New Zealand’s Space and Aviation Sectors Enter High-Growth, Global Phase

New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation industries are rapidly transitioning from emerging frontiers to globally competitive sectors, marked by strong revenue growth, cutting-edge innovation, and an ambitious policy agenda. Speaking at the New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch, Space Minister Judith Collins said the industries are now entering a “phase defined by scale, ambition, and global relevance.”

Collins reflected on the progress made since the release of the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy last year, which outlined a goal to double the combined value of the sectors by 2030. “A year on, the results are clear: our aerospace economy is growing, our capabilities are maturing, and international interest in New Zealand as a hub for advanced aerospace innovation is increasing,” she said.

Record Growth Across the Sectors

According to a government-commissioned economic report released earlier this year, New Zealand’s space sector revenues surged 53 percent in the five years to 2024, reaching $2.68 billion. The advanced aviation sector, which overlaps with space technologies through innovations such as drones, autonomous flight systems, and electric aircraft, recorded $530 million in revenue for 2024.

“This growth demonstrates that New Zealand’s aerospace industries are not just about rockets, drones, or satellites,” Collins explained. “They represent advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, autonomy, Earth observation, and next-generation mobility. Together, these technologies are building a high-tech economy that delivers high-value jobs and innovative solutions to global challenges.”

Building a World-Leading Regulatory Framework

Minister Collins emphasised that the Government’s proactive regulatory agenda is a key reason New Zealand continues to attract international investors and innovators. The country is now regarded as a leader in aerospace regulation, offering a safe, agile, and forward-looking environment for testing and commercial operations.

“By the end of this year, we will have established a regulatory sandbox that allows aerospace companies to test new technologies safely and efficiently,” Collins said. The sandbox will enable firms to trial prototypes and systems under controlled but flexible conditions — a major draw for companies seeking real-world testing opportunities without burdensome bureaucracy.

She also highlighted New Zealand’s strong reputation for transparency, environmental stewardship, and safety, which has made it an ideal location for space launches and aviation innovation. “Our approach is proving world-leading and will attract more overseas players who want to benefit from our stable and responsive regulatory system,” she said.

Strengthening National Security and Sovereign Capability

A significant development in the past year has been the Government’s introduction of new legislation to safeguard national security in the space sector. The law, passed in July, introduces a regulatory regime for operators of ground-based space infrastructure, ensuring that foreign interference is deterred and New Zealand’s strategic interests are protected.

“This legislation strengthens our ability to manage the growing strategic importance of space assets,” Collins said. “It ensures that as we grow, we do so responsibly and securely.”

The Minister also confirmed that the Government is laying the groundwork for a national space mission, aimed at developing sovereign space capabilities that will allow New Zealand to independently design, launch, and operate space-based technologies. “Our first objective is to develop our sovereign capabilities, and I expect to have more to say about this by the end of the year,” she added.

A Future of Innovation and Global Collaboration

The rapid evolution of New Zealand’s aerospace landscape has positioned the country as a global partner of choice for high-tech collaboration. From Rocket Lab’s internationally recognised launches to local start-ups pioneering autonomous aviation and environmental monitoring technologies, the ecosystem is expanding in both diversity and depth.

Industry experts note that the space and advanced aviation sectors are increasingly interconnected — sharing innovations in propulsion, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics. These synergies are opening new frontiers in satellite-based research, climate monitoring, and sustainable transportation.

Collins emphasised that New Zealand’s aerospace industries are no longer in the experimental stage but are now recognised as key contributors to the national economy. “All of this is evidence that New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors are no longer emerging — they’re here, and they’re accelerating,” she concluded.

As the Government continues to invest in infrastructure, policy reform, and international partnerships, New Zealand’s space ambitions are poised to expand further — positioning the country as a serious contender in the global race for technological leadership in aerospace innovation.