Curious Kara conquers the skies

Photo: BLUESKIES DIVING

"LIKE A BIRD": the irrepressible 90-year-old Kara Nelson

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One of Waiheke's best known peace activists turned down tea and scones and took to the skies to celebrate her 90th birthday.

While most people are happy to celebrate their special day with a party and cake, Kara Nelson decided she would rather jump out of a plane.

The nonagenarian was accompanied by friends Maynie Thompson, Skate and Suella - and Waiheke Marketplace - to her parachute jump destination at Parakai Airfield near Helensville.

Tightly strapped to Aaron of Blueskies Skydiving, Kara leapt from the plane at 12,000 feet.

She says she enjoyed the free fall before the shoot was deployed just above the cloud cover.

Before the jump Kara said she was not fearful but curious.

"I've wanted to do this for 30 years. I was going to do it when I was 60, then 70, then 80. So, as I might not make 100, I thought I'd better do it now."

After landing safely, the smiling 90-year-old told her friends, "Goodness me. I've done it. It was beautiful. I would love to be a bird".

- Waiheke Marketplace