The 6th Annual Non-Aeronautical Revenue Summit offers you a unique opportunity to learn, share and develop strategies that will increase revenue within non-aeronautical streams.

There is an invitation from IQPA to NZ Airports here to a FREE SITE TOUR to the Changi Int’l Airport  upon registration to the main conference ( 25-26 August ).

In NZ Airports’ view, there are real and substantial benefits to the flying public from promoting greater competition in the trans-Tasman air passenger services market.  Where there is real competition on a trans-Tasman route, passengers have benefited from lower fares and more convenient services.  That competitive dynamic should continue.

It is the experience of our international airport members that increased competition in the trans-Tasman market leads to increased passenger numbers, lower fares and improved services.  In particular, the existence of an independent operator can be critical to the provision of competitively-priced trans-Tasman services.

The proposed alliance will inevitably reduce or eliminate that hard-won competition on the trans-Tasman services flying into and out of New Zealand’s airports.  Market power will enable price to be increased, demand will therefore decrease and capacity will reduce.  Without competitive choice, incumbents can route passengers through other ports, reducing the service levels offered to passengers.

The NZ Airports submission contains clear examples of the risks to passengers and the NZ economy.

Speech by NZ Airports’ Chair, Steve Fitzgerald

Guests were addressed by NZ Airports Chair Steve Fitzgerald and the Minister, but most of the talking was done by the convivial crowd, who took advantage of the first event of this kind to bring together decision-makers and stakeholders in the airport sector.

“We rely on tourism and trade to make a living in the world, and air travel plays a huge part in that. About 98% of foreign tourists enter New Zealand through our international airports and around 15% of our exports and 20% of our imports by value cross our borders at an international airport.  Put simply – we need airports” said the Minister.

Steve Fitzgerald pointed out “we are a critical piece of the jigsaw in providing essential infrastructure to the tourism industry, an industry worth $17.5 billion per annum to New Zealand’s GDP. We have an important role to play in enhancing New Zealand’s brand. For overseas visitors, we are their first and last New Zealand experience.”

The full speeches are available on this web site (see Articles & Papers).

All the photos from this event – many more than those showing above - will also be available from NZ Airports (plaudits to photographer Neil Mackenzie, onlinefotos).

A copy of the applications and submissions, including a submission from the NZ Airports Association, are available here.

Canada Geese and pest management

Pest management is certainly a common interest. One issue I’m sure many of you are interested in is the control of Canada geese. The Wildlife Protection Review concluded (not unexpectedly) that this goose is a problem and isn’t being managed as effectively as we would like. Something you already knew.

I have spoken with Fish and Game and Federated Farmers to get their views on the current situation. It probably comes as no surprise that they have differing perspectives, as does DOC. Today provides me with an opportunity to air my own thoughts on the matter. No decision has been made at this point as the matter is yet to go before Cabinet, so your feedback will be helpful.

Currently Canada geese are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act and are managed by Fish and Game. Farmers and any other property owners require the consent of game licence holders and have to pay to control the geese where required.

I don’t consider this requirement to be of much benefit. It creates friction between farmers and Fish and Game and generally results in frustration. A possible solution is to keep Canada geese in Schedule 1, but allow farmers to shoot them on or over their own property. Poison would not be allowed. Shooting only, with shotguns or rifles. It would not matter whether the goose was on the ground or in the air, but hunting could not be offered for reward.

Fish and Game would remain responsible for managing the overall population of Canada geese in New Zealand. They have made it clear that they want to retain this responsibility. As far as public land is concerned, their role will remain unchanged.

The proposed change is focused on private property and also aviation safety. It would allow farmers to take charge of troublesome geese on their own land, while freeing up Fish and Game to focus on managing these birds on public land and waterways. It makes sense that property owners are allowed to manage these geese when they are at those pest levels. I know they can be quite tricky to deal with, but a few shotgun rounds may dissuade them from settling on your land – but they may settle on your neighbour’s land. To classify them as a pest, however, would absolve Fish and Game of responsibility and potentially involve heaps of regional ratepayers’ funds with formulation of pest management strategies.

As I said, this proposal has not been taken to Cabinet, so your feedback would be appreciated.

Peter Griffiths and Anita Mazzoleni have been appointed for a three year term and John Bartlett for a two year term. The appointments commence on 25 June 2010.

Mr Joyce says with a significant work plan in front of it – including a value for money review and a funding review – this is an appropriate time to refresh the CAA’s governance.

“The three new board members have an excellent mix of skills and experience that will enable the board to drive cultural change and increased efficiency at the CAA.

“We have also taken the opportunity, as part of this process, to stagger board appointments and renewals across different years.  This is good practice and will ensure that in the future the Authority is refreshed regularly.”

The membership of current board member Susan Hughes QC has been extended from 30 November 2010 to 30 May 2011. Rick Bettle continues as Chair.

The terms of three members have expired and they will be leaving the board. Errol Millar served for three years on the board as Deputy Chairman, CAA. Darryll Park was a member for seven years and served as Deputy Chairman, Aviation Security Service (the CAA board’s responsibilities include the Aviation Security Service). Ross Crawford was a member of the board for three years.

Mr Joyce paid tribute to outgoing board members Errol Millar, Darryll Park and Ross Crawford.

“I thank them for their dedication and the contributions they have made both to the CAA and the Aviation Security Service.”

Peter Griffiths

Peter Griffiths will be Deputy Chairman, CAA. Mr Griffiths retired as Managing Director of BP Oil New Zealand Ltd in August 2009.  He is a member of New Zealand Oil and Gas, Wanganui Gas Ltd, New Zealand Diving and Salvage and an independent director of Greenstone Energy Ltd.  He was Chair of Liquigas Ltd and Bitumix Ltd.

Anita Mazzoleni

Anita Mazzoleni trained as a lawyer and is a chartered accountant and consultant.  She is currently a Commerce Commissioner and a member of Ngāti Whātua o Orakei Corporate Ltd.  She was a member of Industrial Research Ltd, General Counsel of Contact Energy, a director of Deloitte Corporate Finance, and General Manager of Citibank.

John Bartlett

John Bartlett has strong aviation industry experience, particularly in the area of strategy and development.  He was Executive Director of Pacific Blue Airlines and has held senior executive positions in Ansett New Zealand, Virgin Group and the Civil Aviation Authority.  He is currently Chief Executive of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

“I have been pragmatic about the changes given to some species and a reduction in protection will be the best way to manage some populations.

The new changes will take effect on 8 July 2010.

A table in the Minister’s announcement comments on the Spur-winged Plover:  ’Species poses a major hazard to aviation – is responsible for 37% of bird strikes nationally (over 50% at 10 airports), costs aircraft operators hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, and jeopardises the safety of aircraft. Necessary management is prevented by current protection status’

The Plover will now be under Schedule 5:  ‘Will allow control under regional pest management strategies, and permits will no longer be required for control. Will improve aviation safety and reduce current costs to aircraft operators.’

A final decision is yet to be made on the level of protection for Canada geese.  

The Minister’s full statement is available here