Speech to the launch of three new National Diplomas in Aviation

Good evening and thank you for asking me to say a few words tonight.

It’s great to be here to celebrate an important milestone for New Zealand aviation training.

Importance of the aviation industry

I’m sure most people in the room tonight know just how important the aviation industry is to New Zealand.

A report by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise showed this sector contributed $9.7 billion to GDP in 2009. We rely on aviation to connect us with the world, to bring in tourists and business people, and for imports and exports, so that we can earn a living in the world.

All of this means that it’s essential our airline industry is safe, well-governed and prepared to cope with uncertainty and risk.

About the qualifications

The new qualifications we are launching tonight will reinforce the world-class standards we have in these areas.

I understand that Elizabeth Valentine will talk a bit more about the diplomas in a moment, but I just want to acknowledge the real collaborative effort made in bringing them to life.

Aerosafe’s involvement, as international experts in aviation risk and safety management, has ensured these qualifications reflect the latest best practice and international standards.

The ATTTO has coordinated the development and registration of these qualifications, and made sure they are up to the standard required for national qualifications.

The diplomas have the support of the Aviation Industry Association, and are endorsed by the CAA.

What’s more, these are the first safety management qualifications designed especially for aviation to be quality assured and registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

It’s great to see an industry working together, and investing in its own success by building the skills of its people.

This shows a real maturity in New Zealand’s aviation industry.

Benefits of qualifications

This is also a world first for aviation to bring together a formal national qualification in regulatory governance, oversight and safety management systems. 

These three qualifications set the bar internationally and position us as a global innovator and leader. This is something to be very proud of.

From a business perspective, they will bring many benefits.

Risk management is not just about complying with the minimum standards. It’s also about building better, stronger businesses that are prepared for the unexpected. These qualifications will help in that.

Designing the diplomas for those at senior levels will help build a stronger and safer aviation sector from the top-down.

It’s estimated there will be a minimum of 100 to 200 trainees per year signing up for one of these diplomas. 

It also complements a lot of the work CAA is doing on developing Safety Management Systems, or SMS Rules, which will come into effect over the next two years. These will help businesses focus even more on better risk management.

Conclusion

Can I finish by congratulating you on developing the world’s first formal national qualifications in these areas.

This really is a milestone for New Zealand aviation. It’s great to see us leading the way in safety and risk management.

Thank you.