"Until you spread your wings you have no idea how far you'll fly..."
Napoleon Bonaparte
"Until you spread your wings you have no idea how far you'll fly..."
Napoleon Bonaparte
To consistently deliver high-quality training that leads to meaningful, exciting careers in aviation.
To empower all learners — especially Māori and Pasifika —through meaningful support, inclusive education, and real-world opportunities, to create spaces of belonging and connection for all our learners and pathways that lead to lasting change.
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Our story starts in 2006, when Josh Payne - a young Māori-Niuean man from Ngāpuhi (Aotearoa) and Village Avatele (Niue) - took his first job on the ramp as a contractor at Whakatāne Airport. It was a humble beginning that sparked a big vision.
Josh went on to establish JNP Aviation, a company that now employs over 100 people across Aotearoa - with 35% Māori and Pasifika representation, and a third identifying as female. JNP Aviation provides ground operations services for Air New Zealand at up to 16 ports, including its main hub at Tauranga Airport.
But Josh’s vision extended beyond business. He saw a need - he had highly skilled employees yet with no formal qualifications - so he developed a way for his team to gain recognition for their on-the-job learning. And more than that, he wanted to create opportunities for those who, like him, came from under-represented communities, people with talent, drive, and heart, but without a clear way in.
So JNP Aviation Training (JNPAT) was born.
Our logo features the kārearea, the New Zealand falcon — a symbol of strength, courage, and agility.
It’s a powerful representation of our kaupapa: to help people rise strong, no matter where they start. The kārearea reminds us — and our learners — that with the right support, they too can rise above life’s challenges and forge their own path.
This symbolises the journey that our founder had as he reflected upon his humble beginnings starting out in Whakatāne and now resonates in the opportunities JNPAT offers to learners.
At JNPAT, we’re proud to offer a one-of-a-kind training resource — te waka rererangi, a decommissioned Air New Zealand (ATR-72) aircraft that now serves as a living classroom for our aviation learners.
This aircraft gives students the unique opportunity to practise ground operations and service procedures in an authentic, industry-replica environment - the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
Our waka rererangi embodies the spirit of opportunity, collaboration, and connection that defines JNPAT. Already adorned with JNPAT's logo, the aircraft will soon have additional artwork added, created by Chris Sio (siodesign), which blends Māori, Samoan, and Tongan motifs — a contemporary expression of traditional values and shared identity.
Beyond its cultural significance, te waka rererangi is a powerful practical training tool. As a static aircraft, it allows learners to train outside the time pressures of live flight operations. This means they can slow down, practise thoroughly, make mistakes, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. Learners experience a wide range of ground operation scenarios, helping them become familiar with the very same aircraft model that Air New Zealand plans to continue to use for the next 30 years.
In addition to serving our learners, te waka rererangi has become a valuable resource for the wider community. New Zealand Police, Fire & Emergency NZ (FENZ), and Tauranga Airport’s Security, Fire & Safety staff (through Advanced Aviation Services) also use the aircraft for specialised training. This means our decommissioned ATR‑72 isn’t just a classroom for JNPAT students - it’s a real-world training platform supporting multiple agencies, helping develop critical skills in aviation safety, emergency response, and operational procedures.
Our waka rererangi represents opportunity itself - a safe, hands-on, and culturally grounded space where learners can prepare for real-world aviation with skill, pride, and confidence.
The team at Classic Flyers have been an integral component of the ATR's restoration. Engineers, pilots, aviation specialists and experts continue help to maintain and restore the aircraft to its full potential.
Download the full story behind this aircraft's history and journey below.
Our instructors are experienced aviation professionals with diverse, real-world industry experience. They don't just teach the curriculum; they inspire the next generation with practical skills and insight. This immersive, interactive approach ensures our learners live and breathe aviation, not just study it.
We're a small, close-knit organization genuinely invested in your success. You're never just a number here; we provide tailored, wraparound support. Our second-to-none pastoral care includes dedicated Māori and Pasifika-based services, ensuring an inclusive, judgement-free environment. We nurture you as a whole person, building not only industry skills but also supporting your personal growth.
Our sister company, JNP Aviation, gives us a unique edge. As a major ground operations provider, JNP Aviation offers learners unrivalled access to live airport environments—exposure no other provider can match. We are further leaders in the sector, offering New Zealand's only micro-credential in Ground Handling. This partnership delivers an authentic aviation experience that truly sets our courses apart.
At JNP Aviation Training, our strength lies in the partnerships we forge with leaders across aviation, education and community supporters.
At JNPAT, you’re not just a student — you’re part of a community that believes in your potential. We’re here to guide, mentor and support you every step of the way. Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or already working in the industry, students choose us because we offer a great learning environment.
You’ll train where the action happens (but within simulated and safe spaces), in fully equipped aviation workshops and Aero Clubs. From our ATR training aircraft to industry-replica ground handling equipment, everything is designed to give you a true-to-life learning experience.
Our tutors and mentors have been - and many still are - active aviation professionals. They've worked across flight, ground ops, and engineering, and bring real-world experience into every lesson. They’re passionate about aviation and about helping you grow — personally and professionally
We create a culturally safe and supportive space, especially for learners from diverse backgrounds. Many of our students - including Pacific and Māori learners - say our courses helped them feel seen, heard, and empowered to chase their goals with confidence.
We don’t just teach to the test. We prepare you for real jobs in aviation. With New Zealand qualifications and credentials, and strong industry partnerships, our courses are recognised across Aotearoa — and open doors to further training, employment, and career advancement.
Explore our study options and New Zealand-recognised qualifications, delivered in dynamic, real-world learning environments based in the heart of your local airport — a unique opportunity no other provider can offer.
