Chair

I am an aviation professional with research interests in the operation regulation of emerging aviation technologies, and well as marketing and consumer psychology within air transport and tourism. I am currently a member of academic staff at Massey University School of Aviation and I also consult for several businesses in New Zealand and abroad, primarily with regards to use of uncrewed aircraft.

Deputy Chair

I've been involved with aviation since I was child, building and flying models, before embarking on a career as an aircraft engineer.

I started working on UAVs in the early 2010s which has taken me around the world, as both a UAV pilot and engineer. Now I work full time in the UAV sector, primarily as a specialist in larger UAVs through my company Jackson UAS Ltd.

I also contract to Aviation Safety Management Systems as their Chief Examiner, conducting OCAs for New Zealand's CAR102 sector, which results in having a finger on the pulse of the sector.

Executive Officer

My passion for aviation started early in life and I became a Commercial Helicopter Pilot. In 2013 I moved into Uncrewed Aviation and am a Part 102 Certificate Holder and Operate on a Part 141 Training Certificate and am a SMS Manager.

I have previously held P135 Positions, am a Helicopter Instructor and Uncrewed Aviation Examiner.

My Role at Aviation New Zealand is split between the Helicopter Association (NZHA) and UAVNZ.

Committee Member

I started learning the art of aerial photography first by taking images in freefall of screaming tandem skydive customers in Queenstown in 2008.

As an early adopter of this technology I learnt first-hand, through building my own UAV, what goes in to keeping these industry revolutionising craft in the sky – giving me a sound technological understanding and a solid platform to build from as the industry rapidly developed.

In 2014 I founded Droneworks New Zealand in response to a rapidly growing aerial imaging market and the desire to provide beautiful aerial imagery I decided to transform what had been until now a hobby, into a full-time business. In 2017 I struck a deal with GCH Aviation and came onboard as their Operations Manager & Chief Pilot, based in Marlborough.

In 2023 I purchased GCH UAV from GCH Aviation and Skyworks UAS was born.

Committee Member

I am the Founder, owner and director of Indelible, I am equally comfortable behind and in front of the lens, as well as devising smart strategy and innovative approaches for my clients. I’m a dedicated filmmaker since 2008, I have concepted, shot and directed documentaries and a diverse range of videos for hundreds of companies around New Zealand and abroad. I am a real connector, and I’m passionate about business, innovation and tech.

Committee Member

My name is Dan Morton and I am the Technical & Support Manager for Ferntech. I have been involved in the industry for over 10 years covering many different aspects from commercial operations, training, and repairs.

I enjoy using my skills to contribute to the exciting technological advances that happen every day across the industry.

Committee Member

Josh serves as the Chief Technology Officer of Aeronavics, a renowned organization at the forefront of drone innovation.

With a deep-rooted passion for aviation, he embodies the spirit of flight as an avid model flyer and a private pilot.

Josh came on board with UAVNZ in 2023 to play a part in further advancing an exciting new industry in Aotearoa, emphasizing safety while pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.

Committee Member

I have been a photographer and Cinematographer all my life, and have taken the camera into many adventure activities like skiing, skydiving, mountain climbing, and scuba diving. So besides normal camera work, my specialty areas are helicopter aerials, drone filming, and underwater work.

I hold a Commercial Pilots License and Instructors Rating, has many hours and years filming from helicopters, so combining that experience with drone flying & camera work has been an ideal mix.

I hold a CAA Part 102 Certificate and operates all over NZ.

I have been involved with the UAVNZ committee for several years now, with particular interest in the areas of drone filming access and permissions. I successfully advocated for the Air NZ increased battery carriage allowance, which remains a benefit of UAVNZ membership.

Committee Member

I am a lover of all things aviation, I have over 30 years of aviation experience on Fixed wing, rotary and simulator aircraft. Currently a Microlight Flight Instructor, Radio Announcer Massey University

Chief Flight Examiner RPAS (rotary wing)

Chief Operator for the School’s CAA NZ Part 102 Certificate

Committee Member

I am the CTO of SPS Automation which is a Christchurch-based R&D company specialising in tailored airborne and ground-based automated robotic systems. Our core technology is bespoke sensor-based AI and the design/integration of the robots that use it.

SPS Automation has an in-house rapid prototyping fabrication lab, which includes equipment like a machine learning lab, 3axis/5axis CNCs, 3D printers, a composites workshop, and an electronics lab.

Committee Member

I co founded Envico, with my business partner, specializing in the development of advanced drone systems. Originally focused on creating specialist drones, the company swiftly recognized the pressing need for new conservation tools, both in aerial and ground-based applications.

Envico's product development team consists of experienced professionals in mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, and mechatronics engineering. Additionally, the company has established partnerships with expert scientists and industry professionals, ensuring accurate project completion with a strong focus on solution-oriented design.

New Zealand Defence Force Liaison

As the NZDF Operating Airworthiness Authority (OAA), I am the principle representative to the NZDF Airworthiness Authority (Chief of Air Force) on matters concerning operating airworthiness and safe military air operations.

I joined the RNZAF in 1995 as a pilot and have flown the HS 780 Andover, C-130(H) Hercules, Boeing 757, B200 King Air and T-6C Texan II completing operational missions in East Timor, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, Antarctica, and Albania (Kosovo). I was the display pilot/captain on the C-130(H) and Boeing 757 completing international displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo in the United Kingdom and Avalon Airshow in Australia along with domestic air shows within NZ. I was also the lead test pilot for the upgrade and modifications of the RNZAF's Boeing 757 and have flown for Air New Zealand as a Boeing 777 Second Officer.

I have a Master of Aviation from Massey University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts in Defence and Security Studies. I am currently an adjunct lecturer at Massey University teaching the Air Power (190.240) paper to future aviation professionals.

NZ Agricultural Aviation Association Liaison

In my role as the Executive Officer, I am responsible for championing the interests of our members through effective leadership, advocacy, and promotion. Central to this position is engaging with all stakeholders to ensure that our members meet regulatory requirements and fulfill public expectations regarding flight and environmental safety.

Prior to my appointment at NZAAA, I served as a committee member for 22 years and had the privilege of being the Past Chairman. Additionally, I owned and operated Amuri Helicopters Ltd in Hanmer Springs for 33 years, specializing in terrestrial and aquatic weed and pest control, as well as offshore island pest eradication contracting. With 38 years of flight experience as a commercial helicopter pilot, I accumulated over 11,000 hours, engaging in various operations such as aerial spraying, topdressing, and pest eradication.

I am excited to bring my expertise and dedication to Aviation New Zealand and I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of the agricultural aviation industry in New Zealand.

Student Volunteer

I set my sights on a career in aviation and studied at Massey School of Aviation. I completed a Commercial Fixed Wing License and hold a MEIFR rating.

I have developed a keen interest in the integration of crewed and uncrewed drone operations. Recognizing the immense potential and benefits of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),

I joined UAVNZ as a volunteer and assist in advocating for the seamless collaboration between human pilots and advanced drone technologies.

My passion for integrating crewed and uncrewed drone operations led me to lead a research project which has enabled UAVNZ to create the Pilot Accreditation Scheme which is helping to professionalise the Uncrewed aviation sector.

I am looking forward to continuing to contribute with UAVNZ and embrace the technology that is now part of aviation. I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aviation and shaping a safer and more efficient airspace for all.