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At the 2024 Aerospace Summit, Hon. Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Minister for Space, expressed her enthusiastic support for the aerospace sector, highlighting the government’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovation for the future of space exploration and advanced aviation.
Speaking to an audience of industry leaders and innovators, Collins emphasised the importance of public understanding of the vast scope of aerospace activities, which encompass not just rockets but also satellites, drones, and the critical data they generate.
Collins underscored the government’s ambition to cultivate a thriving aerospace industry that could significantly boost the New Zealand economy and productivity. She outlined the government’s strategic focus on creating a world-class regulatory environment by the end of 2025, designed to facilitate rapid iteration and testing of advanced aviation vehicles and technologies while maintaining high safety standards.
To achieve this, the government has initiated a series of actions aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles and fostering innovation. This “light touch” regulatory approach will support experimental and developmental aircraft, allowing innovators to test their technologies more freely. Once ready for market, these innovations will transition into existing regulatory frameworks to meet international standards, ensuring their credibility in global markets.
In a significant move to support advanced aviation, Collins announced the establishment of permanent restricted airspace areas, or “sandboxes,” exclusively for use by advanced aviation companies. This initiative aims to foster innovation while ensuring safety and efficient operations. Furthermore, the government will streamline decision-making processes within its regulatory framework, paving the way for faster approvals and clearer guidelines.
During her speech, Collins also expressed her anticipation for visiting the Tāwhaki Aerospace Centre, which plays a vital role in providing infrastructure for testing and trialling innovative technologies. She shared that these reforms are part of a broader strategy to bolster New Zealand’s aerospace sector, culminating in the release of the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy.
This comprehensive document outlines the government’s ambitions for the sector and consolidates previous policies into a cohesive strategy, showcasing New Zealand as a prime location for aerospace activities on the global stage.
Collins highlighted her international efforts to promote New Zealand’s aerospace capabilities, detailing her travels to various space agency facilities and participation in global forums, such as the Space Symposium in Colorado and the Australian Space Forum. These engagements have strengthened New Zealand’s international relationships within the aerospace community, enhancing collaboration and opening doors for commercial opportunities.
To further support the growth of the space and advanced aviation sectors, the government plans to conduct an economic survey aimed at understanding the size and productivity of these industries. This survey will help identify challenges and opportunities for future growth, encouraging broad participation from stakeholders.
Recognising the importance of talent development in the aerospace field, Collins mentioned the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, which celebrate innovation and aim to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. With two prizes – one for Professional Excellence worth NZ$100,000 and another for Student Endeavour valued at NZ$50,000 – Collins urged participants to apply before the September 30 deadline.
Additionally, she announced that four out of seven recipients of the latest round of the Ārohia Trailblazer Grant, funded by Callaghan Innovation, are from the aerospace sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to nurturing innovative ideas and technologies.
Collins expressed her pride in the achievements of New Zealand’s aerospace community and encouraged attendees to make the most of the summit, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and forward-looking aerospace sector. With these initiatives and a clear vision for the future, New Zealand is poised to harness cutting-edge technology and innovation, ensuring a prominent role in the global space sector.
