About NZALPA

Founded in 1945, the New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association is an internationally affiliated professional association and trade union that represents over 2600 New Zealand pilots, air traffic controllers and flight service operators. Our goals include the pursuit of excellence in professional and technical standards, the advancement and improvement of aviation safety, and to provide a "voice" for our members on aviation issues. We work hard to achieve all of these things and in doing so ensure our members' individual and collective rights and interests are preserved. We provide on-the-job protection and guidance, ensuring the livelihood of our members does not come under threat.

We are actively involved with the affairs of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA). We have developed and maintain relationships with other Member Associations in various regions in the world, which allows us to collaborate on a range of international issues and provide our members support while they are overseas.

We oversee five important functions on behalf of our members:

• Safety and Security
• Medical and Welfare
• Representation
• Advocacy
• Insurance

Safety and Security

The cornerstone of NZALPA’s principles is the safety and security of our members. This remains the main focus throughout all our departments. Since we began representing our members over sixty years ago, we have strived to excel in safety-related changes from within the New Zealand aviation scene by maintaining an active involvement in many technical areas. NZALPA has been instrumental in promoting changes that have made air travel one of the safest modes of transportation available in New Zealand. The high level of expertise of our staff and representatives gives the Association the ability and tools to provide authoritative opinions on a range of important issues affecting our members and the New Zealand travelling public.

Medical and Welfare

Supporting the welfare and health of our members is another function of NZALPA. NZALPA’s Medical and Welfare team has developed many benefits and services to look after the welfare of our members. With the help offered ranging from providing support to members who have had their medical certificate suspended or disqualified to providing peer to peer support through the Peer Assistance Network, the assistance provided is comprehensive.

More in depth information about the medical and welfare services offered by NZALPA can be found separately on this website under services.

Representation

The representation of our members’ interests in relation to their terms and conditions of employment with any person, organisation, the Government, or any other body is another main function of NZALPA.  Our collective presence allows us to negotiate employment arrangements on behalf of our members, and enter into agreements with third parties.  

We also assist and represent our members in the enforcement of such arrangements, and their interests during disputes concerning negotiation, interpretation or application of such arrangements.  Throughout these and other processes, NZALPA provides all members with legal protection and representation in any employment related matter concerning them, in accordance with our Rules.

Advocacy

Our experienced staff and volunteers represent our members' views to a range of third parties including airlines, Government, and local regulatory authorities. As situations arise, we lobby the appropriate parties to ensure members' needs are met through legislation and other means to ensure safe and healthy flying environments.

Insurance

A supplementary function we provide for our members is an extensive choice of insurance against illness, loss of medical, and death. Our members can choose from various schemes and design a strategy appropriate for their individual needs to ensure they have the right amount of cover dependant on their situation. Having the offered insurance cover gives you protection should you be unable to work.

Insurance information along with contact details can be found separately on this website under member insurances.

NZALPA's Structure

Annual Conference

NZALPA’s Annual Conference in June is the policy-making body of the Association.  It is at Conference that representatives from Branches and Councils consider and vote on remits submitted by members, and determine as to whether they are to be accepted by Conference and incorporated into Association policy. Although voting at the Conference is by elected delegates only, all NZALPA members may attend and put forward their point of view.

Board of Management

In between each conference, a Board of Management (BoM) made up of three diverse groups governs NZALPA. The group includes:

• 8 Officers of the Union – two year terms
• 4 General Membership Board Representatives - two year terms
• Council Representatives (councils with more than 50 members) – two year terms

The Officers of the Union include the seven Principal Officers - President, Vice President, Industrial Director, Technical Director, IFALPA Director, ATC Director and Medical & Welfare Director plus the Secretary. There are four people in the General Membership Board Representatives group and these positions are filled from the membership at large. Also any council with a union-wide membership of 50 or more financial members may appoint a council representative to the BOM.

All BOM members have been elected by the members in some way (either in a Principal Officer position or via a General Membership Board Representative / Council election) and have the right to vote. All other members of the Board are non-voting positions.

Branches

The role of the branches is to provide members with representation based on geographical area. There are currently 25 Branch locations defined by postcode. A Branch can only become Active and be recognised on application, in writing to the Board, by not less than 10 members of the union at one location. There is currently 1 Active branch. The branches have been established primarily to ‘provide and promote’ social interaction and networking amongst members. Each Active branch can elect one Branch Conference Delegate.

Active branches as at March 2023

• Wellington

Inactive branches as at March 2023

• Kerikeri
• Whangarei
• North Shore
• Central Auckland
• East Auckland
• West Auckland
• South Auckland
• Hamilton
• Tauranga
• Napier
• Rotorua
• Taupo
• Gisborne
• New Plymouth
• Palmerston North
• Whanganui
• Kapiti
• Nelson
• Blenheim
• Christchurch
• Wanaka
• Queenstown
• Dunedin
• Invercargill

Councils

NZALPA is structured to ensure that groups of members employed by the same employer have the maximum opportunity to run their own day-to-day affairs. The rules allow them to form their own council. Councils specifically attend to the affairs of their own employment group, and may form smaller groups to monitor specific issues (such as a contract management group (CMG) who ensure compliance of any agreed collective agreement).

NZALPA Branches and Councils may organise their own affairs within the rules of the Association and the policies laid down by the Annual Conference or the Board of Management. It should be noted that Branches and Councils are subject to control by the Board of Management.

New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Assoc. Industrial Union of Workers

Presidents

2019 – 2023         Capt. A.J. Ridling
2016 – 2019         FO. T.C Robinson
2015 – 2016         Capt. M.E.C. Rammell
2013 – 2015         FO. W.L. Renwick
2011 – 2013         FO. G.C. Kenny
2005 – 2011         Capt. M.E.C. Rammell
2002 – 2005         Capt. P.R. Lyons
2000 – 2002         Capt. K.A. Molloy
1999 – 2000         FO. A.J. Ridling
1998 – 1999         Capt. N.A. Bamber
1997 – 1998         Capt. K.O. Pattie
1996 – 1997         Capt. M.A. Talbot
1995 – 1996         Capt. K.O. Pattie
1992 – 1995         Capt. M.A. Talbot
1991 – 1992         Capt. K.O. Pattie
1991 – 1991         Capt. G.K.C. Ogilvie
1989 – 1991         Capt. P.L. Hensby-Bennett
1986 – 1989         Capt. A. Dodwell
1983 – 1986         Capt. I.L. McAulay
1982 – 1983         Capt. E.P.M. Dowd
1981 – 1982         Capt. W.E. Startup
1979 – 1981         Capt. D.G. McAlister
1978 – 1979         Capt. E.P.M. Dowd
1977 – 1978         Capt. J. Wilson
1975 – 1977         Capt. F.M. Maguire
1974 – 1975         Capt. D.R.A. Eden
1973 – 1974         Capt. K.A. King
1972 – 1973         Capt. J.C. Priest
1971 – 1972         Capt. D.J. Barnston
1970 – 1971         Capt. D.R.A. Eden
1968 – 1970         Capt. A.L. Baggott
1967 – 1968         Capt. A.S. Forbes
1966 – 1968         Capt. E.P.M. Dowd
1964 – 1966         Capt. A.G. Vette
1962 – 1964         Capt. R.T. Mounsey

New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Industrial Union of Workers

1957 – 1958         Capt. W.B. Mackley
1958 – 1960         Capt. N.S. Toms
1960 – 1962         Capt. W.P.N. Clarke
 

The North Island Air Line Pilots’ Industrial Union of Workers

Presidents

1948 – 1949         CMDR P.A. Matheson
1949 – 1950         Capt. D.W.G Keesing
1950 – 1952         Capt. R.T. Mounsey
1952 – 1953         Capt. D.W.G. Keesing
1953 – 1954         Capt. A.D. Carlaw
1954 – 1955         Capt. G.W. Miles
1955 – 1956         Capt. R.S. McHardy
1956 – 1957         Capt. R.A.L. Anderson
 

N.Z. Air Line Pilots’ Association Incorporated

Chairmen

1945 – 1947         Capt. K.A. Brownjohn
1947 – 1948         CMDR P.A. Matheson
1948 – 1950         Capt. D.W.G. Keesing
1950 – 1952         Capt. R.T. Mounsey
1952 – 1953         Capt. D.W.G. Keesing
1953 – 1954         Capt. A.D. Carlaw
1954 – 1955         Capt. G.W. Miles
1955 – 1956         Capt. R.S. McHardy
1956 – 1957         Capt. R.A.L. Anderson

Presidents

1957 – 1958         Capt. R. Daniell
1958 – 1959         Capt. N.D. Freeman
1959 – 1960         Capt. F. Adeane
1960 – 1962         Capt. D. Gale

New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association

Life Members

New Zealand Air Traffic Controllers’ Association

Honorary Life Members

New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association

Scroll of Merit

The NZALPA Scroll of Merit is presented to recognised individuals who make exceptional contributions and show dedication and commitment to NZALPA and it's members.

The Jim Collins Memorial Award

History

Past Recipients

	2017 - Mr. Allan Baker Allan Baker’s nominations for the Jim Collins Memorial Award praised his steadfast commitment to the mental well-being of aviation professionals. It also commends his resolute application towards the establishment of a collegial assistance network, known as the Peer Assistance Network (PAN), for New Zealand pilots and air traffic controllers.
	2016 - Mark Everitt Mark Everitt is a former General Manager of the New Zealand Aviation Security Service for 20 years, with his passion and commitment to New Zealand aviation safety and security and his ongoing work in helping to improve aviation safety in the Pacific Islands.
	2009 - Capt. Greg Fallow  Captain Greg Fallow is a Boeing 777 captain for Air New Zealand who has made a tremendous contribution to aviation safety over the years. An IFALPA accredited accident investigator, Capt. Fallow is well known for his contribution to safety in the aviation community and is accepted as a leading subject matter expert in human factors and fatigue management.
	2009 - Hon. Justice Peter T. Mahon (Posthumously) Justice Peter Thomas Mahon QC received the 2009 Jim Collins Award for his exceptional contribution to aviation safety. Justice Mahon’s controversial 1981 Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the 1979 Erebus air accident in Antarctica, cited organisational failure, ‘administration errors made by the Navigation Division’, as the primary factor of the accident, and exonerated the pilots from the blame that was apportioned to them in the 1980 Chippindale Report.
	2006 - Capt. Paul McCarthy Captain Paul McCarthy is a retired Delta Airlines captain who has made significant contributions to the civil aviation industry in New Zealand and in the US. His expertise in accident investigation, CVR analysis, legal and regulatory affairs has been utilised in NZ and abroad. He has been a long standing member of IFALPA, volunteering his knowledge on safety issues. His expertise was also utilised in the investigation in the 1995 Dash 8 accident in Palmerston North.
	2004 – Ed Smart Ed was an important participant in establishing a Controlled Flight Into Terrain programme [CFIT] for world aviation. We now have 20,000 airliners fitted with Enhanced Ground Proximity warning Systems [EGPWS] and have not had a CFIT accident of an EGPWS aircraft since the fitment of this equipment. Ed Smart has been vital to the continued improvement of safety in the air around New Zealand skies for many years.
	2003 – Air New Zealand The Air New Zealand investigating officers of the NZ60 ILS incident at Apia of 29 July 2000 did an outstanding job in determining the causes of the incident. For their perseverance and thoroughness in preparing the detailed report and recommendations they deserve the thanks and admiration of the operational crews and the wider aviation community. In acknowledging the work of the individual investigators, the Trustees wished to recognise the contribution made by Air New Zealand in encouraging this type of enquiry, for making available facilities and aircraft for flight testing, for arranging the advice and expertise of other experts, for preparing a training package and video and for making the report and video available to aviation interests worldwide.
	2001- Peter Clements Peter had almost single handedly produced 27 safety videos through his own company Dove Videos. In his own words “if they save just one life they have been worth it.” Peter’s ethic in aviation has always been safety first. His priority has always been the desire to promote flight safety through this medium, and he has achieved outstanding results with the budgetary constraints.
	2001 – Capt. Bruce Kivi Captain Kivi persisted in maintaining the pilot position with regard to the safety issues in instituting major reductions in longitudinal and lateral separation. It resulted in the appropriate trials taking place and a more gradual implementation of reduced separations standards. The policy promoted by Captain Kivi to avoid unproven procedures being unilaterally introduced played a major part in ensuring the ongoing safety of flight in the Pacific Oceanic skies.
	2000- Robert Scott Robert Scott was recommended for outstanding airmanship throughout his flying career, in particular selection and training of pilots. Robert contributed to the safety of pilots trained in agricultural flying both helicopters and fixed wing.
	1996 – Jim Wilson His nominator described him as testimony to Helicopters NZ safety record, due to having Jim draw up the operations standards and manuals. Notably his work and visits to the Antarctic from 1979 and the procedures and documented standards that he set were also mentioned as contributing to his company’s high standing. His work with the 1995/96 Australian Antarctic Contract flying Sikorsky S-76A helicopters flying single pilot long range tasks up to 500nm was also noted in the nomination.
	1996 – Craig Wilkie His Nominator put his name forward as a person who had performed an act of exceptional airmanship. The nomination gave a detailed account of the Flight Assist of ZK DHS on 19 October 1995, where an aircraft with 5 passengers aboard, had an iced windscreen and was unsure of his position. His nominator noted that his calm and encouraging manner were the key elements to the eventual safe outcome of the assist. Craig throughout the ordeal continued his fantastic airmanship with reminders to scan, to check wings’ level, while reminding the pilot to continue “to fly the aircraft”.
	1996 – Capt. Stu Julian Captain Julian has made significant contributions to the cause of safety in Civil Aviation. Captain Julian is one of our modest, frequently unheralded professionals who work quietly in the background on extremely important projects. Stu has a long history of actively and effectively supporting technical issues on behalf of NZALPA. Stu has actively been an advocate for more safety systems in aircrafts and is a respected professional in the field of aviation safety.
	1995 – Alan Lang Alan Lang is Auckland International Airport Ltd’s wild Life Hazard Officer. Auckland Airport is sited on largely reclaimed land and as a result there is a potential danger from birds. His Nominator drew attention to dedication to the development of bird scaring techniques and his management of the environment to ensure the total bird numbers attracted to the airfield were reduced.
	1993 - Mr Kevin and Mrs Susan Campbell The Campbell's were involved in the investigation of the United 811 air crash in which their son along with 8 other passengers lost their lives. They rejected the findings of the original report, and their own individual investigation (which took them 40,000km around America) and perseverance paid off in determining that the original cause of the accident, cargo doors incorrectly locked, was not the cause but actually an electrical malfunction had caused it.
	1992 - Mark Milner Mark Milner was a Safety Officer with the Auckland International Airport Company and was described by his Nominator as being devoted to establishing and maintaining, at Auckland International Airport, airside and landside practices and procedures for the safe movement of ground personnel and equipment. Also noted was the Airside Driving Course and Permit scheme which he instigated along with his planning, implementation and evaluation of the Airport Emergency Procedures and the many training seminars and emergency exercises that have been held was.
	1991 - Captain Alwyn Gordon Vette Nominations drew attention to Captain Vette’s coordination and command of a rescue mission in the Pacific which earned him the Johnston memorial Award from the Guild of Air Pilots and the President’s Award from the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, his independent research into the causes of the Erebus accident, his publication and production of a book and video on the Erebus disaster (Impact Erebus) – proceeds from which go to the Captain A G Vette Flight Safety Research Fund, his assistance to students working on aviation safety matters, his continuing contribution to areas of ergonomics and human factors in flight safety and his active membership of the New Zealand Psychological Society – specialising in aviation psychology. Gordon was the recipient of a Presidential Citation from the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations at their annual conference in Auckland, March 2009.

 

The Captain Greg Vujcich Memorial Award

Captain Greg Vujcich passed away suddenly 9 November 2007.  Greg was a B747 Captain and an instructor throughout his career with Air New Zealand, and was well respected as a member of the  Association.  Greg spent many years training Air New Zealand pilots,  passing on his knowledge in an enthusiastic, informative and lasting manner. 

The Association wants to recognise the contribution that Greg has made to the instruction of professional pilots in New Zealand aviation, to ensure that the memory of Greg and his excellent work with our members is not forgotten and to recognise other instructors that are worthy of receiving this Award in future.

Process

Each year the Vice President and the Medical & Welfare Director  of the Association shall seek nominations from throughout the aviation community for the Greg Vujcich Memorial Award.   Any nominations received shall be presented to the Board of Management, together  with a recommendation as to the suitability of the nominee/s to receive the Award in any given year.  (There is no requirement for the award to be given in any year; this will be subject to the worthiness of the nominations received).

Mrs Joan Vujcich will be invited to discuss possible recipients of the Award with the responsible Principal Officers.

The permanent Award shall consist of a Waterford crystal vase to be appropriately engraved and maintained on display in the NZALPA registered office.  A second crystal vase Award shall be presented to Mrs Joan Vucjich as a permanent memento of the esteem in which her late husband was held.  When the Award is made,  it shall be presented to the recipient at the dinner of the Association’s Annual Conference in June off each year;  alternatively it may be presented at the Associations Board of Management Annual Christmas function in December.  Following its presentation, the  name of the recipient and year of recognition shall be engraved on the permanent Award in the NZALPA office.

The recipient will be presented with a miniature award which he/she may retain in perpetuity.

Eligibility

Prior membership of the Association shall be a prerequisite for receiving the Award, although a  nominee need not be a current financial member at the time of receiving the Award.

Recipients

History

Stewart Cameron was a well-respected Air Traffic Controller, instructor, and member of NZALPA, who experienced a period of psychosocial impairment.  People in the aviation industry are particularly vulnerable to stress and mental health issues.  It is a recognised significant risk due to the nature of the aviation industry and innate human fragility. 

As a consequence of his sudden death to suicide on 3 September 2013, NZALPA has created this award in order to recognise persons making an outstanding contribution to peer support for NZALPA members.  NZALPA also wanted to ensure an enduring reminder of the importance of mental wellness and peer support within the aviation industry.

The Award

The permanent award consists of an engraved Waterford crystal vase. The award will live in the NZALPA registered office on public display and opposite the Jim Collins Memorial Award and the Greg Vujcich Memorial Award. A replica crystal vase award has been presented to Mrs Deborah Cameron as a permanent memento of the esteem in which her late husband was held.

When the award is made it shall be presented to the recipient at the evening function of the Association’s annual Conference in June of each year. Following its presentation, the name of the recipient and year of recognition shall be engraved on the permanent award. Any recipient will be presented with a miniature award consisting of two engraved Waterford tumblers in a similar design to the original vase. The recipient may retain the miniature in perpetuity.

Deborah Cameron or representative will be invited to attend the Conference dinner to present the Award whenever practicable.

Process

Prior to the 1^st of March each year the Medical & Welfare Director of the Association shall seek nominations from throughout the aviation community for the Stewart Cameron Memorial Award. Nominations will be returned to NZALPA before the Friday of the fortnight prior to the Board of Management meeting that precedes Conference.

Any nominations received shall be presided over by the Medical & Welfare Director and Peer Assistance Network (PAN) co-ordinators, who shall present their recommendation to the BOM and report as to the suitability of the nominee/s to receive the award. The BOM will then determine if the nominee/s should receive the award. There is no requirement for the award to be given in any year. The award will only be presented if there is a nomination of a suitable standard that complies with the eligibility criteria.

Mrs Deborah Cameron or representative may be invited to discuss possible recipients of the Award with the presiding representatives.

Eligibility

The Stewart Cameron Memorial Award shall be presented to an individual or individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to aviation industry peer support. Membership of NZALPA is not a prerequisite for receiving the Award.

Specific criteria for the Award will be:

• Provided unconditional support and assistance to a colleague(s) experiencing distress, and
• Demonstrated a personal and conscious commitment to supporting others within the aviation industry, and
• Demonstrated initiative, ability, and willingness to take action, and
• Assisted in protecting and improving a colleague(s) well-being.

Recipients