30 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
293 views
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) proposes a 5% reduction in domestic and international passenger security levies due to improved financial stability and operational efficiency, potentially saving the aviation sector nearly $71 million by 2032. This reduction lowers the domestic levy from $10.91 to $10.36 and the international levy from $22.30 to $21.19 per passenger, benefiting airlines by allowing reinvestment of savings. While maintaining strong aviation security standards, the CAA will consider public feedback before finalizing the levy adjustments.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
332 views
A $640,000 loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been granted to South East Air to refurbish an aircraft, increasing Stewart Island Flights' fleet from four to five planes. This funding aims to enhance regional air connectivity, support essential services like healthcare and education, and boost tourism and business on Stewart Island. The loan is part of a broader $30 million initiative to sustain vulnerable regional air services and help airlines manage costs amid rising fuel prices.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
408 views
Significant progress has been made on New Zealand's Aviation Action Plan, with over half of its 25 priorities completed within a year, including funding for RNZAF Base Ohakea as an alternative airport and support for regional airlines. Key achievements also involve updating pilot training, addressing workforce challenges, modernizing civil aviation rules, and assessing future infrastructure needs. The government favors a voluntary passenger rights charter over regulation to allow flexible improvements, emphasizing ongoing collaboration between the Aviation Council, industry, and government to strengthen the aviation sector.
20 Aug 2026
2 months ago
509 views
The New Zealand government announced reforms to drone regulations aimed at boosting agricultural productivity by reducing red tape and simplifying certification for routine drone spraying operations. These changes will allow farmers to use drones for pesticide and fertiliser application with only prior notification to the Civil Aviation Authority, cutting costs and delays while maintaining safety and environmental protections. The reforms, effective mid-2027, aim to enhance competitiveness with international farmers by enabling more efficient, cost-effective drone use in agriculture.
07 Aug 2026
2 months ago
618 views
The Government is reforming regional airport regulations by introducing more flexible, cost-effective runway safety options, including shorter runway end safety areas (RESA) for smaller airports and arresting systems as alternatives. These changes will reduce unnecessary compliance costs, streamline approval processes, and enable a wider variety of aircraft to operate safely, supporting regional aviation growth and tourism. This reform aligns with international standards, promotes economic development by unlocking isolated markets, and reflects the Government’s commitment to modernizing New Zealand’s civil aviation rules.
29 Apr 2026
5 months ago
1024 views
New Zealand has launched an ambitious two-year programme to modernise its civil aviation rules, addressing 20 years of changes through 23 projects aimed at enhancing safety, security, and economic growth. Key initiatives include aligning regulations with international standards, enabling agricultural drone use, modernising pilot training, updating security rules for smaller airports, and reducing red tape for aircraft maintenance. Supported by strong sector consultation, the reforms aim to boost productivity, reduce compliance costs, and future-proof the aviation sector as part of the Government’s Aviation Action Plan.
25 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1475 views
Hamilton Airport will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to extend its runway by 255 meters, enhancing its capacity and resilience as a key hub for domestic and international freight and passenger transport. The upgrade, including apron expansion and lighting improvements, supports Waikato’s major manufacturers and exporters and provides an alternative airport option during disruptions at other North Island airports. The project, led by Waikato Regional Airport Ltd with a $3.3 million contribution, is expected to create up to 39 local jobs and strengthen New Zealand’s national aviation network.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1192 views
Masterton’s Hood Aerodrome has undergone significant upgrades, including runway improvements, new hangar sites, and enhanced infrastructure, funded by a $10 million government grant and additional local co-funding. These enhancements improve safety, meet Civil Aviation Authority certification, and support a range of aviation activities, boosting the region’s economic development and tourism potential. Additionally, $954,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund was used to strengthen flood protection and erosion control around the aerodrome, contributing to broader regional resilience efforts.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1333 views
New Zealand will enhance its international aviation resilience by enabling RNZAF Base Ohakea to operate as a 24/7 alternate runway for wide-body aircraft, supported by government funding for round-the-clock air traffic control. This upgrade, part of the Aviation Action Plan, improves flight viability by allowing aircraft to carry less fuel and operate at full capacity, benefiting tourism, exports, and regional economies. Additionally, the government and industry have collaborated on multiple initiatives to address workforce challenges, infrastructure needs, and sustainable aviation, signaling a strong commitment to future-proofing the sector.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1289 views
New Zealand is enhancing its international aviation resilience by funding 24/7 air traffic control at RNZAF Base Ohakea, allowing it to serve as an alternate runway for wide-body aircraft overnight, which improves flight viability and benefits tourism and regional economies. This initiative completes a key action of the Aviation Action Plan, which includes 25 measures to grow and future-proof the sector, with significant progress made through government and industry collaboration. Additional efforts include supporting regional routes, updating pilot training, promoting sustainable aviation, and addressing workforce and infrastructure needs to reduce barriers and foster long-term growth.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1256 views
New Zealand has increased the permitted number of space launches from 100 to 1000 to support the rapid growth of its space and advanced aviation sectors, which are significant contributors to the economy. This change follows a regulatory review that found low environmental risks for up to 1000 launches and provides long-term certainty for industry planning until at least 2050. The government aims to double the size of these sectors by 2030, ensuring continued innovation and investment while maintaining clear environmental standards.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1431 views
New Zealand will invest an additional $13.3 million over five years to enhance aviation security at 11 Pacific airports through new equipment, technical support, and training. This initiative aims to improve transport security, help Pacific states meet international aviation standards, and address trans-national crime and security threats. The Civil Aviation Authority will collaborate with regional aviation regulators and airport authorities to implement the program, reinforcing safe and secure air travel in the Pacific.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1169 views
New Zealand has introduced a pioneering advanced aviation rule enabling regulatory sandboxes for rapid, safe testing of new technologies without frequent Civil Aviation Authority approvals, benefiting innovators and the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre. Updated drone regulations simplify rules by clarifying permitted low-risk uses like surveying under Part 101 and transferring some higher-risk activities to clearer frameworks, reducing red tape while maintaining safety. These changes, effective December 22, 2025, aim to foster growth in the advanced aviation sector by balancing innovation with strong safeguards and responsiveness to technological advancements.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1257 views
Stefan Powell, co-founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace, and Southland student Sophie Ineson are the 2025 recipients of the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, recognized for their innovation and contributions to New Zealand’s growing space industry. The space sector has seen significant growth, with revenue increasing 53% to $2.68 billion and supporting 17,000 skilled jobs, highlighting its economic importance and potential. Both winners will receive financial awards to support their work and education, underscoring New Zealand’s commitment to fostering talent and leadership in the global space industry.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1250 views
State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown announced leadership changes at the Airways Corporation of New Zealand. Darin Cusack will become Chair effective October 31, 2025, succeeding Denise Church, with Danny Tuato’o appointed as Deputy Chair. Both Cusack and Tuato’o have been reappointed for extended terms, bringing valuable experience in aviation systems and safety, financial acumen, and risk management to help Airways navigate industry challenges.