New safety and security law for aviation sector

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - New legislation ensures New Zealand’s civil aviation rules are fit for purpose in the 21st century.

The Civil Aviation Bill repeals and replaces the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966 with a single modern law that strengthens our aviation security rules to keep New Zealanders safe.

A lot has changed in the aviation sector over the last 33 years and laws that govern this important industry need to reflect and be able to respond to the current times,” associate transport minister Kiri Allan says.

“The Bill brings in greater controls and creates a zero-tolerance approach around the use of drugs and alcohol, including random drug testing.

“We know that operating aircraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be deadly and implementing the recommendations from the 2012 Carterton balloon crash is a key pillar of this legislation. 

“New technology like cheap and easy to operate drones are creating new opportunities but they can also create problems when used around airports. T

“his could lead to potential safety issues and this Bill gives police new powers to take down drones if they are being flown in a dangerous manner.”

The Bill also provides a framework to allow New Zealand to meet its international aviation emissions obligations. Recent weather events in Aotearoa demonstrated the crucial role the aviation sector is helping communities stay connected during a crisis when other transport modes are affected.

These weather events are becoming more frequent and Aotearoa should reduce its transport emissions to help meet climate goals as we adapt to the realities of climate change.

The new legislation ensures New Zealand will continue to have a safe and secure aviation system. The Bill will be implemented over 24 months.

Some aspects of the new legislation include:

• New drug and alcohol management plans; including random testing of those working in safety sensitive activities

• New powers for authorities to respond to serious misuse of drones

• A framework to allow New Zealand to meet our internal aviation emissions obligations.

• New powers for the transport minister to consider and make new rules about national security risks within the aviation system

• New rules and registration regime for airports, including a requirement for airports to consult on their spatial plans

• New independent review process of decisions made by the director of Civil Aviation

• New provisions that could allow the use of in-flight security officers if future governments considered it necessary.