Aviation Industry Association Award Winners 2026

Aviation Industry Association Award Winners 2026

We are thrilled to announce the exceptional individuals who have been recognised in this year’s Aviation Industry Awards, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the aviation industry.

Each winner has demonstrated remarkable dedication, innovation, and leadership in their respective fields, inspiring others and shaping the future of aviation in New Zealand.

NZ Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) Young Individual Award Winner – Jack Griffith

This award recognises individuals who demonstrate a strong passion for agricultural aviation, a commitment to safety and professional excellence, and a drive to continually improve industry standards. Nominees should set ambitious goals, contribute to enhancing safety, efficiency, and effectiveness, and inspire others through their leadership, actions, and exemplary conduct.

Nigel Griffith accepting on behalf of Jack Griffith

NZAAA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners – Kevin + Sandra Anderson and Wayne Tantrum  

This award recognises individuals or companies with an outstanding career in, or significant and lasting contribution to, agricultural aviation.

NZ Helicopter Association (NZHA) Lifetime Contribution and Achievement Award Winner – Simon Cometti

This award recognises an individual with 20+ years in the New Zealand helicopter industry, demonstrating sustained leadership and notable contributions to safety and innovation.

Aviation Engineering Association of New Zealand (AEANZ) Commitment to Service Award Winner – Don McCracken  

This award recognises an individual for outstanding service to aviation engineering and the wider industry, demonstrating leadership, mentoring, and contributions to safety and innovation.

SiS Training and Consulting Aviation Safety Award Winner – Scott Spooner  

This award recognises a professional or organisation, at any career level or area of the aviation industry, for an outstanding contribution to safety.

 Eye in the Sky Leader in Aviation Award Winner – Blair Judd

This award recognises a leader in aviation who has effectively developed, strengthened, or grown an aviation business.

Aerofusion Young Aviator of the Year Award Winner – Ryan Clements 

This award recognises a young aviator in the New Zealand aviation industry who has shown outstanding commitment, effort, and dedication in building a successful career.

Fieldair Aviation Mentor Award  Winner – John Keyzer 

This award recognises a mentor, professional, or organisation who has helped other aviation personnel learn or grow in their careers, across any role or area of the industry.

Service IQ Industry Award for Aviation Engineering Winner – Ian Frazer 

This award recognises an individual or organisation in aircraft maintenance engineering for outstanding achievement and commitment to safety and professional excellence.

UAVNZ Innovator of the Year Award Winner – SPS Automation 

UAVNZ Excellence in Industry Award Winner – Scotty Horgan

UAVNZ Safety Award Winner – OC Aerial 

AIANZ Richard Pearse Award Winner – Droneshows 

This award recognises a member’s contribution through a new product or service that shows technical innovation, positive market response, and substantial development in New Zealand.

AIANZ Individual Award Winner – Richard Small 

This award recognises an individual member’s contribution to the development of New Zealand aviation, demonstrating high standards, dedication, and the ability to inspire others.

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) Director’s Award Winner – Rick Graham

This award recognises an individual for a sustained commitment to improving aviation safety across the wider aviation community.