Sky's the limit: Sky-divers set NZ record

A group of sky-diving enthusiasts build up to their record-setting jump, which they made about 8.15pm last night.

As the sun went down over Lake Taupo yesterday, a group of 35 sky-divers set a New Zealand record.

The group of sky-diving enthusiasts, from all over the country, beat a record set in Whenuapai in 1992 when 30 sky-divers formed a so-called "big way formation".

Three planes were in the air carrying the 35 up to 15,000 ft and it took five attempts before they got it right.

Around 8.15pm, as the sun was setting on what was to be their last attempt of the day, the last limb was grasped and all 35 joined together to create the record.

Event organiser Sam Clark, whose company Stratoxsphere sponsored the event, said the group set the big way record by forming a "snowflake" in the air.

A core group of six in the middle are grasped by the legs by eight sky-divers around them, who are in turn grasped by the legs by another eight, and so on until all 35 are joined mid-air.

Mr Clark said yesterday 's record was the culmination of three months of preparation to ensure the attempt went off without a hitch.

"There was an attempt a while back which didn't come together, unfortunately. We put yesterday and today aside to put in as many jumps as possible to try and crack it.

"It's been absolutely awesome. The sky-diving community has really pitched in from all over the country."