The New Zealand Government is pressing ahead with plans to improve security at small airports.
The Ministry of Transport is actively working with airports to set up security committees involving airports, airlines and police.
The plan identifies eight priority airports at Nelson, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Whangarei, Hawke's Bay, Invercargill, Blenheim and Gisborne.
The Government says it would like at least two meetings to be held between now and the start of the New Zealand-hosted Rugby World Cup in 2011.
Airports Association chief executive Kevin Ward says working toward that date makes sense and it is likely its members will learn from security operations at larger airports.
Earlier this year, a Government review on aviation security ruled out screening at small airports because it would be too costly.
The review was ordered after an alleged hijacking attempt of an Air New Zealand plane from Blenheim to Christchurch last year.
