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Combine this with some of the amazing deep space images we are starting to see from the James Webb telescope and I hope you can sense my excitement at how our city can be part of some of the most scientifically-innovative and awe-inspiring discovery happening in the world. And as we know from our city’s status as one of the five Antarctic gateways in the world, when businesses have to operate in extreme environments, the innovations they develop can boost other parts of the economy as well.
Aerospace is an industry worth $24 billion a year globally and at the Summit, Government ministers announced a nearly $16 million funding boost across New Zealand. Along with the national Aerospace
Strategy launched at the Summit, the government announced funding including $9 million for research partnerships with NASA, $3 million for research projects under the Government’s Airspace Integration Trials Programme and $3.7 million for the Civil Aviation Authority to establish an Emerging Technologies Programme.
So, what does this mean for Ōtautahi Christchurch? Local businesses such as Dawn Aerospace, Pyper Vision and Fabrum are already reaching new heights through space science and innovation and Aerospace and Future Transport is one of ChristchurchNZ’s key industry clusters — strategic strength sectors which are supported by ecosystems connecting enterprise, education, and government. We look forward to supporting a fantastic future asset for the region, Project Tāwhaki on the Kaitōrete Spit, a unique commercial partnership between Te Taumutu Rūnanga and Wairewa Rūnanga and the Crown that will host an aerospace research and development facility and is a potential launch site.
With a serious stronghold in this sector and access to some of the government funding, local aerospace innovators have the opportunity to develop technologies faster and push boundaries. And with that comes global recognition, high-value jobs and economic growth. Kea Aerospace CEO Mark Rocket, chair of Aerospace Christchurch, sees Christchurch as the gateway to space, as it is to Antarctica, and it’s estimated that by 2030, the city will be home to hundreds of aerospace companies providing thousands of jobs. New Zealand has huge potential to become an even more significant aerospace nation and Christchurch is well-positioned to be at the heart of it.
That is an exciting prospect that, like last week’s view of Jupiter’s close orbit or a glimpse of deep space from 13 billion years ago, fills me with awe.
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