New Zealand CAA News

Gayle Holmes Appointed Deputy Chief Executive, Starts April 7

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand has announced the appointment of Gayle Holmes as the new Deputy Chief Executive, Regulatory Enablement and Response, to the Executive Leadership Team. Gayle will join from the Environmental Protection Authority where she served as General Manager, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement since 2020. She brings experience leading the Hazardous Substances Modernisation Programme and establishing EPA's Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement function. Gayle begins her new role on April 7, 2026.

Brett Banner Appointed CAA Chief Financial Officer

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ) has announced the appointment of Brett Banner as Chief Financial Officer to its Executive Leadership Team, effective 25 May 2026. Banner is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of public sector finance experience, having previously served as CFO at the Commerce Commission and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and currently holding the role of General Manager Corporate Services at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). He also serves on the Board of NZ On Air, chairing the Audit and Risk Committee.

CAA Appoints Aaron Toatelegese Chief Digital Officer

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand announces the appointment of Aaron Toatelegese as Chief Digital Officer to its Executive Leadership Team. Aaron will lead the Digital Transformation & Technology group and brings over 30 years of experience spanning financial services and central government, including roles as Chief Technology & Security Officer at MBIE and Chief Technology Officer at Bank of New Zealand. He will join CAA on 25 May 2026, succeeding in the newly created CDO position.