Two new leaders for Air Traffic Controllers

After three years in the role, Jonathan Brooks is standing down as NZALPA’s ATC Director.

NZALPA President Tim Robinson paid tribute to Jon, thanking him for the long hours and dedication he’d given to the Union, and his demonstrated leadership and negotiation skills. 

“His collaborative and considered approach will be particularly missed,” Robinson said. 

Queenstown Airport-based Jon lives near Arrowtown and is looking forward to spending more time with his young family. 

Meanwhile, the search continues for the new Chief Executive to take over from departing Airways New Zealand head, Ed Sims. 

As reported in May NZALPA, current operations Chief Pauline Lamb is acting in the role through the international recruitment and appointment process. 

New Airways CEO and relationship

One of Brooks’ legacies as ATC Director is a new phase of relationship management that he began with Airways New Zealand.

Following an approach from Brooks, Airways New Zealand Chair Judy Kirk welcomed Brooks and Robinson to meet with her in Auckland last month.   

The relationship meeting included a discussion on what attributes NZALPA sought in a new Chief Executive and talked about the need for the new leader to be more open and willing to engage with ATCs at a grassroots level. Brooks also expressed the need for Airways’ managers to genuinely consult and collaborate with NZALPA, actively listening and acting on concerns.

2017 IFATCA Regional Meeting in New Zealand

Meanwhile, preparations continue for the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Asia Pacific Regional meeting, which will be held in Wellington on 19-21 October this year.

A number of senior ATCs from around the region have registered their interest with more information from the ATC conference committee to follow.