Aviation NZ came into being as an industry association in 1950 with the aim of promoting the sustained growth of the aviation industry in New Zealand. It currently has more than 300 members, specialising in advisory services, air operations, aircraft design and manufacture, aeronautical training, general aviation, maintenance/repair and overhaul, airport development and UAVs.
Our aim is to lead, inspire and grow the aviation industry in New Zealand.
Our aim is to lead, inspire and grow the aviation industry in New Zealand. To this end, we encourage collaboration, allocate the necessary resources and reduce obstacles. Most of our work is carried out in New Zealand, where we work constructively with the Civil Aviation Authority and other government agencies to improve the way our members can do business. We also work with many companies in the Asia/Pacific markets, where our neutral, industry-wide point of view can help inform potential customers and reinforce the actions companies take alone.
Our flagship event is the annual Aviation Leadership Conference, which takes place from 25-29 June 2016 in Wellington. The chosen theme is "Responding to today's challenges and achieving success in the future".The conference is expected to be attended by around 250 industry participants from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States and some Asian countries. The conference includes a gala dinner at which individuals and companies in the industry who have achieved great things will be honoured, as well as a trade fair.
This conference is an opportunity for all our divisions to come together, including the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, NZ Helicopter Association, Supply and Engineering Services, Training and Development and Operations (which includes airline operations and tour operators).
New Zealanders are exposed to aviation on a daily basis, with 4748 registered aircraft in New Zealand, including 868 helicopters, for a population of 4.6 million. As a result of the challenge of topography and demographics in a country slightly larger than the UK and approximately 80 % the size of Spain, we lack the extensive network of motorways and high speed rail present in many other countries.
However, New Zealand is ideal for aviation. New Zealanders were developing flying machines at the same time as the Wright brothers. Our first pilot training school opened in 1915, domestic airmail services began in 1921, agricultural aviation started in 1947, and helicopters gave us access to wonderful but remote locations.
There are currently 198 locations where it is possible for aircraft to land or take off: 38 airports with scheduled services, 34 airports with other characteristics, and the rest are mainly heliports and landing pads.
New Zealand companies currently exporting products and services to more than 100 countries from all continents. Customers find our companies functional, professional and responsive.
John Nicholson
Executive Director
Aviation New Zealand
