Air New Zealand has begun consulting employees over potential changes affecting maintenance roles in Christchurch.

Chrislynchmedia.com first reported that at least nine light-maintenance staff at the airline’s Christchurch maintenance division could be made redundant.

A source told Chris Lynch Media the Christchurch proposal affected staff responsible for overnight maintenance and the day-to-day operation of aircraft.

The source said a further 12 roles were proposed to be cut from the Nelson team, while at least three office staff had already lost their jobs.

Further reductions were also understood to be proposed in Auckland, although the number of roles affected there remained unclear.

Air New Zealand was asked to confirm the number of employees affected and explain the reasons for the proposed redundancies.

The airline confirmed consultation was under way.

“As we’re currently consulting with our people on this matter, it isn’t appropriate for us to comment on potential outcomes, including any possible changes to roles,” an Air New Zealand spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com.

“Our focus right now is on supporting our people through the consultation process, and we’ll communicate any decisions with those affected first once the process has concluded.”

Air New Zealand did not provide further details about what prompted the proposal or when consultation was expected to conclude.

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The consultation comes as the airline works to reduce costs following a difficult financial year.

Air New Zealand reported a $59 million loss before tax for the first half of the 2026 financial year, compared with a $144 million pre-tax profit during the same period a year earlier.

It recorded a net loss after tax of $40 million and did not declare an interim dividend.

The airline attributed the result to global engine-maintenance delays, a slower-than-expected recovery in domestic demand, rising costs across the aviation system and a weaker New Zealand dollar.

In May, Air New Zealand forecast a full-year loss before tax of between $340 million and $390 million, based on the trading conditions and fuel-price assumptions applying at the time.

It said its expected fuel bill for the second half of the financial year had increased from about $740 million to approximately $980 million, creating a $240 million headwind to its expected annual result, including the effects of hedging.

The forecast also included about $50 million in unexpected maintenance costs for leased engines.

Air New Zealand said it had identified up to $100 million in annualised cost savings expected to take effect from the 2027 financial year onwards.

In June, the airline announced a wider strategy reset focused on returning the business to profitability, improving reliability, targeting growth in higher-return markets and transforming its cost base.

Air New Zealand has not said whether the proposed changes affecting Christchurch maintenance staff are connected to that cost-reduction programme.

No final decision on the Christchurch roles has been announced.