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.

Memorandum of Cooperation

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]

Operational Arrangement between the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand in relation to mutual recognition of Air Operator Certificates

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.

ANZA Operational Arrangement [PDF 50 KB]

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA)

Technical Arrangement on Aircraft Maintenance

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.

Technical Arrangement on Aircraft Maintenance between the Transport Canada Civil Aviation Directorate and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand [PDF 26 KB]

Memorandum of Understanding

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:

  • technical arrangements;
  • sharing of safety information;
  • regulatory policy and processes;
  • training and skills development;
  • international engagement; and
  • other areas that may jointly be decided upon in writing.

This MOU replaces the existing Technical Cooperation Memorandum signed with TCCA in 1993.

Memorandum of Understanding [PDF 405 KB]

Technical Arrangement on Design Approval, Export Airworthiness Certification and Post Design Approval Activities

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.

Technical Arrangement on Design Approval, Export Airworthiness Certification and Post Design Approval Activities between The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and The Civil Aviation Administration of China [PDF 876 KB]

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance

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.

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance on matters related to civil aviation safety and security in the Cook Islands [PDF 1.2 MB]

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:

  1. civil aviation programmes;
  2. sending and receiving experts or instructors for training purposes;
  3. the acceptance of licences;
  4. the acceptance of aeronautical products, including but not limited to aircraft, engines, propellers and parts, and aviation services;
  5. the organisation of seminars;
  6. exchanging information on activities, policies, practices, and laws and regulations concerning civil aviation, including but not limited to safety and environmental matters;
  7. visits and exchanges of technical personnel or other experts on general or specific subjects; and
  8. other forms of cooperative activities as may be mutually determined.

India New Zealand Aviation Arrangement [PDF 950 KB]

Memorandum for Technical Cooperation

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:

  • personnel licensing standards and commercial air services operating standards;
  • communications, navigation, and surveillance and air traffic management; and
  • aviation security.

Memorandum for Technical Cooperation [PDF 59 KB]

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance

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.

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance on matters related to civil aviation safety and security in Niue [PDF 1.2 MB]

Memorandum of Understanding between NZAID and CAA

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.

Memorandum of Understanding between NZAID and CAA in relation to the Support and Cooperation Arrangement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of Niue for a Programme of Strengthened Cooperation [PDF 4.5 MB]

Working Arrangement between CAA and PASO

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.

Working Arrangement relating to the provision of advice and assistance on matters relating to civil aviation safety and security between the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) and the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) [PDF 1 MB]

Memorandum of Cooperation between PASO and the CAA

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.

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) and The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) [PDF 2.5 MB]

Memorandum of Understanding between MFAT, CAA and 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.

Memorandum of Understanding relating to Pacific Aviation Security Regulatory Oversight between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) [PDF 2.1 MB]

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance

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.

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance on matters related to civil aviation safety and security in Samoa [PDF 2.5 MB]

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 [PDF 1022 KB]

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance

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.

Agreement for the provision of advice and technical assistance on matters related to civil aviation safety and security in the Kingdom of Tonga [PDF 1.3 MB]

Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA)

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

  1. The Contracting Parties agree:
    1. To facilitate acceptance by each Contracting Party of the other Contracting Party's:
      1. airworthiness approvals and environmental testing and approval of civil aeronautical products; and
      2. qualification evaluations of flight simulators
    2. To facilitate acceptance by the Contracting Parties of the approval and monitoring of: maintenance facilities; alteration or modification facilities; maintenance personnel; flight crew members; aviation training establishments; and flight operations of the other Contracting Party.
    3. To provide for cooperation in sustaining an equivalent level of safety and environmental objectives with respect to aviation safety.
  2. Each Contracting Party shall designate its civil aviation authority as the executive agent to implement this Agreement. For the Government of the United States of America, the executive agent shall be the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the Department of Transportation. For the Government of New Zealand, the executive agent shall be the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

ARTICLE II

For the purposes of this Agreement:

  1. Airworthiness approval means a finding that the design or change to a design of a civil aeronautical product meets standards agreed between the Contracting Parties or that a product conforms to a design that has been found to meet those standards, and is in a condition for safe operation.
  2. Alterations or modifications means making a change to the construction, configuration, performance, environmental characteristics, or operating limitations of the affected civil aeronautical product.
  3. Approval of flight operations means the technical inspections and evaluations conducted by a Contracting Party, using standards agreed between the Contracting Parties, of an entity providing commercial air transportation of passengers or cargo, or the finding that the entity complies with those standards.
  4.  Civil aeronautical product means any civil aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller or subassembly, appliance, material, part, or component to be installed thereon.
  5.  Environmental approval means a finding that a civil aeronautical product complies with standards agreed between the Contracting Parties concerning noise and/or exhaust emissions. Environmental testing means a process by which a civil aeronautical product is evaluated for compliance with those standards, using procedures agreed between the Contracting Parties.
  6.  Flight crew member means a pilot, flight engineer or flight navigator assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.
  7.  Flight simulator qualification evaluations means the qualification process by which a flight simulator is assessed by comparison to the aircraft it simulates, in accordance with standards agreed between the civil aviation authorities of the Contracting Parties, or the finding that it complies with those standards.
  8.  Maintenance means the performance of inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and the replacement of parts, materials, appliances, or components of a product to ensure the continued airworthiness of that product, but excludes alterations or modifications.
  9.  Monitoring means the periodic surveillance by a civil aviation authority of a Contracting Party to determine continuing compliance with the appropriate standards.

ARTICLE III

  1. The Contracting Parties' civil aviation authorities shall conduct technical assessments and work cooperatively to develop an understanding of each other's standards and systems in the following areas:
    1. Airworthiness approvals of civil aeronautical products;
    2. Environmental approval and environmental testing;
    3. Approval and monitoring of maintenance facilities and maintenance personnel;
    4. Approval and monitoring of flight operations and flight crew members;
    5. Evaluation and qualification of flight simulators; and
    6. Approval and monitoring of aviation training establishments.
  2. When the civil aviation authorities of the Contracting Parties agree that the standards, rules, practices, procedures, and systems of both Contracting Parties in one of the technical specialties listed in paragraph (A) of this Article are sufficiently equivalent or compatible to permit acceptance of findings of compliance made by one Contracting Party for the other Contracting Party to the agreed‑upon standards, the civil aviation authorities shall execute written Implementation Procedures describing the methods by which such reciprocal acceptance shall be made with respect to that technical specialty.
  3. The Implementation Procedures shall include at a minimum:
    1. Definitions;
    2. A description of the scope of the particular area of civil aviation to be addressed;
    3. Provisions for reciprocal acceptance of civil aviation authority actions such as test witnessing, inspections, qualifications, approvals, monitoring and certifications;
    4. Accountability;
    5. Provisions for mutual cooperation and technical assistance;
    6. Provisions for periodic evaluations; and
    7. Provisions for amendments to or termination of the Implementation Procedures.

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

  1. The Agreement between the United States of America and New Zealand concerning reciprocal acceptance of certificates of airworthiness for imported aircraft, effected by exchange of notes at Washington on March 20, 1970, as amended by exchange of notes at Washington on March 16 and 30, 1979 (hereinafter referred to as the 1970 Agreement), shall remain in force until terminated in accordance with paragraph 8 of the 1970 Agreement, following completion by the Contracting Parties' civil aviation authorities of the technical assessments and Implementation Procedures as described in Article III.
  2. In the event of any inconsistency between the 1970 Agreement and this Agreement, which arises while the 1970 Agreement remains in force, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail unless otherwise agreed by the Contracting Parties.

ARTICLE VI

  1. This Agreement shall enter into force when the Contracting Parties have notified each other in writing that their respective requirements for the entry into force of this Agreement have been satisfied, and shall remain in force until terminated by either Contracting Party.
  2. Such termination of this Agreement shall be effected by either Contracting Party giving the other Contracting Party sixty days written notice of its intention to terminate. Such termination shall also act to terminate existing Implementation Procedures executed in accordance with Article III of this Agreement. Individual Implementation Procedures may also be terminated or amended by the Contracting Parties civil aviation authorities.
  3. This Agreement may be amended by the written agreement of the Contracting Parties.

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

MOU for the Exchange of Aeronautical Information

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]