Space infrastructure bill requiring permits passes under urgency
Photo:
RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A law change requiring anyone who wants to operate ground-based space infrastructure to get a permit from the minister has been rushed through all stages in Parliament.
The
legislation
enables the Space Minister to order a cut in power and internet services to space-launch facilities that breach the rules, or that do not benefit the country.
The Outer Space and High-altitutde Activities Amendment Bill amends the 2017 law, was introduced on Tuesday evening and passed through all stages under urgency by midday Wednesday, with the support of all parties. It is expected to come into effect next Tuesday, 29 July.
It aims to crack down on potential foreign interference with ground-based space infrastructure by imposing regulations, preventing certain operators from setting up, and enabling "detection and prevention" of operations that could be inconsistent with New Zealand's national interest.
Space Minister Judith Collins
announced
the government's plans for the bill in April, saying foreign actors had made several attempts to use such infrastructure to harm New Zealand's national security, deliberately disguising their affiliation to foreign militaries and misrepresenting their intentions.
"The introduction of this new regime will serve as a deterrent. It sends a very clear message that we take our national security seriously, and we will act if we suspect that it is under threat," she said at the time.
The bill reveals the regulatory system the government proposes:
Collins' first reading speech highlighted that New Zealand's space sector innovation was accelerating, having grown 53 percent in the five years to 2024 and contributing $2.47 billion to the economy in the last financial year.
"By introducing a clear and modern framework for ground-based infrastructure, we are enforcing New Zealand's reputation as a responsible spacefaring nation," she said.
Labour's Rachel Brooking said the use of urgency in this case was for a good cause, but it should be reviewed by a select committee after being enacted.
"We want to make sure that it's as robust as it can be and that there are not unintended consequences, because it is not good law making to do things under all-stages urgency."
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