About Izardair

To ensure Izardair’s customers receive the very best service and professional care our team are well qualified and committed.

Richard Izard was awarded the CNZM in recognition of  his services to business and the community in 2012 and an OBE in 1994, and is the current CEO of Izardair.

Richard is renowned in New Zealand and throughout the international business community as a passionate man who knows a lot about being successful in business.

A true entrepreneur and experienced businessman, Richard saw a gap for a luxury air charter service and scenic flight operation, with a difference. Combining his love of aviation and his spirited business acumen, Richard’s creation of Izardair is now one of New Zealand’s most premier luxury air charter services.

Richard is best known for his highly successful company that exported tungsten carbide tipped saw blades to the world. Against some challenging odds, Richard developed a manufacturing and exporting company in New Zealand, in the early 80’s. He still remains a strong advocate for the development of the manufacturing industry, in New Zealand and has invested extensively in New Zealand over the last 30 years.

As an extension to his successful career, Richard is now committed to New Zealand’s newest luxury air charter service.

Darren Kirkland
CHIEF PILOT / OPERATIONS MANAGER

With 11,000 hours total flying time, Darren holds an Air Transport License, and his experience includes work in the United Kingdom for British Airways City Express on RJ100 Jet and Embraer 145 Jet. He has also worked extensively in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, flying tourist safari charters. Currently Darren is a Training Captain for Eagle Airways (Air NZ) and the Chief Pilot for Izardair.

Mark Funnell
PILOT

With over 8,000 hours total flying time, Mark holds an Instrument rating, Instructors rating, and an Examiners rating on his airplane license. He also holds an Airline Transport Pilot License on Airplanes. Mark has logged many hours for Taupo Tandem Skydiving and the Air Ambulance. He has worked for Eagle Airways (Air NZ) as a co-pilot on the Metroliner, and then moved onto the Beech 1900, where he got his command and eventually became a Training Captain. More recently, he has returned to the family businesses, Helicopter Services BOP Limited and The Funnell Group, where he flies on both agricultural and rescue operations, outside of Izardair.

Daniel Murray
PILOT

With 1,800 hours total flying time, Daniel holds a Commercial Fixed Wing license with Instrument rating and a Private Helicopter license. Daniel started his career in the Okavango Delta of Botswana flying safari charters, and then returned to Taupo, New Zealand where he has flown for various skydive operators, as well as the Taupo Floatplane, where he flew scenic passengers around the region. Before joining Izardair, Daniel also worked for the Air Ambulance in Hamilton, flying an MU-2, turbo-prop aircraft.

Mike Groome
QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

Mike currently holds Certification from the International Auditor and Training Certification Association in;

• Aviation Safety and Lead Auditing (ISO 19011)
• Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2000)

Currently the CEO of the Taupo Airport Authority and Chairman for the NZ Aviation Community Advisory Group, Mike’s career has spanned many areas of the aviation industry including both fixed-wing and helicopter operations, and holds an Honorary Degree from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in Paris. Mike has also spent a number of years in aviation consultancy, specialising in Auditing, Risk Management and Certification.