Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Acting Minister of Transport with responsibility for Aviation, Hon James Meager, has visited Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) staff to recognise the work of the Aviation Safety Oversight Group and the progress made over the past year to strengthen aviation safety and improve services for the sector.
The visit acknowledged the significant contribution the Group makes to maintaining a safe aviation system while supporting innovation, growth and the day-to-day needs of aviation participants across New Zealand.
Over the past year the Group has delivered improvements across certification, medical certification and regulatory oversight, helping reduce delays and improve the experience of aviation participants interacting with the CAA.
One of the most significant achievements has been the completion of CAA’s certification backlog through the “Get to Green” programme. The programme has improved timeliness and responsiveness, cleared longstanding certification work ahead of schedule and introduced new processes to help prevent future backlogs.
For aviation operators, this means greater certainty, improved turnaround times and more timely regulatory decisions when seeking certifications, approvals and other regulatory services.
CAA Deputy Chief Executive Aviation Safety Oversight Catherine MacGowan said the progress reflected the dedication of staff and a strong focus on improving outcomes for both safety and the sector.
“Our people work every day to support a safe, efficient and resilient aviation system. The improvements we’ve made are helping aviation participants get the services they need more quickly while maintaining the robust safety oversight New Zealanders expect. We will keep working hard to improve our regulatory performance, but it’s great to stop and acknowledge progress towards our goals.”
The Group has also made improvements to aviation medical certification processes, increasing efficiency and supporting better alignment with international best practice. This includes mutual recognition arrangements with Australia that help support workforce mobility and retention across the aviation sector.
The Aviation Safety Oversight Group has also continued to support the safe introduction of new technologies, including autonomous aircraft, advanced uncrewed aircraft operations and emerging electric aircraft programmes.
During the visit, Hon Meager acknowledged the role CAA plays in supporting both safety and economic growth.
“The Aviation Safety Oversight Group at the CAA plays a critical role in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe, resilient and fit for the future,” Hon Meager said.
“The team have worked constructively with industry, improved regulatory delivery and helped create an environment where innovation can occur safely.”
He said the achievements reflected the commitment of staff across CAA.
“These results demonstrate the value of a modern, capable regulator that works alongside industry while maintaining strong safety standards. The progress made is benefiting aviation participants and helping position New Zealand’s aviation system for the future.”
CAA Chief Executive Kane Patena said the Minister’s visit was an opportunity to recognise the professionalism and commitment of staff.
“This work is ultimately about supporting a safer and more effective aviation system for everyone who relies on it. I’m proud of what our people have achieved and grateful for the Minister taking the time to acknowledge their contribution.”
Although significant progress has been made, CAA’s Board Chair and Chief Executive both acknowledged that improvements are not yet complete, with a sustained focus over the next 18-24 months to modernise CAA’s regulatory certification and decision-making processes. This will be complemented by the Rules Update Programme (an ambitious two-year plan to modernise aviation’s out-of-date rule set) and a new Business Transformation Programme which will make targeted investments across technology, capability and systems to drive CAA’s performance.