Aviation Industry Association

24/04/2025

UAVNZ & S+SNZ Networking Event – Taupō
Thursday 8 May 2025 | 5:30PM – 8:00PM
Suncourt Hotel, Taupō
Sponsored by Cheal Consultants
Join us for an evening of networking, industry insights, and valuable connections.

This free event (for AIANZ members, students, and S+SNZ or Cheal clients) is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in the UAV and geospatial industries, exchange ideas, and explore business opportunities.

Speaker line-up includes:

Dr Isaac Henderson – Training and coordinating visual observers
Kim Gard (Operations Manager) & Steve Petersen (Safety Manager), Taupō Airport
Kurt Larsen, Cheal Consultants – Aerial mapping challenges in difficult sites
Peter Massam & Robin Hartley, SCION – UAV operations and autonomous systems
Entry is $20 for all other guests – and everyone is welcome.

Register here https://aianz.org.nz/member-event-250508/ and feel free to share with others in your network.

24/04/2025

Airways NZ’s proposed 7.7% annual price hike has sparked serious concern across the aviation sector. At AIANZ, we have raised the alarm, this level of increase is simply unsustainable. Airlines, agricultural aviators, flight schools, and tourism operators are already under immense financial pressure. We believe Airways must take a more realistic and transparent approach that supports, not stifles the recovery and resilience of our sector.
We're standing up for our members and pushing for meaningful consultation.

Don't be in a rush to be too plush, Air NZ tells the air traffic outfit.

16/04/2025

The Sponsor & Exhibitor Portals for the AIANZ Annual Conference 2025 are now LIVE.

We’re heading to Wellington’s Tākina Convention Centre this September to celebrate 75 years of aviation in Aotearoa — and this year’s event is going to be bigger and bolder than ever.

Sponsor opportunities across all levels
Premium trade exhibition spaces
Networking functions, keynote sessions, and our Gala Dinner at Te Papa

Let’s put your brand in front of aviation’s key players.

Check out the prospectus and secure your spot today: www.aianz.org.nz/annual-conference

15/04/2025

The Waitaki District Council notified their Proposed District Plan review on the 1st of March. Agricultural aviation activities are generally provided for as a permitted activity but not so for general helicopter activities. NZAAA has sent a summary of the proposed rules to local operators outlining the limitations. If anyone who operates in the district has not received our communique email us for a copy [email protected]

We strongly urge local operators to make submissions that close the 9th of May.
(Photo courtesy of 'Northern Advocate photograph by Michael Cunningham')

31/03/2025

Today we commented on the report in the NZ Herald on: "Auckland Airport trims airline charges after ComCom found its forecast revenue was ‘excessive’."

We believe that for commercial operators, the airport overhaul is excessive.

As report in the nzherald.co.nz:

Aviation Industry Association (AIANZ) chief executive Simon Wallace today welcomed the commission’s final report.

He said the report reinforced concerns AIANZ expressed last year about Auckland Airport’s charging regime which had “aviation operators and their customers bearing significant additional costs to fund the airport’s projects”.

Wallace said the proposed domestic airport expansion’s estimated cost of $7b was excessive.

“The cost of expansion would fall on all operators, not just larger airlines, but air ambulance and emergency services, commuter and regional carriers, freight activities and other general aviation activities by smaller aircraft such as survey operations,”

He added: “AIANZ will be keeping a close eye to see how Auckland Airport responds to the Commerce Commission in lowering its unfair charges”.

Some in the sector, including Air New Zealand, have also complained in recent weeks about a range of other charges or levies. (Read more here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/air-fares-airways-nz-proposes-77-price-increase-for-airlines-up-to-280-per-seat/RAVVNIR7H5B7HNMACNIAP4UGLU/)

These included costs imposed by the Aviation Security Service (AvSec), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as well as airport levies, fees, and charges.

Earlier this month, air traffic management service provider Airways NZ proposed an average annual price increase of 7.7% for airline customers from July 1.

Read more here: https://aianz.org.nz/aianz-nz-herald-20250331/

AIANZ CE, Simon Wallace, comments; NZ Herald: Auckland Airport trims airline charges after ComCom found its forecast revenue was ‘excessive’.

31/03/2025

Don't forget to fill out the unattended aerodromes survey before 16 April!

🙌 477 people have completed the unattended aerodromes survey. Don’t forget to fill it out before 16 April.

Massey University School of Aviation of Aviation is running an anonymous survey to measure the effectiveness of the Work Together, Stay Apart safety campaign.

If you operate at, or from, unattended aerodromes, we would appreciate it if you took some time to complete the survey.

You’ll help us gather insights into how well the campaign was received. We’ll then use those insights to identify opportunities and provide extra education and guidance to improve aviation safety.

Take the survey: https://massey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sG6JLJMVHgWIrI

28/03/2025

It was fantastic to have Mahanga Maru from Air Ruatoria drop by our office for a visit today! We caught up with a kapu tī (cuppa) and had a great kōrero (chat) about what we've been up to, on both sides.

We were thrilled when he decided to rejoin our community on the spot. Moments like these remind us of the importance of staying connected with our members. Which leads us to remind our members that you are always welcome to pop in to see us if you're in town.

Whether you need a place to work or just want to say hello, our doors are open, there is nothing quite like catching up kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face). Let's keep building a strong and supportive aviation community together!

Mā te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātou

In Unity We Find Strength

20/03/2025

Thank you James Meager MP for your keynote to an audience of Aviation Industry Association members and stakeholders at our Parliamentary event last week.

It was great to hear the Associate Minister highlighting the importance of our industry. We're proud to support the vast range of commercial aviation operations across New Zealand, yes from 'the little guys', small individual operators, all the way to major airlines, with tourism, agricultural, engineering, training and development operations and everyone in between.

Join AIANZ today for the opportunity for your voice to be heard, for us to help keep you operating, and your industry to thrive.

🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 https://aianz.org.nz/join-us/

UAVNZ
New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association
New Zealand Helicopter Association

Last week in Parliament I had the honour of giving the keynote address at the Aviation Industry Association function, outline the Government’s priorities for aviation in my role as Acting Transport Minister for aviation.

My key priority is improving regional air connectivity so we can make sure our people GO places, SHOW our regions off to the world, and GROW our regional economies.

20/03/2025

Proud to be Kiwis! This international recognition of the VAI Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award 2025 is an illustration of the social contribution aviation makes to emergency relief in times of disaster; over and above any economic contribution.

AIANZ Member Helicopters Hawkes Bay, along with Rotorforce New Zealand, and No. 3 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force are collectively awarded the 2025 Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award for their crucial roles during Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation of New Zealand’s North Island in February 2023. Read more and watch them in action video here: https://aianz.org.nz/vai-salute-to-excellence-awards-250314/

Aviation Industry Association

20/03/2025

Do you fly an Agricultural Drone? ✅

Do you feel a need for strong industry representation in the regulatory environment? ✅✅

Do you want to connect with other operators in the industry?✅✅✅

We have news for you.

UAVNZ and New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association have joined together to create a joint membership for Agricultural Drone Operators under the AIANZ.

This membership provides access to professional standards, a community of like-minded individuals, member events, cost savings, and consistent policy and advocacy work for the Agricultural Aviation Sector including Drones.

Share this with your Ag Drone community and together we can present a unified voice on all Agricultural Aviation matters.

For more information, visit the AIANZ website: https://aianz.org.nz/aianz-divisions/agricultural-drones-aviation-industry-association/

UAVNZ
New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association
New Zealand Helicopter Association

14/03/2025

AIANZ is thrilled to introduce an exciting new joint membership, designed specifically for agricultural drone operators!

This initiative allows individuals and businesses to join both the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) and UAVNZ under a single membership within the Aviation Industry Association (AIANZ)—offering the best of both worlds in agricultural and unmanned aerial operations.

With the rapid expansion of agricultural drone operations in recent years, this program ensures that members receive comprehensive industry support. UAVNZ brings expertise in UAV operations, covering essential areas such as pilot responsibilities, regulatory compliance, maintenance, and training. Meanwhile, NZAAA provides the crucial agricultural perspective, offering deep insights into chemical applications, operational best practices, and considerations unique to the agricultural sector.

By joining this combined membership, agricultural drone operators will gain access to:
✅ Professional industry standards
✅ A supportive network of like-minded professionals
✅ Exclusive member events and training opportunities
✅ Cost-saving benefits through n3 and other AIANZ partnerships
✅ Stronger advocacy for the sector, ensuring operators have a voice in industry developments

We’re excited about this step forward in supporting the agricultural drone sector. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how this membership can benefit you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Full details here: https://aianz.org.nz/aviation-industry-association-agricultural-drone-membership/

13/03/2025

AIANZ members, Government officials and media came together on Wednesday night for AIANZ’s annual function at Parliament.

Held in the Legislative Council Chamber, this year’s event was hosted by Andy Foster, NZ First MP and Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee with the guest Hon James Meager, the new Associate Minister of Transport.

Andy Foster introduced proceedings acknowledging some of the key issues facing the industry, including challenging economic conditions, regulatory matters and training and development policy settings. Andy demonstrated a keen interest in aviation matters along with his desire for a possible Select Committee inquiry into aviation.

Hon James Meager, speaking at his first aviation event in his new role, talked about the importance of regional connectivity, the development of the National Policy Statement for aviation, while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to the industry.

The President of the AIANZ, Ashok Poduval, in his speech, focused on the Funding Model, CAA performance, work on District and Regional Plans, and training and development matters. It was a successful evening and an opportunity for AIANZ members to press the flesh with politicians, officials, and media representatives. More photos here.

Read more here:

AIANZ members, Government officials and media came together on Wednesday night for AIANZ’s annual function at Parliament.

13/03/2025

We are thrilled to announce GOfuel New Zealand as the Principal Sponsor of the Aviation Industry Association New Zealand Conference 2025, to be held at Tākina - Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre from 14 to 16 September.

This continues our long-standing partnership with GOfuel, a company that has been a cornerstone of New Zealand's aviation fuel industry for nearly two decades.

GOfuel, established in 2005, has grown to become a nationwide leader in aviation fuel services. They operate the largest network of Aero Stop sites across New Zealand, with 27 Avgas and 23 Jet A1 locations, all accessible 24/7 using their state-of-the-art fuel card system. This extensive network ensures that pilots and operators can access fuel reliably, from Kerikeri in the north to Invercargill in the south.

As the Authorised Distributor for AeroShell products in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, GOfuel brings unparalleled expertise in aviation lubricants to our industry. Their commitment to providing high-quality products and services aligns perfectly with our association's goals of promoting excellence and safety in aviation.

GOfuel's support extends beyond fuel provision. They actively engage with the aviation community, offering training, technical advice, and sales support. This dedication to education and customer service demonstrates their deep understanding of the industry's needs.

We are particularly excited to have GOfuel's continued support for our conference. Their presence at previous events has been invaluable, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with aviation fuel experts and learn about the latest developments in the field.

Their sponsorship not only supports our conference but also reinforces the strong bonds within our aviation community. Together, we continue to propel the New Zealand aviation industry to new heights.

https://aianz.org.nz/conferences-workshops/annual-conference/

10/03/2025

Today, we had the pleasure of meeting Jehan Casinader in person as we move forwards with our Annual Conference planning for Wellington in September. AIANZ CEO, Simon Wallace and Operations Lead Stefanie Dixon were delighted to capture a moment with him before he jetted off to his next appointment.

We're thrilled Jehan is joining us as a keynote speaker and MC for the conference! Jehan's passion for storytelling, leadership, and mental health advocacy is inspiring, and we're so looking forward to the impact Jehan's perspective and engaging style has on attendees, as well as bringing a whole new level of energy to our event.

A huge thank you to Jehan for his collaborative approach, energy, and enthusiasm. We're looking forward to an unforgettable experience!

Conference Details: https://aianz.org.nz/conferences-workshops/annual-conference/



New Zealand Helicopter Association, UAVNZ, New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association

06/03/2025

We're thrilled to announce another keynote speaker for our September Conference. Katherine Rich, is the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, the peak advocacy organisation for New Zealand business, bringing a wealth of experience from her career in both politics and industry.

She served as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1999 to 2008.

Prior to joining BusinessNZ, Katherine was the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2023, advocating for the interests of grocery manufacturers and suppliers as well as advocating for trade liberalisation as a member for the APEC Business Council for five years.

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Otago. Her early career included roles in both the public and private sectors.

Katherine continues to be a prominent voice in New Zealand’s business and political spheres and her leadership at BusinessNZ focuses on fostering a thriving business environment and advocating for policies that support economic growth and sustainability.

Join us from 14 to 16 September 2025, to engage with Katherine's expertise and discover how her insights can shape your business strategy for the future.

Save the date - https://aianz.org.nz/conferences-workshops/annual-conference/ - 14 to 16 September 2025!

New Zealand Helicopter Association UAVNZ New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association

27/02/2025

So great to connect with everyone who came along to the UAVNZ networking event last night ~ we are proud to have sponsored the first one, bringing Aviation Industry Association members and Fenix UAS clients together.

Thank you to Bruce Peterson, who is the managing director of Aerospread Ltd and the chair of New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association, for his engaging session on safety between manned and unmanned aviation, and to Dr Andrew Shelley from Fenix UAS for his education on the use of Flight Advisor. Both were great and insightful presentations that led to productive questions and discussions.

Also a massive shoutout to Stephanie from Aviation Industry Association and Rochelle from Fenix UAS who were two driving forces behind the scenes for this fantastic event.

Where to now?
We're excited to announce another UAVNZ event on May 8 in Taupō.
Register here: https://aianz.org.nz/member-event-250508/

27/02/2025

Drone safety advice from Civil Aviation Authority of NZ

Failing to maintain good comms while flying your drone can lead to embarrassment. Maybe worse. In November 2024, an unmanned aircraft operator certificated under Part 102 had Airways staff at Rotorua Airport on tenterhooks, as their drone hovered over Runway 18/36, halting departures, and affecting....

26/02/2025

Great to attend the first of our member engagement, education and networking events in Manfeild tonight. Register for our next event in Taupō on May 8th here: https://aianz.org.nz/member-event-250508/