logo
New airport space reflects strategic intent

New airport space reflects strategic intent

Celebrating a permanent Civil Aviation Authority new aviation security services workplace in the South are (from left) Invercargill Airport commercial and business development manager Julie Jack, CAA head of aviation security lower South Island Barry Taylor, airport chief executive Stuart Harris and CAA aviation security deputy chief executive Fred Stein. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Invercargill Airport says it has taken another step forward in securing permanent jet services with the official opening of the Civil Aviation Authority's Aviation Security Service workplace, reinforcing the region's long-term commitment to permanent jet services.
The occasion was attended by representatives from airline services and infrastructure teams across the South Island, reflecting strong regional support for Southland's growing role in New Zealand's air network.
The new workplace provides a dedicated and permanent base for Aviation Security Services operations, offering ongoing co-ordination and support for jet services into and out of Invercargill.
It signals a commitment to operational excellence and long-term investment in regional connectivity.
Invercargill Airport chief executive Stuart Harris said the development reflected strategic intent.
"This permanent office symbolises that Invercargill is not only open for business but serious about long-term jet connectivity."
The development complemented the upgrades to the screening lane and lounge, which were under way.
"It's a signal to our airline partners, the business community, and Southlanders that we are committed to growth, excellence, and accessibility," Mr Harris said.
CAA lower South Island head of aviation security Barry Taylor welcomed the development and acknowledged its significance for both the team and the region.
"We're pleased to see a modern, fit-for-purpose space now available for our team in Invercargill. Since the original trial of jet services, our staff have been working from temporary facilities, so this permanent office is a welcome step forward," he said.
"It's a practical improvement for our people on the ground, but more than that, it's a visible sign of confidence in the region and its place in New Zealand's aviation network."
The investment reinforced Invercargill Airport's position as a critical southern gateway and signalled Southland's confidence in future growth. — Allied Media
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New Aviation Drug & Alcohol Rules In Effect
New Aviation Drug & Alcohol Rules In Effect

Scoop

time2 days ago

  • Scoop

New Aviation Drug & Alcohol Rules In Effect

AUCKLAND – 18 August 2025 – With the Civil Aviation Act 2023 now in force, aviation operators across New Zealand are beginning the transition to formal Drug & Alcohol Management Plans (DAMPs), a new legal requirement that will form a core part of safety and risk management frameworks across the sector. The first submission deadline is just a month away, 30 September 2025 for Group 1 operators, followed by 30 June 2026 for Group 2. The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is encouraging operators to start planning now, saying that building a fit-for-purpose plan takes time, clarity, and the right expertise. The company offers end-to-end DAMP compliance services including policy review, certified training, random testing and secure reporting as required in the DAMP. 'Developing a compliant and operationally sound DAMP can't be rushed,' says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA. 'For high-risk sectors like aviation, there are multiple moving parts from policies and testing protocols to staff training and reporting systems. Some operators can underestimate how much is involved.' Under the Civil Aviation Act 2023, Drug & Alcohol Management Plans (DAMPs) are now a legal requirement under Civil Aviation Rule Part 99 and must be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These plans apply aviation businesses broadly: commercial airlines and maintenance organisations, adventure operators, agriculture aircraft operations, air traffic services, and more. Each DAMP must set out how the operator will carry out random drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive workers, how non-negative results, refusal to test or unable to provide a sample will be handled, and what ongoing education and training will be provided for staff and supervisors. Plans must also clearly define roles and responsibilities across sites and teams, and include a system for regular reporting to the CAA. Full compliance is required in April 2027. 'We're seeing a growing number of operators asking, 'What does good look like?'. That's the right question. Smart operators know that shortcuts, low-cost testing providers, and DIY kits won't meet CAA's expectations, and worse, they compromise safety,' adds Dobson. 'In our experience, the operators who act early are the ones whose operations continue smoothly. As the submission deadline approaches, providers get overwhelmed, delays happen, and work stoppages become likely,' says Dobson. 'It also allows operators time to find the right fit – a compliance partner who truly understands the aviation sector.' TDDA is New Zealand's largest IANZ accredited, workplace drug and alcohol testing provider. It is currently offering free policy reviews to all DAMP- required operators as part of its commitment to industry safety. TDDA delivers end-to-end support for aviation operators implementing DAMPs, policy design, employee training, compliant testing and CAA-aligned reporting. TDDA's services meet the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule Part 99, covering random testing, response protocols, secure reporting and supervisor education. TDDA's reporting platform, IMPERANS, provides operators with real-time oversight, site-level visibility, and tools to manage DAMP quarterly reporting with ease. Supported by a fleet of mobile clinics that meet businesses where they operate, TDDA services both single-site and multi-site operations, including remote and mobile environments. As a specialist in DAMP compliance, TDDA ensures programs are practical, enforceable, and future-ready through to 2027 and beyond.

Flights delayed, grounded after air traffic control power outage
Flights delayed, grounded after air traffic control power outage

1News

time4 days ago

  • 1News

Flights delayed, grounded after air traffic control power outage

Five flights across the country were delayed and others were grounded following a power outage affecting air traffic control this afternoon. Air traffic service provider Airways New Zealand "experienced a disruption to its main oceanic air traffic control system which temporarily disrupted air traffic services operating across the Tasman", CEO James Young told 1News in a statement. "At 4.30pm, the main oceanic air traffic control system experienced an outage and operations were switched to a back-up system. During this time, flight plans for the Tasman sector were unable to be processed through the system, causing delays." Five flights were held in the air as a result, Young said – "three of which were diverted back to New Zealand after holding for around 40 minutes, with the remaining two flights proceeding to their destination after holding". "Flights were also held on the ground in both Australia and New Zealand during this time. ADVERTISEMENT "The main system was restored at 5.05pm with normal operations resuming by 5.30pm." Young said a full technical review is now underway to determine the cause of the outage. "Our main priority is the safety of the travelling public and we apologise to all customers and their passengers who were affected." A Jetstar spokesperson told 1News one flight from Dunedin and another from Christchurch "returned to refuel due to a short air traffic control outage earlier". 'There is no further disruption.' A Queenstown Airport spokesperson confirmed "some flights" were delayed but none were cancelled or diverted. "All flights have now resumed, and things are back to normal." ADVERTISEMENT A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority told 1News a technical fault in the main Operational Control System (OCS) platform "temporarily disrupted air traffic services across several sectors". "The issue has since been resolved, and Oceania airspace is now open. "The Civil Aviation Authority continues to monitor the situation closely. In line with our safety oversight responsibilities, we will be following up with Airways New Zealand regarding the cause of the outage as part of our normal regulatory activities."

Accusation of high salaries taken out of context: mayor
Accusation of high salaries taken out of context: mayor

Otago Daily Times

time5 days ago

  • Otago Daily Times

Accusation of high salaries taken out of context: mayor

The Gore District Council had the second-highest paid chief executive position in the country for last year but the mayor says the numbers do not tell the full story. The "Council Chief Executive Rich List" is a report released annually by the Taxpayers Union, naming and shaming the highest paid in the country. For this past financial year, Gore District Council, with its trio of Stephen Parry, Lornae Straith and current chief executive Debbie Lascelles, came in second place, with $771,558 on the books. Local government campaigns manager Sam Warren said in a statement there were better places for the money to be spent without "excessive rate hikes". "Southlanders are known to be hard-working and careful with money. But these salaries show that discipline hasn't made it into the council chambers." But Gore District Mayor Ben Bell disputed this claim, stating the particular year was not an accurate representation of remuneration for the position. The inflated figure was due to Mr Parry's departure from the position, which included a severance payout from the council, as well as his accumulated leave — about $81,000. Mr Bell said to give the figures outright without the contextual information and the actual salaries was "incredibly misleading", and took aim at a much-maligned council. "I think it's a bit mean, picking on little old Gore, when obviously we've had our struggles, making us the second most expensive chief executive, which isn't true. "I guess they're trying to stir some stuff before the election." A conversation around the position was fair, as there were a lot of highly paid chief executives in local government, Mr Bell said. But it was important to bring the correct information forward, rather than muddy the debate and drive controversy. "I think they could have made their point without putting out a whole lot of misleading information just to confuse people and wind them up." Although Ms Lascelles' salary would not be topping the charts as the union suggested, she was well worth her salary as a leader and executive for the council, Mr Bell said. For such an important position, there was always going to be a bit of compensation. "I would say if you looked at the private sector, chief executives are paid significantly more. If you want decent people in local government, you need to pay them. "It's the old adage. Pay peanuts, get monkeys."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store