New Zealand has agreements and arrangements in place with other countries and international bodies. These arrangements help us work together to improve the safety and security of the global aviation system.
Memorandum of understanding on aviation safety [PDF 189 KB]
This MOU was signed in March 2019 with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia. The agreement reflects the longstanding close relationship between the governments and people of New Zealand and Australia, and the benefits of working together to enhance aviation safety.
The purpose of the agreement is to enhance our cooperation through sharing technical assistance and expertise, training and knowledge, and safety information, and to leverage the efforts of each other through the agreement of technical arrangements.
This is an agreement that was signed in 1999 in which CAANZ and CASA express their commitment to cooperating in the development of an aviation safety regulatory structure that will have minimal national variations. It is intended that aviation standards developed in Australia and New Zealand will be recognised in both countries. The agreement recognises the existence of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition legislation which provides a framework for the mutual recognition of standards and procedures in relation to Personnel Licensing and expresses an intention to cooperate in developing future arrangements to facilitate mutual recognition of aviation related certification in other areas (e.g. design, manufacture, maintenance etc.) It includes an agreement to establish a regular liaison schedule.
Memorandum of Cooperation [PDF 645 KB]
This Arrangement was signed in March 2007 under the Arrangement between the Australian and New Zealand Governments on Mutual Recognition of Aviation-Related Certification (the Mutual Recognition Arrangement). Australian and New Zealand civil aviation law now provide for mutual recognition of aviation safety certifications in accordance with the Mutual Recognition Arrangement such that an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with ANZA privileges issued by the aviation safety authority of one country will authorise the holder of that AOC to operate aircraft in the other country without needing to hold an AOC issued by the aviation safety authority of the other country.
The present Arrangement sets out agreed operational procedures for facilitating the implementation of the ANZA Mutual Recognition Principle. It recognises that the responsibility for safety oversight of air operators to which a regulator has issued an AOC with ANZA privileges remains with that regulator and provides procedures for the issue and amendment of such AOCs and temporary stop notices.
The Arrangement contains terms relating to general communication and consultation between the parties, as well as communication with industry and the public. It provides procedures for the exchange of safety-related information between parties, the protection of privacy and confidentiality, and the provision of assistance to one another where required. Contact information is also included as well as dispute resolution provisions and termination procedures.
On 14 June 2007 the Director of Civil Aviation, Steve Douglas signed into effect a Technical Arrangement on Aircraft Maintenance with the Transport Canada Civil Aviation Directorate.
The purpose of the Technical Arrangement is to avoid duplication of inspections and evaluations, enabling each regulatory Authority to accept the others findings for approval of maintenance organisations, and for release of the serviced product.
This Arrangement is already of great benefit to those operators in Canada with aircraft only able to be maintained by organisations in New Zealand, and also to the organisations doing the maintenance in New Zealand.
The Arrangement is evidence of the growing international recognition of the quality of aviation regulatory oversight in New Zealand.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 2023 by the CAA and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). It establishes a framework to promote and expand cooperation in the field of civil aviation safety, through various mechanisms, to the mutual benefit of both Canada and New Zealand. Additionally, the MOU complements our existing trilateral agreement between New Zealand, Canada and Australia. The MOU allows for cooperation in the areas of:
This MOU replaces the existing Technical Cooperation Memorandum signed with TCCA in 1993.
Signed in December 2012, this Technical Agreement specifies the process for acceptance of airworthiness certifications and design approvals, and provides technical assistance between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the CAA of New Zealand. The Arrangement applies to Export Airworthiness Certificates for class I products manufactured in China and New Zealand; Export Airworthiness Approval Tags or Authorised Release Certificates for class II and class III products manufactured in China and New Zealand; design approvals; and technical assistance needed by each Authority to fulfill their airworthiness and environmental duties with respect to this Arrangement.
This agreement was signed in 2006 following a request from the Ministry of Transport of the Cook Islands for the CAA to provide advice and technical assistance on aviation safety and security matters. The CAA is obliged under this agreement to write to the Cook Islands in May of each year asking if any advice and technical assistance is required that year, the details of the current air service operations in Niue as well as any foreseeable changes, and a programme of the advice and technical assistance the Ministry seeks. Assistance outside of this programme will be considered by the CAA however there is no obligation to provide it. Work done under this agreement is charged at the current standard charging rate used by the CAA in New Zealand.
Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) [PDF 1000 KB]
In February 2024, the Director of Civil Aviation, Keith Manch, and the Acting Executive Director of EASA, Luc Tytgat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate closer cooperation between the CAA and EASA. The MoU provides a high-level framework for the exchange of technical knowledge and safety information, and for the establishment of future technical arrangements.
On 17 October 2012 in Delhi H.E. Ms Jan Henderson, NZ High Commissioner to India and K.N Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation signed an Arrangement to promote and support the development of training and technical cooperation between New Zealand and India on the basis of mutual and reciprocal benefit. In the Arrangement the Government of New Zealand is represented by the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The Forms of cooperative activities under this Arrangement may include:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia and CAANZ signed this agreement in 1999 following the implementation of the ICAO Resolution on Global Rule Harmonisation. In it they agree to pursue harmonised aviation standards, rules, procedures, and processes to minimise and as far as possible, eliminate national variations. The two parties agree to develop cooperative programmes in the areas of:
This agreement was completed in 2007 following a request from the Government of Niue for the CAA to provide advice and technical assistance on aviation safety and security matters. The CAA is obliged under this agreement to write to the Niue Director of Civil Aviation in May of each year asking if any advice and technical assistance is required that year by the Government of Niue, the details of the current air service operations in Niue as well as any foreseeable changes, and a programme of the advice and technical assistance the Government seeks. Assistance outside of this programme will be considered by the CAA however there is no obligation to provide it. Work done under this agreement is charged at the current standard charging rate used by the CAA in New Zealand.
This agreement was signed in January 2008 and is between CAA and NZAID (the New Zealand Agency for International Development). The CAA agrees to provide certain resources (specific details of which are to be listed in a separate Letter of Engagement) on a reimbursable basis for the purpose of providing strengthened support to, and cooperation with, the Government of Niue to enhance capacity in the Niue public service. The agreement was made as part of the Programme of Strengthened Cooperation between the Governments of New Zealand and Niue which commenced in October 2004 following a Cabinet decision to provide further aid to foster Niue economic development and culture viability in a number of areas.
This Arrangement was signed in June 2008 and supplements the 2005 Memorandum of Cooperation between PASO and CAA. It establishes procedures to enable inspectors employed by the CAA to assist PASO in the provision of advice and assistance to PASO member states; and for CAA to provide advice and assistance to PASO directly on the administration and application of New Zealand civil aviation rules. It outlines how requests for assistance from PASO member states will be dealt with where the provision of CAA staff is necessary. It also includes provisions relating to invoicing, communication, and the relevant contact people from each Party. The Arrangement remain is effective for six months from the date of signature but may be extended for a further six months on agreement in writing by both Parties.
This Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in 2005 and recognises the longstanding and useful relationships between the CAANZ and PASO member States. It records an agreement between the parties to cooperate by the exchange of regulatory documents, procedures and guidance materials and to consult and liaise with one another and other relevant aviation authorities to allow the greatest possible familiarity with respective legislation, policies and procedures. CAANZ agrees to advise PASO of any proposed changes to NZ CARs and both parties accept the obligation to work towards establishing and maintaining appropriate surveillance programmes for PASO member States and the management of those programmes by PASO.
In this Memorandum of Understanding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (through the Pacific Security Fund) agree to fund the employment of a security inspector to PASO (Pacific Aviation Safety Office) for two years. The agreement outlines the reasons for the funding, the amount, the terms on which that funding is to be provided and the roles of each party. It was signed in November 2007 following an application to that fund by the CAA and PASO and is due to be completed at the end of the 2008/2009 financial year.
This is an agreement that was signed in 1998 whereby the CAA agrees to provide advice and technical assistance on matters related to civil aviation safety and security in Samoa to assist the Samoa Minister of Transport to discharge his or her duties under the Samoa Civil Aviation Act. By the 1st of May each year the Director of Civil Aviation (NZ) must provide Samoa with an annual schedule of anticipated recommended requirements for the safety and security monitoring and certification of civil aviation and any other issues that can reasonably be anticipated as arising in Samoa for the following financial year. The Director shall then provide such advice and assistance in accordance with international aviation practices and procedures in a timely manner and submit to the Minister for payment, accounts of fees and relevant disbursements for work done.
The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) and the General Authority of Civil Aviation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (GACA) signed this Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in September 2019. The MOC outlines how GACA and CAA will accept and recognise each other's licencing system and licences, subject to certain conditions. The MOC reflects a shared interest in strengthening the relationship between CAA and GACA and to enhance aviation safety.
Memorandum of cooperation on mutual recognition of licensing systems [PDF 549 KB]
Technical Arrangement on Maintenance with CAA Singapore [PDF 8.4 MB]
This TA-M was signed on 30 September 2022 with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. The object of this TA-M is to outline the provisions and conditions for the reciprocal acceptance and recognition by the Authorities of each other's aviation safety regulatory system with regard to the performance and certification of civil aeronautical product maintenance.
Memorandum of understanding on aviation safety [PDF 209 KB]
This MOU was signed in April 2019 with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. The agreement reflects our common purpose and goal in promoting the safe, orderly and sustainable development of international civil aviation.
The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen our partnership and cooperation in enhancing aviation safety. We have agreed to co-operate on airworthiness certification and maintenance arrangements, to share aviation safety information and exchange training and knowledge.
Organisations approved to participate in the Technical Agreement on Maintenance with CAA Singapore
Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services #57037
Air New Zealand #12861
Hamilton Aero Maintenance #24076
Following a request from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in the Kingdom of Tonga for the CAA to provide advice and technical assistance on aviation safety and security matters, this agreement was signed in 2006. The CAA is obliged under this agreement to write to the Tongan Ministry of Civil Aviation in May of each year asking if any advice and technical assistance is required that year, the details of the current air service operations in Tonga as well as any foreseeable changes, and a programme of the advice and technical assistance the Ministry seeks. Assistance outside of this programme will be considered by the CAA however there is no obligation to provide it. Work done under this agreement is charged at the current standard charging rate used by the CAA in New Zealand.
Executive Agreement
AGREEMENT BETWEEN:
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND
THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND
FOR PROMOTION OF AVIATION SAFETY
The Government of the United States of America and the Government of New Zealand, hereinafter referred to as the Contracting Parties,
Desiring to promote aviation safety and environmental quality;
Noting common concerns for the safe operation of civil aircraft;
Recognizing the emerging trend toward multinational design, production, and interchange of civil aeronautical products;
Desiring to enhance cooperation and increase efficiency in matters relating to civil aviation safety;
Considering the possible reduction of the economic burden imposed on the aviation industry and operators by redundant technical inspections, evaluations, and testing;
Recognizing the mutual benefit of improved procedures for the reciprocal acceptance of airworthiness approvals, environmental testing, and development of reciprocal recognition procedures for approval and monitoring of flight simulators, aircraft maintenance facilities, maintenance personnel, flight crew members, and flight operations,
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I
ARTICLE II
For the purposes of this Agreement:
ARTICLE III
ARTICLE IV
Any disagreement regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement or its Implementation Procedures shall be resolved by consultation between the Contracting Parties or their civil aviation authorities, respectively.
ARTICLE V
ARTICLE VI
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.
DONE at Washington, this 26th day of March, 2002, in duplicate, in the English language.
[Signed by Norman Mineta] [Original Signed by Helen Clark]
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEW ZEALAND
Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness [PDF 566 KB] - signed 04 Dec 2015
An agreement signed in October 2007 whereby the CAA agrees to provide the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) of the Department of Defense United States of America with certain aeronautical publications (e.g. AIPNZ, Pacific AIP, Aerodrome Obstruction Charts) on a non-reimbursable basis. In exchange, the NGA will supply the CAA with specified aeronautical charts and other flight information publications.
Memorandum of Understanding for the Exchange of Aeronautical Information [PDF 123 KB]
