Assisting overseas investigations

TAIC's jurisdiction extends to the 12 nautical mile limit of New Zealand's territorial waters, the land within that, and the air above, and to New Zealand registered aircraft or ships anywhere in the world.

TAIC's jurisdiction extends to the 12 nautical mile limit of New Zealand territorial waters, the land within that, and the air above, and to New Zealand registered aircraft or ships anywhere in the world.

By agreement, another country may lead investigations into occurrences in international waters or airspace involving NZ-registered ships and aircraft, such as one closer to the accident site or where an aircraft was manufactured.

Numerous national flags on flagpoles in the forecourt area of NZ Parliament Buildings

The Commission can also assist an overseas accident investigation organisations. These investigations are conducted by those states, not New Zealand. This aligns with New Zealand’s international obligations under a number of international conventions, including:

  • Convention on International Civil Aviation, including Annex 13 which is concerned with accident investigation.
  • Convention on the International Maritime Organization
  • International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), including the Casualty Investigation Code which is concerned with accident investigation.
  • International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
  • Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Assistance depends on the circumstance but may include:

  • Taking evidence or interviewing witnesses in New Zealand on behalf of the investigating Organisation
  • Providing information to the investigating Organisation, where appropriate
  • Commenting on draft accident reports.

TAIC has also provided investigation assistance to other countries in the Pacific region as part of New Zealand’s assistance programme.  Again, these investigations are not Commission investigations. 

Further information on current and historic engagement by the Commission in overseas investigations can be found here.

International transport safety organisations

The Commission is part of a global network of transport accident investigation bodies prepared to meet their states’ obligations to conduct investigations consistent with international requirements. In this context, it is TAIC's job to investigate qualifying accidents or incidents occurring within New Zealand’s 12 nautical mile limit, as well as in or above international waters in the case of a New Zealand registered aircraft or ship. 

United Nations specialised agencies:

Peer transportation safety investigation agencies

The organisations listed below are regarded as peer agencies for TAIC through shared membership of the International Transportation Safety Association (ITSA).

NB: This is not an exclusive list. TAIC works with investigation agencies of any country as may be needed in accordance with TAIC's legislation and the relevant international conventions.

Professional associations

Last updated: Monday, 22 September 2025 - 13:06
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