Air services agreements and New Zealand connectivity with rest of the world

Date: 23 July 2014 Time: 12.30 pm

Air services are vital for New Zealand’s connectivity with the world. In tourism, 99% of international visitors arrive by air. The international aviation regulatory environment which dates back to 1944 restricts, often severely, the services that airlines may offer. New Zealand has for more than two decades pursued one of the most liberal aviation policies in the world to remove these barriers. While some countries focus on airline interests, New Zealand looks at wider economic, social and foreign policy benefits in increasing aviation linkages. The past three years, particularly since the release of a new International Air Transport Policy in 2012 have seen an acceleration in this activity. More airlines than ever before have the option of offering services to New Zealand. Looking to the future, we are working with the international aviation community to develop a multilateral agreement which will free the aviation industry from the current complex web of bilateral arrangements.

About the presenter
An economics and political studies graduate from the University of Auckland, Sonya van de Geer joined the Ministry of Transport in 1996 from the Treasury. While at the Ministry, Sonya has worked across transport modes including on the framework for tolls and public private partnerships under the Land Transport Management Act and the development of a domestic sea freight policy. Throughout that time she has focussed on issues relating to international aviation.

Since 2013 Sonya has led the New Zealand delegation in air services negotiations. During this time the pace of air services liberalisation has increased, drawing impetus from the 2012 International Air Transport Policy and the benefits of negotiating at the annual International Air Services Negotiations Conference. Sonya has also represented New Zealand in a number of international fora, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation General Assembly.

Any queries please email: tourism@vuw.ac.nz