‘The “big challenges” facing aviation’ will be addressed in a conference in Nelson at the Rutherford Hotel on 30 and 31
July,’ said Aviation NZ Chief Executive, John Nicholson.
We will look at these challenges in terms of regulation to support future growth, attracting the next generation of
skilled people and safely integrating manned and unmanned flight. ‘Solving these challenges will allow aviation to reach
its full potential, and help drive economic and social development in New Zealand,’ said Nicholson.
An impressive range of speakers has been lined up. From a political viewpoint, we have Minister Phil Twyford and
Jami-Lee Ross. Speakers addressing regulatory issues include Graeme Harris (Civil Aviation Authority), Graeme Sumner
(Airways) and Nicole Rosie (Worksafe); next generation people issues will be talked about by Marilyn Andre (Boeing),
Marc Brogan (CAA) and a number of other speakers while the manned/unmanned debate will be lead by Matthias Seifert
(Airbus), SQNLDR Richard Beaton and Airways representatives.
Technical workshops for smaller members in the aviation community will be held on the Monday alongside the main
conference. This will allow the smaller companies to get more familiar with SMS, quality, safety and financial changes,
especially in the IRD area. Loader drivers and ground crew will also be able to update their knowledge on land
transport, carriage of hazardous materials and fatigue.
Industry training days will be held on the Sunday (29 July) and Wednesday (1 August) with visits planned to some of the
companies at Nelson Airport on the Wednesday.
The conference includes a two day trade show with 21 exhibitors, and a gala awards dinner at the Trafalgar Centre on 31
July, when the industry will recognise its best and brightest.
Delegates and trade fair participants from Asia, Australia, Canada and New Zealand will be attending.
‘The conference provides an opportunity for the leaders of today and tomorrow to spend time together, gain knowledge and
improve decision making so that the industry is better placed to achieve its growth potential’, said Nicholson.
ENDS