Foreword from the Minister for Space
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I am pleased to launch the refreshed New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy to drive the growth of our space and advanced aviation sectors into the future.
New Zealand’s involvement in space has grown significantly during the past 10 years, expanding from a nation with no orbital launch capability to being third in the world for the number of annual launches to date in 2024.
The Government supports the development of New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors. I want these sectors to thrive, to lift prosperity and deliver further benefits for New Zealand. The most recent report on the space sector found it contributed $1.69 billion to our national economy in 2018-19 and supported 12,000 jobs. And a 2019 Ministry of Transport study shows the use of drone technologies is forecast to benefit the economy by $4.6 to $7.9 billion over 25 years. These sectors have continued to develop since these 2 reports, with the emergence of new firms and research activities.
I want New Zealand to be a globally competitive hub for space and advanced aviation research and development, testing, launch and data applications. The Government is building the world’s best regulatory regimes for space and advanced aviation to take full advantage of our clear skies, low population density and isolation. In future New Zealand will be positioned as the location of choice for space and advanced aviation sectors.
Having a supportive regulatory regime is key and I am working with the Minister of Transport to make changes to ensure that by the end of 2025, New Zealand will have an aviation regulatory environment that supports innovation while maintaining safety and protecting our national interests, including national security and New Zealand’s foreign policy interests.
This strategy will support the growth and development of New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors, contributing to enhanced productivity and a growing economy. I’m excited to see the direction the sector is heading in and look forward to New Zealand becoming an even greater hub of space and aviation activity.
Hon Judith Collins KC
Minister for Space