We work to make sure everyone involved in New Zealand aviation meets the legal standards set by the Minister of Transport.
There are two parts to our organisation:
The Civil Aviation Act 2023 comes into effect on 5 April 2025. To learn about the implementation programmes the CAA and Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport are undertaking, see:
Civil Aviation Act 2023 implementation
CAA public brochure: Promoting aviation safety and security (January 2018) [PDF 235 KB]
Every participant in New Zealand’s aviation community shares a responsibility for safety and security.
New Zealand’s civil aviation community includes licensed pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers, as well as aviation operators like airlines, aerodromes, flying schools, and aircraft maintenance organisations. The safety and security standards they all adhere to are set by the Minister of Transport, after consultation with the aviation community.
New Zealand’s security regulation responsibilities are exercised by the CAA’s Security Regulation Unit. This unit also certifies and audits the operational delivery of aviation security services that are put in place by the Aviation Security Service (AvSec).
AvSec's vision is to deliver world class aviation security and a high quality, responsive, passenger experience. To do this, we work closely with other border and government agencies, including the NZ Police, NZ Customs Service, Ministry of Primary Industries, Immigration NZ, Ministry of Transport, airport companies and industry associations, as well as international organisations like the Airports Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Read about our role in aviation safety
Learn more about our role in aviation security
Aviation security legislative framework
CAA public brochure: Promoting aviation safety and security (January 2018) [PDF 235 KB]
