have done a lot of organising in a short amount of time.''