The Civil Aviation Act Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Civil Aviation Act has 5 executives leading key functions including executive strategy, organizational culture, aviation safety oversight, and financial management.

Committed to maintaining rigorous safety standards, The Civil Aviation Act ensures the integrity of New Zealand's aviation sector through comprehensive regulatory compliance and security measures.

Leadership Roles at The Civil Aviation Act

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kane Patena
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability - Andrea Cooke
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight - Catherine MacGowan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brett Banner
  • Acting Chief Financial Officer - Maria Kniazieva
  • Kane Patena - Chief Executive Officer

    Kane Patena, the Chief Executive Officer at The Civil Aviation Act, directs the overarching strategic vision for New Zealand's aviation safety and security frameworks. Overseeing the integration of the Civil Aviation Authority and Aviation Security Service, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between regulatory mandates and operational excellence. This leadership role involves constant engagement with government stakeholders to maintain high standards for aircraft registration, pilot licensing, and airworthiness certification. By prioritizing safety education and systemic compliance, Kane Patena drives the organization toward a future of enhanced passenger protection and industry reliability. The Chief Executive Officer manages the broad administrative scope of the agency, ensuring that all departments function in harmony to support the national aviation infrastructure. Through consistent oversight of regulatory policy, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term stability of the aviation sector, fostering a culture of safety that benefits all operators and travelers across the country.

    Andrea Cooke - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability

    Andrea Cooke, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability at The Civil Aviation Act, architects the internal frameworks necessary to support a high-performing workforce. Overseeing talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability ensures that the agency maintains the specialized expertise required for complex aviation safety tasks. This leadership role involves cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes regulatory integrity and professional excellence. By implementing robust training programs and capability-building initiatives, Andrea Cooke directly impacts the operational readiness of the entire organization. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability collaborates with other executive leaders to align human capital strategies with the broader mission of securing New Zealand's airports. Through the optimization of internal processes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability strengthens the foundation upon which the agency delivers its critical safety services to the aviation community.

    Catherine MacGowan - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight

    Catherine MacGowan, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight at The Civil Aviation Act, manages the technical and regulatory functions essential for maintaining airworthiness and safety standards. Overseeing the certification of pilots and aircraft, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight ensures that all participants in the aviation sector adhere to strict national and international protocols. This leadership role involves directing complex safety audits and monitoring compliance across diverse aviation operations. By analyzing safety data and implementing preventative measures, Catherine MacGowan mitigates risks for passengers and operators throughout New Zealand. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight coordinates with technical teams to refine regulatory frameworks, ensuring that safety protocols evolve alongside technological advancements in the industry. Through the rigorous application of safety standards, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight maintains the integrity of the national aviation system, providing a secure environment for all aviation activities.

    Brett Banner - Chief Financial Officer

    Brett Banner, the Chief Financial Officer at The Civil Aviation Act, directs the financial strategy and resource allocation necessary to sustain the agency's safety and security operations. Overseeing budget planning, fiscal reporting, and long-term financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the economic stability required to fulfill its regulatory mandates. This leadership role involves managing the financial health of the agency while supporting the operational needs of the Aviation Security Service and the Civil Aviation Authority. By optimizing cost structures and ensuring transparent financial governance, Brett Banner provides the necessary capital to fund critical safety education and infrastructure projects. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align fiscal priorities with the strategic goals of the organization. Through disciplined financial management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to uphold the safety standards that protect New Zealand's aviation sector and its traveling public.
    Brett Banner

    Maria Kniazieva - Acting Chief Financial Officer

    Maria Kniazieva, the Acting Chief Financial Officer at The Civil Aviation Act, executes the daily financial operations and accounting controls that underpin the agency's regulatory functions. Overseeing the integrity of financial data and the efficiency of procurement processes, the Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures that all departments possess the funding required for immediate safety and security initiatives. This leadership role involves managing cash flow, auditing internal expenditures, and preparing financial statements that reflect the agency's commitment to fiscal responsibility. By streamlining financial workflows, Maria Kniazieva supports the broader mission of maintaining safe and secure aviation services across the country. The Acting Chief Financial Officer works closely with departmental heads to monitor budget adherence and identify opportunities for operational efficiency. Through the diligent management of financial resources, the Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization remains well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the aviation industry and its diverse stakeholders.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Civil Aviation Act Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Civil Aviation Act?
    The Civil Aviation Act is led by Kane Patena (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Andrea Cooke (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability) and Catherine MacGowan (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight).
    Who is part of The Civil Aviation Act’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Civil Aviation Act includes leaders such as Kane Patena (Chief Executive Officer), Andrea Cooke (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability), Catherine MacGowan (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Civil Aviation Act have?
    The Civil Aviation Act has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Civil Aviation Act’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Civil Aviation Act includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Capability, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Safety Oversight, Chief Financial Officer, Acting Chief Financial Officer.