Kane joined the Civil Aviation Authority from WorkSafe New Zealand, bringing extensive experience in New Zealand’s transport sector and more than a decade in executive leadership roles across the public service.
He has a strong background in regulatory leadership and a deep understanding of how to manage complex systems. Kane is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of the organisation, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team to maintain a safe and secure aviation system. He recognises the vital role aviation plays in supporting New Zealand’s economic and social wellbeing.
As Chief Executive, Kane also holds the role of Director of Civil Aviation and oversees the governance of the Aviation Security Service. He carries out functions and powers delegated by the Board, as well as powers set out in the Civil Aviation Act. These regulatory decision-making powers are exercised independently of both the Minister of Transport and the Board.
Jess and her team provide the Board, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Ministers and other key stakeholders with quality and well-timed information and advice. This team is responsible for organisational governance and oversight, including secretariat support for Board and key internal committees. Teams that make up this group are:
Catherine and her team are responsible for regulatory oversight of organisations, aircraft, aircraft products, individuals, airspace, aerodromes and aviation-related infrastructure. They make sure aviation safety system participants meet safety standards and have systems and practices in place to successfully manage safety risks. Teams that make up this group are:
The Aviation Security Group is responsible for managing the aviation security system, as part of the wider national security and international system. This includes assessing and responding to aviation security threats, identifying vulnerabilities and reducing risks. Their regulatory oversight also includes delivering security outcomes and activities at security-designated airports, including aviation security screening. Teams that make up this group are:
Fred as DCE has responsibility for AvSec, the Aviation Security Support team and the Operational Quality Assurance team.
John and his team lead the organisation’s strategy and set strategic objectives. They develop regulatory policy and manage international relationships to implement CAA and New Zealand’s objectives. This is supported by the delivery of operational policy, strengthened by regulatory practice design and robust process improvement. They make sure emerging technologies are safely integrated into the aviation regulatory system. Teams that make up this group are:
Dean and his team are responsible for providing intelligence, insights and research services for the organisation, triage of safety and security information and occurrences, leading investigations, undertaking education and regulatory interventions and managing legal risk. They’re the first point of contact for aviation accidents, incidents and concerns. Teams that make up this group are:
Andrea and her team play a key role in ensuring people are at the centre of our organisation’s strategy, including considering and planning for how our people are impacted by strategic objectives and changes. The team are responsible for attracting, educating and developing employees. Teams that make up this group are:
Mark and his team provide all the following services to the organisation: financial, digital, workplace, commercial and procurement and portfolio and project delivery. They also maintain and deliver all aviation security screening equipment across New Zealand and the Pacific. Teams that make up this group are:
