At just 17, Zavier Rayner is turning a fascination with aviation into hands-on experience through volunteering at Classic Flyers.

Growing up in Tauranga, he spent his weekends at the airport, watching planes.

Visits to Classic Flyers and attending the much-loved Classic of the Sky Airshow helped turn that early fascination into a lasting passion.

“My love for aviation began when I was a little kid visiting Classic Flyers. I would spend almost every weekend at the airport with my grandma watching planes for hours.”

A turning point came in March 2023 when Rayner was photographing aircraft outside the museum and saw two former Royal New Zealand Air Force Harvard trainers flying overhead.

After they landed, Classic Flyers chief executive Andrew Gormlie invited him to take a closer look.

“I even got to sit inside the cockpit,” Rayner recalled. “When the second Harvard came back, I helped push it back by hand so it was out of the way.”

He later returned with sketches of the aircraft and was soon invited to join the volunteer team.

Rayner now contributes across the museum, from tours and birthday parties to aircraft movements, engineering support, and the cafe.

His curiosity and willingness to help quickly made him stand out.

Dave Northcott, a Classic Flyers team member and cadets programme trainer, said volunteers were central to the museum’s work.

“Volunteers mean everything to Classic Flyers. They’re the backbone of what we do and without them we wouldn’t be here,” he said.

“For Zavier, he’s become a natural leader. Some young 17-year-old is teaching me, nearly 50, how to do my job. I think that’s pretty cool.”

Inside one of the Classic Flyers hangars, where volunteers and visitors explore New Zealand’s aviation history. Photo / Classic Flyers

Northcott said he could move planes, service the planes, refuel planes, look after the shop and even help in the cafe.

He said he sees Rayner as an inspiration for teenagers.

“His volunteering has been a foot in the door to further opportunities for him.

“With support from people at Classic Flyers I’ve been able to start working toward my pilot’s licence,” Rayner excitedly shares.

“I’m now at the point where I’m almost flying solo.”

For Northcott, Rayner’s story showed the wider impact volunteering can have.

“We have teenagers helping out and we also have people who’ve retired after years of work. They enjoy the stories from each other and the older volunteers like taking the younger ones under their wing,” he said.

What began as weekends at the airport fence has grown into volunteering that preserves aviation history and builds skills.

Rayner showed how giving your time can open doors, spark new opportunities, and inspire the next generation of aviators in Aotearoa.

If you’d like to volunteer or your group needs support, Volunteering Services can help. Visit www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call (07) 987 0920.