Latest news with #WaitahaCanterburyAerospaceStrategy
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Granted Permanent Test Flight Airspace
Minister for Space Canterbury's Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre has been allocated permanent test flight airspace, giving advanced aviation companies the freedom to safely trial next-generation technologies, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. 'The Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) permanent special use airspace designation for Tāwhaki anchors Canterbury's growing reputation as a national hub for space and advanced aviation innovation.' Ms Collins announced the Tāwhaki designation at the launch of the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy, which aims to position Canterbury as a global leader in aerospace innovation by 2035. 'Canterbury is an ideal launchpad for the space and advanced aviation sectors due to its combination of location, test-bed facilities, research and innovation capability, manufacturing capability and workforce. 'We know New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors are growing rapidly. The space sector has grown 53 percent in the five years to 2023-24 to contribute more than $2.47 billion to the economy. The advanced aviation sector contributed $480 million in the same period, with some overlaps with the space sector. 'The Government sees space as having huge potential, and that's why we're working towards delivering a world-class regulatory environment for advanced aviation by the end of this year, as signalled less than a year ago. 'The CAA is currently consulting on proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules to make it easier to test and deploy new aerospace technologies. 'A new rule will, in most cases, allow advanced aviation companies to freely develop their product without needing to seek further approvals.' 'The upcoming New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch in October will draw an international audience, providing an opportunity to showcase Canterbury's unique attributes to advanced aviation innovators. 'Overall, this is an exciting opportunity to grow advanced aviation in New Zealand,' Ms Collins said. Tāwhaki will manage the permanent Special Use Airspace by activating areas when required for operators, while minimising the effect on other airspace users. Public consultation about the proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules closes on 27 July.
NZ Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Canterbury unveils $1b aerospace plan with workforce and diversity goals
A plan has been unveiled to quadruple the value of Canterbury's aerospace industry to bring in more than $1 billion a year while also tripling the high-paying sector's workforce to 1500 by 2035. Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group (CALG) says its Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy also wants to see the traditionally
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Launches Ambitious Aerospace Strategy
The Strategy builds on Canterburys unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. The Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy was launched today at the Wigram Airforce Museum, marking a milestone in the region's ambition to be a globally recognised centre of aerospace innovation. Developed by the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group – a coalition of leaders from the aerospace industry, tertiary institutions, and public agencies – the Strategy outlines a bold vision for Canterbury to become a global aerospace leader by 2035. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and collaboration, it sets a clear path to transform the sector into a $1 billion contributor to the regional economy. 'This Strategy is a uniting document that reflects the extraordinary potential of our region,' says Ali Adams, CEO of ChristchurchNZ and Chair of the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group. 'It showcases how Canterbury can lead the way in solving global challenges through aerospace – from climate monitoring to sustainable propulsion – while creating high-value jobs and driving innovation that benefits our people and our planet.' The Strategy builds on Canterbury's unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms – from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace and a member of the Leadership Group, says the sector has huge momentum. 'We're standing on the launchpad of something extraordinary. With this Strategy, we are saying to the world: Canterbury is open for aerospace innovation. This is a region where bold ideas take flight – supported by a community that's collaborative, future-focused, and committed to making a global impact.' A vision for 2035 The Strategy sets out ambitious targets for the next decade, including: • Growing the sector to more than $1 billion in economic impact regionally • Supporting more than 1,500 FTE jobs in aerospace across Canterbury • Achieving net-zero emissions for 50% of aerospace companies • Reaching 20% Māori and Pacific Peoples workforce representation • Positioning Canterbury as a hub for world-leading R&D and global investment 'By 2035, aerospace will be a cornerstone of Canterbury's prosperity,' says Adams. 'But this isn't just about growth – it's about building a future that's inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ: ChristchurchNZ is the city's sustainable economic development and city profile agency. Our purpose is to stimulate sustainable economic growth for a more prosperous Christchurch. Find out more at
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Launches Ambitious Aerospace Strategy
The Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy was launched today at the Wigram Airforce Museum, marking a milestone in the region's ambition to be a globally recognised centre of aerospace innovation. Developed by the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group – a coalition of leaders from the aerospace industry, tertiary institutions, and public agencies – the Strategy outlines a bold vision for Canterbury to become a global aerospace leader by 2035. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and collaboration, it sets a clear path to transform the sector into a $1 billion contributor to the regional economy. 'This Strategy is a uniting document that reflects the extraordinary potential of our region,' says Ali Adams, CEO of ChristchurchNZ and Chair of the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group. 'It showcases how Canterbury can lead the way in solving global challenges through aerospace – from climate monitoring to sustainable propulsion – while creating high-value jobs and driving innovation that benefits our people and our planet.' The Strategy builds on Canterbury's unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms – from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace and a member of the Leadership Group, says the sector has huge momentum. 'We're standing on the launchpad of something extraordinary. With this Strategy, we are saying to the world: Canterbury is open for aerospace innovation. This is a region where bold ideas take flight – supported by a community that's collaborative, future-focused, and committed to making a global impact.' A vision for 2035 The Strategy sets out ambitious targets for the next decade, including: • Growing the sector to more than $1 billion in economic impact regionally • Supporting more than 1,500 FTE jobs in aerospace across Canterbury • Achieving net-zero emissions for 50% of aerospace companies • Reaching 20% Māori and Pacific Peoples workforce representation • Positioning Canterbury as a hub for world-leading R&D and global investment 'By 2035, aerospace will be a cornerstone of Canterbury's prosperity,' says Adams. 'But this isn't just about growth – it's about building a future that's inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ:
