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Civil Aviation Act 1990

Offences and penalties - General offences

50: Obstruction of persons duly authorised by Director

You could also call this:

“Don't stop people from doing their job when the boss of flying says it's okay”

You can get in trouble if you stop someone from doing their job when the Director of Civil Aviation has given them permission to do it. This includes blocking or slowing them down when they are carrying out their duties or using their powers under this law or its rules.

If you do this, you might be punished. If you’re a person, you could go to jail for up to 3 months or pay a fine of up to $2,000. If you’re a company, you might have to pay a fine of up to $10,000.

But this only applies if the person you’re stopping is wearing a uniform or shows you proof that they’re allowed to do their job. So, if someone says they’re working for the Director, they need to prove it before you can get in trouble for stopping them.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM216947.

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Part 5 Offences and penalties
General offences

50Obstruction of persons duly authorised by Director

  1. Every person commits an offence who obstructs or impedes any person who is duly authorised by the Director and acting in the performance or exercise of any functions, duties, or powers conferred on him or her by this Act, or by any rules made under this Act, and is liable on conviction,—

  2. in the case of an individual, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $2,000; or
    1. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

      1. Subsection (1) shall apply only where the person obstructed or impeded is in uniform or produces evidence of his or her authority.

      Notes
      • Section 50 heading: amended, on , pursuant to section 40(2) of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 1992 (1992 No 75).
      • Section 50(1): amended, on , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
      • Section 50(1): amended, on , by section 40(2) of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 1992 (1992 No 75).
      • Section 50(1)(b): amended, on , by section 41 of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 1992 (1992 No 75).