Our role in aviation security

AvSec is an operational unit within the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, the government agency responsible for managing New Zealand’s civil aviation system.

Our role is to deliver world-class aviation security, while enabling a high quality, responsive passenger experience.

AvSec’s core functions and activities include:

• Screening and searching passengers, crew, airport workers, baggage, aircraft, cargo, etc
• Undertaking security patrols and escorts
• Managing the airport identity card system
• Collaborating with other domestic and international security and border agencies

To deliver safe and secure skies, we work closely with other border and government agencies domestically and internationally. These include:

• NZ Police
• NZ Customs Service
• Ministry of Primary Industries
• Immigration NZ
• Ministry of Transport
• Department of Internal Affairs
• Airport companies
• Industry associations
• International organisations such as the Airports Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

Learn more about what we do:

About our dogs

Aviation security legislative framework

Behavioural detection

Screening and airport duties

Read our quality and security policy [PDF 238 KB]

 A year in the life of AvSec by numbers