What are my rights if an airline cancels or significantly delays my flight?

Your rights depend largely on the airline's conditions of carriage, since New Zealand does not currently have the kind of detailed statutory compensation scheme for flight delays and cancellations that some other countries have, although the Civil Aviation Act 2023 and associated rules set safety and operational standards, and consumer protections under the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 can still apply to the service provided. Airlines are generally required to provide services with reasonable care and skill, and if they mislead you about your entitlements, that can breach the Fair Trading Act. Check the airline's own conditions of carriage for what it promises in the event of a cancellation, such as rebooking, meals or accommodation for lengthy delays. Ask for a written explanation of the cause. If your loss was significant and the airline's response is inadequate, consider making a complaint to the airline and, if unresolved, to an aviation ombudsman scheme if the airline belongs to one, or seek advice about a claim in the Disputes Tribunal.