Strength in the Skies: Aviation Leadership Update

Gordon Alexander: Aviation Advisor to the CE

After more than 14 years as Aspeq's Aviation Manager, and a career in aviation spanning five decades, Gordon Alexander steps into a new role as Aviation Advisor to the CE.

Few people in New Zealand aviation have seen as much, or shaped as much, as Gordon. From flying military helicopters in Singapore and Antarctica, to leading pilot training for the entire Royal New Zealand Air Force, to building Airways' international training contracts, Gordon has brought an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and connection to every role he has held. At Aspeq, he has been our trusted point of contact with the Civil Aviation Authority, a steady leader for our flight examiner network, and a committed voice for the industry through his role as both President and Vice President of the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand.

In his new role, Gordon will provide strategic advice directly to Hamish, and will support the incoming Aviation Manager and wider organisation to ensure a smooth and confident transition.

"The Aviation Manager role is very important to Aspeq and the wider community to ensure consistency and safety in aviation," says Gordon. "This role is in great hands and I know Paul will excel in it."

We are fortunate that Gordon's knowledge and passion for aviation will continue to be a resource for Aspeq and the sector.

Paul Kearney: Our New Aviation Manager

Paul Kearney steps into the Aviation Manager role, bringing with him over 30 years of hands-on experience in aviation and a proven record of leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

Paul's aviation story began the way many great ones do, as a wide-eyed kid watching planes take off and land, dreaming of being at the controls. That dream became a career defined by excellence: a Category A flight instructor since 2005, winner of the 2008 Director of CAA's Instructor Award, recipient of the 2017 Captain Vujcich Memorial Award, and former Chief Flight Instructor at Massey University's School of Aviation, where he led a team of 25 instructors and mentored hundreds of pilots into commercial careers.

Paul has been part of the Aspeq whānau for 15 years as a contract flight examiner, before joining full-time as Deputy Aviation Manager in late 2024. In that time, he has led examiner seminars, driven innovation in flight training, and worked closely with CAA on regulatory standards.

In his new role, Paul will continue to look after Aspeq's experienced team of flight examiners and our valued aviation partners, carrying forward the trusted leadership Gordon has established.

"I lead with empathy and understanding," Paul has said of his approach. "I stand beside the team, letting people know how important they are and empowering them to do their best."

A strong team, well positioned

These changes represent a natural evolution. Aspeq's aviation function remains in capable, committed hands, with deep industry relationships, a clear focus on safety and standards, and a leadership team that genuinely cares about the people and communities it serves.

Please join us in congratulating both Gordon and Paul on their new roles.