The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) continues to encounter change, with the recent resignation of Chairman Nigel Gould. News reports claim Mr Gould resigned at the request of Transport Minister Phil Twyford. 

Deputy chair Don Huse has stepped up as Interim Chairman. 

For several months, there have been reports of bullying, harassment and an unhealthy work culture at the CAA. Many of these aired in TV3 news items.

Mr Gould had earlier questioned the motivation of some of the people making complaints against the CAA. 

Minister Twyford has ordered an independent review of culture at the CAA, and as Uplink went to print details of this review were announced. See the separate article here. 

CAA Chief Executive Graeme Harris has ordered a separate investigation into allegations of bullying, harassment and ineffective leadership at the Aviation Security Service – which is part of CAA. Most of the allegations relate to Aviation Security’s Wellington operation and the Explosive Detector Dog Unit – that investigation is headed by QC David Laurenson. 

When issues about the CAA’s performance were first raised some months ago, NZALPA called for accusations against the CAA to be thoroughly investigated. NZALPA support and resources have been offered to the CAA as the regulatory body has come under increasing public criticism. 

NZALPA President Andrew Ridling says, “We need an effective CAA and we need to have a constructive working relationship with the regulator.”