NZAAA was the inaugural division of the original AIANZ
Founded in 1949, meaning this year it celebrates 75 years of successful operations. It was initially known as the NZ Aerial Work Operators Association. The aim of NZAAA is to provide an environment where its members can prosper, while working in safe environments.
NZAAA Chair
Kent Weir
Executive Officer
Tony Michelle
Fugiat ea sed doming ullamco eu nunc adipiscing
Agricultural aviation encompasses the use of aircraft that are used to apply agrichemicals, fertilisers to support farmers and growers, conservation and biodiversity values and manage biosecurity threats. It also supports the forestry and horticulture sectors.
Agricultural aircraft are used in firefighting operations, while in recent times agricultural aviators have been involved in urban pest eradication programmes such as the Painted Apple Moth.
Currently, one of NZAAA’s critical pieces of work concerns District and Regional Plans that dictate the conditions for the use of rural airstrips and helicopter landing areas and, the discharge of agrichemicals and fertilisers.
Fugiat ea sed doming ullamco eu nunc adipiscing
Through the submission and hearing processes, NZAAA has been successful in having several District and Regional Councils amend proposed rules that would have resulted in limitations to important agricultural aviation activities.
NZAAA operators are certificated under Part 137 of the Civil Aviation Act rules, and agree to abide by the NZAAA Code of Ethics which can be found here.
Industry Size
Currently, there are circa 105 Part 137 certificated agricultural operators
Fixed wing aircraft include the Fletcher FU24, turbine-powered Fletchers, Crescos, XL750s Air Tractors and the GA200 Fatman.
Helicopter types range from the small H300 through to the Robinson series, the Bell 206 series, MDH series, Airbus AS350 series to the Bell UH-1H.
Newsletters
The NZAAA produces monthly newsletters for its members only that be accessed through this website.
Uncategorized
June 9, 2026
Budget 2026: Aviation Industry welcomes tax relief but skills shortage remains a major concern
Uncategorized
June 9, 2026
AIANZ calls for national focus on regional connectivity
Uncategorized
May 18, 2026
Jet fuel response plan released, industry seeks clarity for smaller operators
Uncategorized
May 18, 2026
Flight reductions likely as rising fuel costs impact NZ aviation sector
View our other divisions
NZ Helicopter Association (NZHA)
As with its counterpart, the NZHA promotes the interests of its members in addressing issues that threaten the operations of helicopters whether that use is for commercial or private means.
Service, Supply and Engineering Division (SSE)
SSE is a division of AIANZ and represents aircraft engineering operations as well as other suppliers to the aviation industry. As with the other AIANZ divisions, SSE is an advocate for matters that impact engineering and supply operators.
Training and Development
This division of the AIANZ provides leadership for operators that focus on training and development for the aviation industry.
Operational Division
The Operational Division represents the diverse interests of commercial fixed-wing operators, whether they are regular scheduled airlines providing services to, through and beyond New Zealand, or non-scheduled air transport or freight operators.
Agricultural Drone Operators
AIANZ offers a joint membership programme for agricultural drone operators. This programme offers people the opportunity to join both the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) and UAVNZ divisions under a single membership of the Aviation Industry Association.
