“Air New Zealand’s commitment to support DOC with an additional $4.5 million is a huge boost and comes on top of the $2.9 million committed in 2012. In total, Air New Zealand will be committing $7.4 million to conservation, $5.4 million on terrestrial and $2 million on marine as part of its partnership with DOC,” Dr Smith says.

“Marine protection is the new frontier for conservation and is vitally important for New Zealand. Our ocean area is sixteen times that of our land mass and is home to 80 per cent of New Zealand’s endemic species. We are better positioned than any country in the world to lead on responsible protection and use of the marine environment. This investment will enable an expanded research and monitoring programme that will help unlock the mysteries of the sea.

“The Government has an ambitious programme of expanding marine protection with 10 new marine reserves proposed over the next year around the West Coast, Akaroa and Kaikoura coastlines, and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.

“This expanded partnership makes good sense for both parties. DOC, with its conservation for prosperity direction, needs to partner with successful businesses that can help the conservation cause. Air New Zealand is adding authenticity to its brand by not just promoting our spectacular scenery and species, but by being a partner in protecting them.

“The first 18 months of the partnership has seen significant gains on land with the reintroduction of species like kiwi, whio, pateke and robins to our National Parks and record increases in the number of people experiencing the Great Walks.

“The extension to the marine environment is the logical next step and will benefit both conservation and tourism,” Dr Smith says.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the environmental milestones achieved since the partnership with DOC was made official early last year are very encouraging.

“More than 500 native birds and reptiles have been transported via the airline’s domestic network. Biodiversity projects have also been established around the Waikaremoana, Milford, Routeburn and Rakiura Great Walks to control predator numbers, undertake environmental monitoring, and reintroduce various native species into their natural habitat,” Mr Luxon says.

“The National Parks and marine reserves that DOC works hard to preserve and protect throughout New Zealand form part of the environmental and cultural fabric of our country. As New Zealand’s national carrier, we have a responsibility to support the great work undertaken to further align conservation with recreation and tourism,” Mr Luxon says.

The $7.4 million partnership is a mix of both direct funding and services and will run until mid-2017.

“While the Act is fundamentally sound, it is now over 20 years old and, during this period there have been a number of significant changes in the aviation industry,” Mr Brownlee says.

“New Zealand’s aviation industry earned about $9.7 billion in revenue in 2009, almost as much as the dairy industry.

“By 2015 it is expected to be earning between $12.6 and $15 billion a year.

“The review provides an opportunity to ensure that the Act is not unnecessarily constraining aviation business in New Zealand.

“Aviation is a dynamic industry, and it continues to change rapidly due to increased demand for services, improved technology, the increasing cost of jet fuel and environmental concerns.

“We want to make sure that the Act supports a flexible, responsive regulatory system to support the sector.

“Reviewing the Act also provides an opportunity to refresh and improve its usability and ensure its provisions are current and effective – both for decision-makers, and the aviation community in New Zealand, who are governed by the provisions of the Act,” Mr Brownlee says.

The Ministry of Transport is leading the review, has held preliminary meetings with key stakeholders, begun the policy review work and will complete recommendations by November.

In early 2014, a formal consultation process with stakeholders will be held. Cabinet decisions are expected to be made during the first half of 2014.

For further information visit www.transport.govt.nz

“Air New Zealand has been named the winner in the Global Tourism Business category at the 2013 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. This reflects Air New Zealand’s strong commitment to sustainability and their contribution to our country’s 100% Pure brand,” says Mr Tremain.

“This award shows that Air New Zealand is punching above its weight internationally and leading the way for sustainable air travel.

“It also recognises Air New Zealand’s dedication to sustainability through initiatives such as their partnership with the Department of Conservation to promote New Zealand’s Great Walks and support biodiversity projects.

“Air New Zealand staff and management can rightfully feel very proud, and I congratulate them for the innovative leadership that has resulted in this award.”

“Brazil is touted to become one of the world’s most powerful emerging economies,” Mr Brownlee says.

“It will also host the next FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games.

“Travel between New Zealand and Brazil is increasing, with around 10,000 Brazilians visiting New Zealand each year and over 3000 coming here to study.

“There are also expanding opportunities for trade.

“This new agreement replaces one signed in 1996. It removes restrictions on the routes that can be operated and the number of flights that may be provided between and beyond the two countries.

“In addition, the agreement also removes potential restrictions on foreign investment in international airlines. It also includes provisions to promote cooperation between civil aviation regulatory authorities, similar to those entered into with China last year,” Mr Brownlee says.

Chilean airline LAN currently operates throughout South America and into Auckland. LAN is in the process of merging with Brazilian airline TAM. The new air services agreement with Brazil would allow cooperation between these two airlines to serve New Zealand.

Air New Zealand has also publicly expressed an interest in operating to South America in the medium term, although what it does under the new agreement is a commercial decision for the company .

“This agreement with Brazil shows that we are working quickly to implement the new International Air Transport Policy announced in August last year,” Mr Brownlee says.

The policy aims to grow the economy by providing New Zealanders with better access to the world and helping increase trade in goods and services. It places more emphasis on increasing New Zealand’s connectivity to markets.

“In coming months, I expect to be able to announce further agreements with countries in Europe, the Middle East, South East Asia and South America,” Mr Brownlee says.

The Brazil-New Zealand agreement was concluded at the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in December 2012. The Prime Minister witnessed the signing when visiting Brasilia as part of his trade mission to Latin America.

The agreement was signed by the New Zealand High Commissioner Jan Henderson and the Indian Secretary of Civil Aviation Shri KN Srivastava and was witnessed by Mr Joyce and India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sri Ajit Singh.

“India is predicted to jump from the ninth largest civil aviation market in the world to the third by 2020. Domestic traffic in India is expected to grow from 46 million to 90 million passengers per year, with international traffic soaring from 34 million to 90 million in the same period,” Mr Joyce says.

“This rapidly growing market provides massive opportunities for New Zealand companies involved in aviation and the signing of the aviation agreement with India will strengthen the business relationship between our two countries.

“It will encourage greater training and technical cooperation in aviation, including in the design and building of airports in India and flight training for Indian students in New Zealand.”

Mr Joyce was accompanied on his visit to New Delhi by nine New Zealand aviation companies. He is also in India leading a delegation to lift New Zealand’s profile as a destination for international students and to support our tertiary institutions and companies seeking to grow their business in the Indian market.

“The market for travel between China and New Zealand is growing rapidly. Within the next few years China is forecast to become New Zealand’s second largest source of visitors after Australia,” says Mr Brownlee.

China Southern has recently started operating a daily service to Auckland from Guangzhou, reaching the maximum number of flights provided for Chinese airlines under the previous air services arrangements between New Zealand and China. A total of 42 return flights per week may now be operated, with 21 return flights for the airlines of each country.

“This is a positive step for the New Zealand tourism industry.”

“This understanding will also give Chinese airlines the capacity to serve other international airports in New Zealand in the future.”

“I particularly look forward to China Southern scheduling flights to Christchurch,” Mr Brownlee says.

In addition to a greater number of flights between both countries, the airlines of New Zealand and China may now fly to three more third-country airports en-route between New Zealand and China or beyond. The two sides also agreed to liberalise the treaty provisions relating to tariffs regulation.

Part of the new understanding will also enable the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority to cooperate more closely with its Chinese counterpart, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, on technical matters.

“This will facilitate the developing aviation trade relationship between our two countries.”

New Zealand and Chinese officials also discussed the constraints on airport capacity in China as the airline industry there enjoys rapid growth. Mr Brownlee noted the efforts that China is making to increase the capacity of its aviation infrastructure.

The Chinese and New Zealand officials have committed to meeting again in 2014 to discuss opportunities to further liberalise the air services arrangements.

The bilateral air services negotiations which led to the new agreement were held in Wellington on 10-11 April 2011.

“The arrangements New Zealand and Japan have negotiated will remove many of the current restrictions on services by the airlines of the two countries,” says Mr Brownlee.

“New Zealand has close ties with Japan, and it is an important trading partner. This should help strengthen these links, by making it easier for the airlines of the two countries to introduce new services.”

For New Zealand airlines, limits on operations to and through airports in Japan outside of the Tokyo region have been removed. Reciprocal rights will be available for Japanese airlines.

In addition, for New Zealand airlines, the right to operate a daily service to Narita Airport has been confirmed (restrictions will be removed in 2013) and an understanding has been reached on the possible future use of Haneda Airport. Airports in the Tokyo region have limited capacity for additional operations.

For the airlines of Japan almost all restrictions on services to and through New Zealand have been removed, although they too will initially be limited in any operations to New Zealand from Narita.

New understandings were also reached on tariffs regulation, and aviation safety and security.

“These new arrangements come as New Zealand and Japan celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.”

The air services negotiations were held in Tokyo on 15-16 February. New Zealand’s air services relationship with Japan is one of our oldest, the current treaty-level Agreement which will remain in effect having been signed in 1980.

“New Zealanders love their extreme sports, and we are a top adventure tourism destination. It is important that we have systems in place to ensure these activities are safe,” says Mr Joyce.

Civil Aviation Rule Part 115: Adventure Aviation – Certification and Operations will introduce a certification system and higher safety standards for commercial tandem skydiving, microlighting, gliding, hot air ballooning and other adventure aviation operations.

“Currently, these areas are regulated by a framework developed for amateur sport and recreational activities, with only pilots and the aircraft bound by Civil Aviation requirements. The new rule brings tight safety controls to each aspect of the businesses, and better reflects the inherent risks in these industries.

“These activities are carrying paying passengers and should be subject to similar safety controls as other aviation businesses, such as small airlines.

“The majority of adventure aviation operators are responsible, with a strong safety focus. But a number of incidents in recent years have made it clear that stronger safeguards are needed.

“This rule will complement regulations for adventure tourism being introduced by the Minister of Labour. Ensuring the safety of this sector protects New Zealand’s reputation as an adventure tourism destination.

“At the same time, this rule will open up the tourism potential for activities such as warbird and microlight flights. Currently, these can’t be operated commercially because there is no applicable regulation.”

Civil Aviation Rule Part 115 comes into effect on 10 November 2011. Enforcement will be staged and the Civil Aviation Authority will guide the industry and ensure compliance. Hot air balloon, tandem hang glider, paraglider and skydiving operators will need to apply for certification within 6 months, microlight operators within 12 months, and gliding operators within 18 months.

Civil Aviation Rule Part 115 is available on the Civil Aviation Authority website at: http://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/nprms_closed.htm

The alliance will connect Air New Zealand’s domestic network of 26 ports to Virgin Australia’s domestic network of 31 domestic ports, offering the largest ever Australasian route network for trans-Tasman travelers.

The new network will be effective for the upcoming Northern Winter 2011 schedule (November 2011 – March 2012) and tickets will be on sale from July this year when the code share commences.

Under the new network, Air New Zealand will operate approximately 70% of the capacity and Virgin Australia’s Pacific Blue airline will operate 30%, similar to the relative market share the airlines had prior to the commencement of the Alliance.

Total capacity is currently above that required by the alliance proposal to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and New Zealand Ministry of Transport (MOT).

The planned joint trans-Tasman network will see the adjustment of Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue flight times to ensure more convenient schedules for passengers.

Total capacity to and from Auckland remains unchanged, including Air New Zealand’s wide body services on Auckland-Sydney, Auckland-Melbourne and Auckland-Brisbane.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Australasia Airline Bruce Parton said since the airline received ACCC and MOT approval in December 2010, it has had dedicated teams from both airlines working closely together to optimize the network.

The changes better match capacity to demand and in many instances this means a greater range of flight times by removing ‘wingtip flying’, as well as better connections to domestic Australia and domestic New Zealand flights, said Parton.

Virgin Australia Group Executive, Commercial, Liz Savage noted that with plans for the joint network now in place, Virgin is focusing on the launch of its comprehensive product offering in early July.

Virgin will provide reciprocal Velocity and Airpoints frequent flyer programs and lounge access in Australia and New Zealand, as well as a coordinated offering of in-flight products and services, so that guests will receive similar first-rate service and benefits, no matter which airline they fly, he said.

According to Savage, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand are also committed to growing the market, with plans to grow capacity further from March next year for the Northern Summer schedule.

Canadian Helicopters Group is the largest helicopter transportation services company operating in Canada. The Transaction purchase price is NZ$160 million (approximately C$120 million), on a debt free and cash free basis, and is subject to customary adjustments.

HNZ is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse helicopter owner and operator with 55 years of operating history throughout New Zealand, Australia and Asia. Through the years, HNZ has built an enviable set of client relationships and experience through a focus on impeccable safety standards and service quality.

HNZ’s head office is in Nelson, New Zealand, and the company has 11 bases to support operations across New Zealand, Australia, Laos and Cambodia. HNZ also has a corporate office in Perth to support its significant Australian operations. HNZ has 181 employees, a modern fleet of 33 helicopters, and revenue of NZ$83 million (approximately C$62 million) and EBITDA of NZ$28 million (approximately C$21 million) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, HNZ’s 33 helicopters had an appraised value of NZ$137 million.

Don Wall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Helicopters, said the acquisition of HNZ represents a transformational investment for CHL and in a part of the world that complements CHL’s activities in the northern hemisphere. Acquiring HNZ will assist in providing greater stability as it extends the arm of CHL’s existing operations in Canada, the United States and Afghanistan, he said.

Wall reiterated that HNZ has excellent people and a very strong brand particularly with respect to safe operations, and will be a significant part of CHL’s growth plan as the firm looks to the future. Like CHL, HNZ operates in challenging environments and positions itself as providing “excellence in the extremes,” he stated.

HNZ’s CEO Brian McDonald said HNZ has grown from a local New Zealand based company to an internationally respected operator involved in all aspects of helicopter operations. McDonald said the investment offers an opportunity to continue to maintain HNZ’s high level of quality services and continue to grow and enhance the business for all stakeholders, including its clients and staff, in the future through Canadian Helicopters’ ownership.