NZ Space Sector Hits Launchpad Roadblock Over Dual-Use Policy

New Zealand's space sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, contributing $2.47 billion to the economy in 2024 and supporting 17,000 full-time-equivalent jobs.

The government has lifted the launch cap tenfold to 1,000 and cut payload approval time from 11 to 5.5 weeks, with a strategy target of doubling the industry to $5 billion by 2030.

However, a dual-use policy for the country's second spaceport, Tawhaki National Aerospace Centre, has been stalled due to disagreements between its Crown and iwi shareholders over what types of launches should be allowed.

While the government wants to attract private overseas investment to fund the build-out of the facility, investors are hesitant without clear guidelines on who will be permitted to launch from the site.