AVIATION INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND |
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Cabinet reshuffle positive for AviationPrime Minister John Key announced a minor cabinet reshuffle last night – the two key changes are seen as being positive for the aviation industry
Steven Joyce Minister of Transport takes on the Education portfolio (excluding standards) but including most importantly tertiary education. It has been a source of enormous frustration that the issues around the funding of pilot training have simply not been addressed. AIA has a very good working relationship with Steven Joyce and has better access into his office than the previous Minister of Education. One potential down side is that the new Minister will need to be briefed and we had hoped to get the TEC to commit to a meeting on pilot training funding with representatives of the flight training community in early Mid Feb. It is possible the TEC may not now wish to proceed with that meeting. An update on this should be available within the next 48 hours.
Kate Wilkinson previously associate Conservation Minister now assumes full Ministerial responsibilities for the portfolio. It has been clear for sometime that Kate was in fact largely discharging these responsibilities anyway so the change is not as significant as the move in respect of Steven Joyce. Kate has been instrumental in leading the review of the Milford sound allocation issues and resolving Canada Goose/ Black Swan matters. Both these issues are being positively resolved and her commitment to ensuring aviation issues are addressed in a way that does not compromise the industry has been impressive to observe. We hope to have further information on Milford Sound issues shortly however we understand that AIA’s submission (which is for no rationing restrictions) is being favourably considered.
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