26/08/2026
New Zealand grants Pacific Aviation Safety Office NZD 3.6 Million to Strengthen Aviation Safety and Security Across the Pacific
Port Vila, Vanuatu – The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) are pleased to announce the continuation of New Zealand’s funding support for PASO for a further two years.
New Zealand funding has supported PASO since 2016, enabling it to provide technical support, advice and regulatory services to ten (10) Pacific states (Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu). This support helps Pacific states improve their aviation safety and security performance and compliance with international conventions and regulations under the International Civil Aviation Office (ICAO).
As notified by New Zealand during the PASO Council Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, the extended funding provides NZD 1.8 million a year for two years.
The funding will support PASO's core operations, strengthen technical assistance and regulatory support to Member States, enhance aviation security capacity-building across the region, and expand specialist expertise in quality management, regulatory oversight, and legal advisory services. It will also support initiatives designed to improve organisational effectiveness, strategic planning, and operational delivery, ensuring PASO remains responsive to the evolving needs of Pacific States.
PASO Council Chair, Mr Benedict Oraka, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG), welcomed the continued partnership with New Zealand and highlighted the significant contribution the funding makes to aviation safety, security, and regulatory oversight across the Pacific region.
"This funding provides critical support for PASO's work with Member States and ensures we can continue delivering high-quality aviation safety and security services across the Pacific.
We deeply appreciate the New Zealand Government's ongoing commitment to strengthening regional aviation systems and maintaining safe and secure skies for Pacific communities. On behalf of the PASO Council and our Member States, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their continued partnership, trust, and investment in Pacific aviation," said Mr Oraka.
New Zealand's ongoing support reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening aviation safety, security, and regulatory capability throughout the Pacific, helping ensure safer skies for all Pacific nations and communities.
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