1. Where and how can I get an NZ Skydiving certificate or rating?
You will need to complete a certification course, pass a written exam, and demonstrate certain skills. This must be done with an authorised NZ Skydiving assessor; contact your drop zone of choice to inquire if this is a service they offer. A list of NZ Skydiving-affiliated operations and their contact details can be found on our Operators page.
2. Do I need an NZ Skydiving licence/rating? Can I jump with a licence/rating from another organisation?
To jump in New Zealand, the law requires you to have an NZ-issued parachutist certificate. If you have a non-NZ Skydiving licence/rating, you may be able to use it as a substitute for the certification course, but you will still have to pass NZ Skydiving exam(s) and have your skills and experience evaluated by an NZ Skydiving assessor. Please contact the drop zone you wish to jump at to find out if this is a service they offer.
3. What about NZPF licences/ratings? How do I convert these to NZ Skydiving?
Since approx. 2003, NZPF licences have not been valid for use in New Zealand. At that time, many NZPF licences were carried over to NZ Skydiving. However, due to changes in the industry and the Rules under which we operate, this is no longer possible. This means that NZPF licence holders have to apply for a new NZ Skydiving licence, just like a new skydiver or a skydiver from overseas. Old NZPF licences and logbooks can be used as evidence of the jump number and freefall time requirements, but candidates will still have to pass NZ Skydiving exam(s) and undergo a competency and currency assessment by an NZ Skydiving assessor.
4. How do I convert my NZPF licence/ratings to NZ Skydiving if I no longer have the licence?
5. Are NZ Skydiving certificates/ratings recognised by NZQA?
Some NZ Skydiving certificates and ratings are recognised by NZQA, however NZ Skydiving itself is not. Only training organisations can gain NZQA accreditation, and NZ Skydiving, as the certificate issuing authority, does not meet that definition (much like the CAA issues pilot licences but doesn’t teach people how to fly).