Prime Minister’s Space Prizes winners announced

The new awards recognise the talented people working in New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors and aim to inspire young people.

The Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Professional Excellence recognises a person working in either in a private company or research institute, who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry, in the fields of space or advanced aviation.

• Awarded to Robin McNeill MNZM, founder and Chief Executive Officer – Space Operations (SpaceOps) New Zealand Ltd.  

The Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour is intended to inspire the next generation, and is awarded to students in Years 12 and 13.

• Joint winner: Cairo Akehurst, Year 12, Christchurch’s Cashmere High School
• Joint winner: Tianyi Mathur, Year 13, Wellington’s Scots College  

The Prime Minister’s Space Prizes were administered by The Royal Society, following the similar process for the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes.  

Read more about the winners