The government of New Zealand is highlighting its advancements in developing the nation's aerospace sector. During her address at the New Zealand Aerospace Summit on October 8th, Judith Collins, the country’s space minister, stated that the government is progressing towards the objectives outlined in their space strategy a year prior. This strategy aims to double the size of New Zealand's space and advanced aviation industries by 2030.
Collins noted the New Zealand space sector's impressive expansion from 1.75 billion to 2.68 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.01 to $1.54 billion) between 2020 and 2024. This 53% growth surpassed the global industry's growth rate of 40.6% during the same period. “It’s really good when we’re beating everyone else,” she said.
She suggested that future expansion of the aerospace sector could be driven by new funding for military space capabilities. “Space is no longer a niche interest but a strategic domain that underpins modern defense operations,” she said. As also New Zealand's defense minister, Collins mentioned space's role in modernizing the country's military strategy, backed by nine billion New Zealand dollars in new funding over four years. This includes targeted investments in secure communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, navigation, and precision targeting.
A detailed plan for the defense space sector is expected within six months. “It will set out how we will grow and sustain a space industry that supports defense capability and contributes to innovation and export opportunities,” she said, This plan aligns with the space strategy's goal of developing space capabilities for a specific “national space mission”. Other objectives include advancing regulatory reforms, boosting trade and investment, expanding the aerospace workforce, and fostering innovation.
The conference highlighted regulatory updates for aerospace activities, including experimental vehicle licensing, benefiting companies like Dawn Aerospace. New Zealand's low population density and accessible aerospace are advantages. “We don’t have any near neighbors. We have an environment where we can have the high cadence of launches, which not many others can do,” Collins said in an interview. She also highlighted the industry's innovative reputation. “If I take someone like Peter Beck of Rocket Lab, a home-grown New Zealand engineer now responsible essentially for us being the third in the world for successful vertical launches, I reckon we have a place” in the global market, she said.
Challenges include limited access to domestic capital and a shortage of skilled workers. Collins mentioned initiatives to attract qualified international professionals and support aerospace training programs. The government has also established Invest New Zealand to attract foreign investment.
The industry's growth is facing increased scrutiny. Protests occurred outside the summit, with concerns raised about support for international conflicts and the potential for New Zealand to become a target. Collins dismissed the protestors, stating, “usual suspects who turn up at every single event we do,” and emphasized strong public support for the aerospace industry's potential. “When they realize how big it is, what the wages are, what the opportunities are,” she said, “they’re very excited.”