Space and the economy

For New Zealand, investing in space means tapping into a sector projected to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars worldwide. From satellite technology to data analytics, space-based services are transforming industries such as agriculture, transport, and disaster management, helping businesses become more efficient and resilient.

The space economy is more than rockets and satellites – it’s about the flow of information and technology that supports everyday life. High-resolution Earth observation data enables farmers to monitor crops and optimize yields, while advanced positioning systems improve logistics and supply chains. These capabilities not only strengthen our domestic economy but also position New Zealand as a trusted partner in the global space ecosystem.

In 2025, MBIE released the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Sector Economic Report, produced by Deloitte Access Economics and Space Trailblazer. The report highlights the rapid growth and economic significance of these sectors:

• Space sector: Contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the economy and supports around 17,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
• Advanced aviation sector: Adds about $500 million annually (some of this value crosses over with the space sector), with around 3,700 FTE positions, and is poised for significant growth as new technologies are adopted.

The report also underscores the sectors’ high levels of innovation, export intensity, and research activity taking place in New Zealand and the high performance of this industry.

These findings reinforce the government’s goal, outlined in the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy, to double the size of the sectors by 2030. The strategy and report together provide a roadmap for sustainable growth, international engagement, and technological leadership.

New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy

Read the report: