Source: New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority
The Associate Minister of Transport, James Meager, today announced three new Civil Aviation Authority Board members.
CAA Board Chair, Mark Darrow, says the new appointments bring in the right skills at the right time.
“I’m pleased to be welcoming individuals who will strengthen the Board’s aviation experience and add exceptional commercial expertise in digital transformation, finance and audit, and change management.
“CAA has been through a major reset over the last year, and we have a clear vision and mandate to further improve the performance and efficiency of the organisation.”
Mike Schubert and Peter O’Regan have been appointed on a three-year term, starting 8 October 2025 and ending 30 September 2028.
Mel Templeton has also been appointed as a new board member on a three-year term, starting 26 May 2026 and ending 30 April 2029. Until then, Mel will be an external Chair to the new CAA Business Transformation Working Group. Mel will provide governance oversight and guidance to CAA’s ambitious programme of work.
This work includes a first principles funding review, planning a major rules modernisation programme, and working through a business transformation plan, which aims to create technology-based efficiency and performance improvements specifically targeted at certification processing times.
“There’s plenty to do, but with a new Board, a new Director, and a refreshed Executive Leadership Team we have fresh energy and focus.
“I look forward to working with my new Board colleagues. Aviation is an incredible sector to be involved with, full of passionate and dedicated people,” Darrow said.
“I would like to personally thank Jill Hatchwell who recently retired from the Board, and acknowledge Charles Spillane, who will retire in May 2026, for their considerable commitment and services to the Board and aviation safety and security.”
Mike Schubert
Mike is a highly experienced Director and Chair with governance and executive roles across professional services, health, primary industries, and technology sectors. He is a qualified Accountant, former PwC partner, and former CEO of law firm Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. He is currently a Director of several Boards across the banking, insurance and health care sectors.
Peter O’Regan
Peter has extensive aviation industry experience across technical, operational, and senior management roles in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the Middle East. He has led organisations through significant change, applying risk assessments and utilising data analytics. His background spans airlines, air traffic control, aviation and regulatory compliance.
Melanie (Mel) Templeton
Mel has over 20 years’ experience in technology, marketing, and financial services, with a strong focus on digital transformation. She is an Independent Director with TSB Bank Ltd, Motor Trade Finance (MTF) Ltd, Booster Investment Management Ltd and Xerra Ltd. As a member of Inland Revenue’s Risk and Assurance Committee, she helped implement large scale technology solutions during a period of change. She currently chairs digital transformation committees across several organisations.
