Source: Airways New Zealand
Airways New Zealand today welcomed the appointment of Darin Cusack as the new Chair of the Airways Board and Danny Tuato’o as the new Deputy Chair, effective from 31 October 2025.
Darin is currently Deputy Chair of the Airways Board and brings extensive experience in aviation, transport and tourism. He has held chief executive and senior executive roles across airport, air navigation, aviation security and airline organisations throughout New Zealand and the Pacific region. Darin joined the Airways Board in April 2018 and will play a key role in guiding Airways as it continues to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable air traffic management services for New Zealand.
As a result of Darin’s appointment, Danny Tuato’o will step into the Deputy Board position. Danny joined the Airways Board in July 2023 and brings strong legal, leadership and governance expertise.
New Board Chair Darin Cusack says: “I look forward to ensuring Airways continues to perform strongly by delivering safe, efficient and resilient air traffic services across our vast 30 million square kilometres of controlled airspace, while understanding and adapting to the diverse needs of those who use New Zealand’s airspace”.
Airways’ Chief Executive James Young says the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the air navigation services provider, as it looks to the future and prepares to meet the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand’s aviation system.
“We congratulate both Darin and Danny on their respective appointments as Board Chair and Deputy Chair. The Board and Airways has benefited greatly from Darin’s broad aviation industry expertise and existing understanding of Airways, combined with Danny’s strong legal, governance and leadership experience.
“These skills, along with the continuity of having existing Board members appointed to these positions, will be invaluable as we build on the work already underway and continue delivering against our strategic priorities for building the future of New Zealand’s aviation system.”
The Board and Executive wish to acknowledge and thank Denise Church QSO for her outstanding leadership as Chair over the past seven years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Denise’s leadership during this period provided strength, clarity and stability at a time of unprecedented challenge,” Mr Young says. “Her steady guidance and focus on our people and strategic priorities have strengthened Airways’ foundations and ensured we are well positioned to deliver on our strategy for the future.”
“Under Denise’s stewardship, Airways undertook a significant reset of our strategy, reaffirming our commitment to our people, safety, innovation, and sustainability. This work has set a clear direction for the Airways and has set the company us up for long-term success in an evolving aviation landscape.
Denise Church QSO says: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Airways. I am proud of the progress we have made together and confident that the organisation is well placed to continue delivering on its strategy and meeting the challenges ahead.”
In addition, Board member Mark Hutchinson will step down on 30 October at the conclusion of his term. The Board and Executive thank Mark for his strong contributions during his time on the Board, particularly regarding organisational culture and leadership.
