The government has delivered New Zealand’s inaugural Aviation Action Plan, a 25-point framework designed to tighten regulation, strengthen the workforce, and sustain regional air services
The roadmap was announced on 15 September by Associate Transport Minister James Meager at the Aviation Industry Association Conference in Wellington. “Aviation is vital to New Zealand’s economic prosperity and our way of life,” he told delegates. “This plan is a practical roadmap that tackles the challenges head-on — from strengthening regional connectivity and passenger rights to embracing new technologies and building a skilled workforce.”
The plan is the first of its kind, drawn up jointly by government and industry through the Interim Aviation Council after the Air Navigation System Review. The sector contributes more than 5.6 per cent of GDP and supports thousands of jobs in trade, tourism, logistics and regional lifelines.
“We’ve made progress on several fronts, including $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support regional routes, and the start of a first-principles review of Civil Aviation Authority funding.”
The Interim Council will transition into a permanent Aviation Council to provide long-term oversight and refresh the plan every three years.
Reform of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) forms the backbone of the programme. The CAA, alongside the Ministry of Transport, will overhaul rules for drones and other uncrewed aircraft and roll out a two-year cycle of regulatory changes to speed up decisions. Certification delays are also in line for cuts through expanded resources and digitised processes. Pressure has mounted, with the International Air Transport Association branding New Zealand’s airport regulatory system “not fit for purpose.”
Ringa Hora, the workforce development council, will update pilot training by the end of 2025, creating a qualification approved by airlines and designed to be completed more quickly.
“The aviation workforce is critical to the success of the whole aviation system,” said Meager. “We need to make aviation an attractive and sustainable career path, so that the sector has the skilled people it needs to grow.”
The plan also aims to attract more Māori and women into aviation and expand international recognition of licences to improve staff mobility.
RNZAF Base Ohakea will be permanently available as an alternate runway for wide-body aircraft by December 2026, ensuring back-up capacity for Auckland and Wellington. The plan also directs mapping of future needs such as sustainable aviation fuel facilities, electrification of smaller aircraft, and electric vertical take-off vehicles.
Regional airlines are under pressure from fuel and maintenance costs. Sounds Air recently announced the sale of five Pilatus PC-12s and route withdrawals, while Air Chathams has faced financial strain. The Regional Infrastructure Fund will be used to help smaller carriers acquire or lease aircraft, refinance debt, and invest in IT systems.
Passenger rights are also under review. By 2026, the Aviation Council will improve accessibility for disabled travellers, while the Ministry of Transport will benchmark consumer protections on refunds and compensation against international standards.
The plan supports New Zealand’s net zero by 2050 goal through work with Australia in 2025 on joint supply chains for sustainable aviation fuel. The government will continue participation in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), while also exploring opportunities for electric aircraft and drones.
“This plan is not a one-off document,” Meager said. “It is a foundation for long-term change, with accountability built in, to make sure our aviation sector continues to connect us, lift prosperity and support communities across New Zealand.”