Independent NZICPA review to provide clear answers and accountability

Published on 21 April 2026

Whanganui District Council’s CCO & Economic Growth (CCO&EG) committee has today recommended that the council adopt the Terms of Reference for an independent review into the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA), so the community can see clear answers and accountability.

Mayor Andrew Tripe says the council understands the strength of community concern and the expectation that the council is accountable for the outcome for ratepayers.

“While this started well over a decade ago, our responsibility now is to make sure there is a clear, independent account of what happened, and that we apply the lessons to protect ratepayers in the future,” Mayor Andrew says.

“The review will examine the key decisions that were made, the information and advice behind them, and whether the governance and oversight in place at the time was strong enough so the community can have confidence in what comes next.”

Mayor Andrew says it’s important the review is tightly scoped and cost-effective, while still delivering clear answers.

“We’ve been very deliberate about the scope. It needs to be thorough, but also focused and practical, something that gives us real lessons we can apply in the future.”

The Terms of Reference set out a review focused on the key decision points that increased the council’s financial exposure, the governance pathways involved, and the quality of advice provided to decision-makers. The review will be tightly focused to ensure it delivers clear, practical answers for the community.

Final approval of the Terms of Reference will be made by the council. Subject to that decision, an independent reviewer will be appointed and the review is expected to be completed within six to eight weeks, with findings released publicly.