We have identified nine safety and security focus areas for 2026-27 to help guide the work we do across the aviation system and where we want to make the biggest impact – supporting a safer and more secure aviation system for New Zealand.
The focus areas will guide where we direct our regulatory effort. For instance, they inform the sector engagement we target, the monitoring activities we undertake and the policy priorities we set.
The focus areas are informed by the International Civil Aviation’s (ICAO’s) global and regional priorities, as well as New Zealand’s aviation environment and domestic context. They will be regularly reviewed.
|
Safety focus areas |
Outcomes sought from CAA activities |
|---|---|
|
Dangerous goods |
Ensuring dangerous goods on passenger aircraft are handled safely and meet required standards |
|
Avoiding Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) |
Reducing terrain and weather-related risks in regional air transport and helicopter operations |
|
Uncontrolled airspace and |
Supporting safer operations in busy uncontrolled environments and reducing mid-air collision risks |
|
Airworthiness and maintenance |
Supporting participants and organisations to mitigate component failures and loss-of-control events through strengthened maintenance compliance and practices |
|
Runway and aerodrome safety |
Reducing runway incursions and excursions at aerodromes that support passenger air transport using large aircraft |
|
Security focus areas |
Outcomes sought from CAA activities |
|---|---|
|
Security of air cargo |
Enhancing security across the secure cargo system, including known-customer arrangements and cargo-only aircraft |
|
Airside boundary integrity |
Strengthening access controls and protecting airside security areas at security-designated aerodromes |
|
Security in vulnerable locations |
Improving physical and personnel security in landside areas at airports with security screening and lifting practices at regional aerodromes |
|
International security risks |
Improving our understanding of offshore risks and the security performance of foreign air operators |
