Council media statement on CAA grounding of aircraft

Published on 26 May 2025

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Whanganui District Council has been made aware of matters raised by the Civil Aviation Authority during its recent audit of the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy.(NZICPA).

Mayor Andrew Tripe says, "We are working with the NZICPA chair, board and management to gather all the facts and to understand the full context. This matter came to my attention late on Friday afternoon and I am taking the matter extremely seriously. The council expects meticulous attention to safety from all our council controlled organisations (CCO’s) including NZICPA.

"We will respond as quickly as possible and with all available information." He says, "The wellbeing and safety of students will be a priority."

Further updates will be provided as the council is able to share verified information.

NZICPA started operating in 2017 and has its own board and management team. Whanganui District Council is a 100 percent shareholder. Since the disruption of Covid in 2020, the organisation has been working positively back towards profitability and currently has strong student enrolment with both accommodation options currently full.

 

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