Speech at Opening of the NMIT School of Aviation Building

Today is an important day for the Marlborough community. It is also an important day for aviation in New Zealand.

The aviation industry needs high quality graduates for all careers connected with flying, both in the air and on the ground. The opening of this building is a significant step in ensuring that young people with a passion for aircraft get the training and skills they need.

Since the beginning, aviation has depended on leading-edge knowledge and training. The earliest pioneers, like the Wright Brothers, were successful because they applied painstaking science and research to the development of their aircraft.

Today, we can't imagine a world without aviation. It has become both the safest form of transport on the planet, and an indispensable part of every military operation.

The tsunami disaster in Samoa illustrated the importance of military aviation for New Zealand. The very first thing New Zealand did to help was send an Orion to see what had happened. The second step was to send a Hercules with immediate aid and personnel to help. The third thing we did was send helicopters to assist the recovery.

Aviation was central to our ability to help our Pacific neighbour. The aviation support absolutely depended on the men and women who service the planes, fly them to their destinations, and maintain them to the highest possible standards of safety.

I use this example of the RNZAF, because that is a key part of why we are here today. This new building marks a further step in the growing partnership between NMIT and the Air Force.

A major component of this partnership is the new joint Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. NMIT has won the tender to deliver this training, which was previously done overseas. The ability to do it testifies to the high standards that NMIT can meet.

This new course builds on the existing partnership. For example, NMIT already undertake pre-trade training for potential RNZAF recruits.

The benefits flow both ways. The opportunity for students to undertake training on a military base has benefits both in the training they receive and the facilities they can use. This year, up to 160 students will use this new building during the course of their studies.

Further developments are under way. The proposal for an aviation academy formed through a partnership between Air New Zealand and the RNZAF looks to develop a major "centre of excellence" for aviation-related training. Potentially this will also include NMIT. This would serve not only the local needs, but also be attractive for international partners and students.

Marlborough has a proud history in aviation. Today's opening is another milestone in shaping the future of the industry.  From restoring the warbirds of yesterday, through to training the air experts of tomorrow, this region plays a vital part in keeping New Zealand flying.