Hunter Livingston

Hi, my name is Hunter Livingston. I am based in Auckland, where I currently attend Rangitoto College. I am very excited to be in Stage 1 of the Hyundai NZ Pinnacle Programme. I am passionate about the outdoors, adventure, fishing, kayaking, wing foiling, exercise, friends/family and hot air ballooning! 

Hot air ballooning has always been a significant part of my life, with my grandfather and uncle both having careers as commercial hot air balloon pilots. I currently hold a student pilot permit and am working to accumulate my flight training hours, aiming to complete a solo flight to obtain my private balloon pilot license.  I'm pursuing this through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia and have already passed exams in balloon flight rules and procedures, aerostatics and airmanship, meteorology, navigation and radio operation. After earning my private license and finishing school, I hope to work for a hot air balloon company and gain more flight hours to explore where this passion might take me.

I am also highly committed to my academic studies, particularly business. I plan to pursue tertiary education after school and hope to gain valuable insights through the Pinnacle Programme as to how to balance and achieve my goals, as well as explore possible pathways and options for my future in business and hot air ballooning.

I am very grateful to have been selected for Stage 1 of the Pinnacle Programme. I can’t wait to experience the Spirit of New Zealand development voyage, and all that the Pinnacle Programme has to offer.