Sir Harry Wigley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Henry Rodolph Wigley (1913-02-02)2 February 1913 Fairlie, New Zealand |
| Died | 15 September 1980(1980-09-15) (aged 67) Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Education | Timaru Boys' High School Christ's College, Christchurch |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse | Isabella Jessie Allport |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent(s) | Jessie Christie Grant Rodolph Wigley |
Sir Henry Rodolph WigleyKBE (2 February 1913 – 15 September 1980) was a pilot, entrepreneur, and pioneer of the New Zealand tourism industry.
Wigley was born at Fairlie in 1913.[1] In the 1930s, Wigley entered the family firm, theMount Cook Tourist Company of New Zealand which his fatherRodolph Wigley had founded, but he had begun pilot training while in his teens, and at the outbreak ofWorld War II joined theRoyal New Zealand Air Force, first as a flying instructor, then as a fighter pilot in the Pacific — leaving with the rank ofwing commander
Wigley had been captain of the New Zealand ski team in 1936–37, and after the war led his company in establishing new ski-fields and facilities atCoronet Peak andLake Ōhau.
In the early 1950s, Wigley also encouraged the company to involve itself in theaerial topdressing businesses, and on 22 September 1955 he successfully landed on the snowfield of theTasman Glacier with an Auster Aiglet aircraft fitted with retractable wooden skis of his own design. After that flight, which was reputed to be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, ski-plane trips to Tasman Glacier became a key part of the Mt Cook tourism.[2]
On11 January 1946, Wigley was appointed anOfficer of the Order of the British Empire (Miliatary Division), in recognition of conspicuous service in operations against the Japanese.[3] In the1969 Queen's Birthday Honours, Wigley was appointed aCommander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division), for services to the tourist industry.[4] His appointment was elevated toKnight Commander in the1976 New Year Honours, for services to the tourist, travel and aviation industries.[5]
Wigley died of a heart attack on a golf course inChristchurch on 15 September 1980.[1]
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