CAA to start funding review this year

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) is commencing a first principles review of how we are funded, with a goal to ensure New Zealand’s aviation safety and security system remains sustainable, fair, and fit for purpose into the future.

This funding review will inform how CAA is funded between 2028 and 2034. We also expect to do a pricing review around 2031 in line with good regulatory practice to review prices every three years.

Unlike the 2024 pricing review outcomes that came into effect on 1 July 2025, this funding review will take a broader and more fundamental look at the funding model.

In addition to reviewing the costs of our core functions and forecasting them over the period, the review will cover:

• The basis for the safety levy for agricultural operations.
• How unmanned aircraft and new aviation technologies should contribute to funding.
• Ways to simplify the funding model.
• Alternatives for funding aviation security.
• Suggestions made by the public and industry during last year’s pricing review consultation.
• The cost of administering our health and safety responsibilities, and options for funding that work. 

We are currently setting up the funding review, which includes taking into account feedback from the 2024 pricing review consultation, although we won’t be able to follow up on every point.

Regular updates will be provided as the work progresses, and there will be opportunities to engage and contribute over the coming year.

We appreciate the valuable insights already shared through the pricing review consultation and look forward to working with industry, government partners and the wider aviation industry as we plan for the future.

For more information

Questions and answers about the first principles funding review [PDF 149 KB]

CAA media team contact

0508 763 222 | media@caa.govt.nz