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Air navigation services provider Airways New Zealand has reported net profit after tax of $11.9 million for the year to the end of June, with $10m going back to its government shareholder.
The State-owned enterprise noted that air traffic volumes remained at about 90% of 2019 levels during the period, which it acknowledged presented "challenges in a user-pay environment, with service level agreements in place for the provision of air traffic services".
It said, over the year, it had safely managed 492,037 flights through the 30 million square kilometres of airspace it controls.
The 2026 financial year would "present headwinds as the challenging fiscal environment in the industry continues" it said, while noting the long-term outlook for New Zealand air traffic was "positive".
"We will continue to balance cost management in the current industry context with our obligations to provide a safe, efficient and reliable service now and into the future," said Airways board chair Denise Church.
Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa since 1997, has died overnight after an illness; he’d just turned 84.
He was widely respected for his steady leadership, especially in environmental protection and heritage, including Tongariro’s dual World Heritage status. He chaired the Māori Heritage Council and held national and international roles. He was made Distinguished Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in 2005 and accepted the knighthood version in 2009. He is survived by Lady Susan Te Heuheu and his whānau. Tangihanga details are yet to be confirmed.
Trade Minister Todd McClay plans to strengthen trade links between New Zealand and Asia during high-level talks this week.
He departs today for Kuala Lumpur to attend a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meetings.
The Asean area is New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner, with two-way trade now worth more than $29 billion each year.
McClay said his focus will be on advancing New Zealand’s priorities with overseas counterparts to give local businesses certainty in a volatile global trading environment.
During his visit, McClay will take part in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Ministers’ Meeting, the Asean Economic Ministers’ Closer Economic Relations Meeting, and the East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting.
