The smile was permanent on the face of a 10-year-old Queenstown boy after he was advised of his selection to meet and fly in a helicopter with the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Year six pupils from throughout the Wakatipu Basin were asked to write in no more than 50 words what they would like to talk to the Prime Minister about.

"The Queenstown Airport Corporation very generously made available a seat on the helicopter which will fly the Prime Minister from Queenstown to Dunedin after she officiates at the Queenstown Airport opening on Thursday, next week," Queenstown Lakes District Council communications manager Meaghan Miller said.

"We thought we have a spare seat, why not make an opportunity for one of our community's children that they will never forget," QAC chief executive Steve Sanderson said.

St Joseph's Primary School year six pupil Toby Dickson's entry was selected by Mayor Clive Geddes, who 'blind' judged the entries, unaware of any of the writer's details.

"The winning letter stood out for several reasons, in particular it showed a positive appreciation for the environment in which we live and a real will to think about ways to look after the environment into the future,"Mr Geddes said.

The other points of difference were that the author came from a family of five and spoke about having a 'great sense of humour' and 'always using initiative'.

The announcement took Toby and his fellow pupils by surprise this morning at St Joseph's Primary School.

"As I read out the winning letter, I could see this look of pure excitement light up his face. The grin became a permanent fixture, he was absolutely thrilled," Ms Miller said.

"Pretty surprised," were the few words an overwhelmed Toby managed but he was ready for the challenge and keen to talk about the issues dear to his heart.

"Global warming and recycling," he said.

Proud parents Lisa and John Dickson were on hand to congratulate their son.

"He takes the environment seriously, we're not allowed plastic bags at home. That's all his initiative" Mrs Dickson said.

Toby and his family will meet the Prime Minister at a private function after the airport opening before Toby accompanies Helen Clark to Dunedin on September 13.
The official public opening of the airport will take place at 12.30pm at the airport courtyard.

ENDS

For more information please contact Meaghan Miller 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah