New Zealand Space Policy Review consultation

December 2022

Artistic image of New Zealand from space

Summary of feedback and next steps

Independent Summary of Feedback

This Summary of Feedback report was produced by independent public research and engagement company PublicVoice. It collates all feedback on the New Zealand Space Policy Review received by MBIE during public consultation, from 5 September to 31 October 2022.

The report summarises:

  • All 183 submissions received through the Space Policy Review submission form and via email
  • All notes from public meetings (Mahia, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and online)
  • All notes from targeted meetings.

It does not propose policy or include recommendations.

Next steps for Space Policy Review feedback

This Summary of Feedback report – alongside more in-depth analysis of specific submitter suggestions, undertaken by MBIE with members of a cross-agency space policy working group – has informed:

  • Creation of a National Space Policy: given the majority-level support for the values and objectives in the PublicVoice report, the existing values and objectives in the Space Policy Review consultation document will be used a starting point for considering further specific amendments. The Cabinet Economic Development Committee was provided with a draft National Space Policy in Q1 2023 and [subject to decision today] was approved by Cabinet on 3 April 2023.
    National space policy
  • Considering changes to space strategies, policies and regulations: a large amount of specific feedback focused on how policy should be implemented or clarified, as well as highlighting a range of concerns and interests. Officials have now collated feedback into specific policy workstreams and will continue to consider legislative changes suggested to the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017.
    National space policy
  • Further engagement on space policy: The PublicVoice report as well as MBIE's own collation of specific feedback from submitters will inform and progress its future engagements with the New Zealand public. MBIE will periodically update the space policy workstreams being progressed.
    Engagement on space policy

Other consultation feedback

The Aerospace Strategy consultation feedback is also available at the link below:

Aotearoa New Zealand Aerospace Strategy

The following is the web version of the New Zealand Space Policy Review consultation document that was out for public consultation from 5 September to 31 October 2022, also see:

Have your say: New Zealand Space Policy Review

Consultation has now closed. Thank you to all those who provided feedback.

In this section

Have your say

This section outlines questions you might find it helpful to consider when providing your feedback, how to make a submission, and how your feedback will be used.

The New Zealand government's role in space policy development

The New Zealand Space Agency engages with multiple government agencies to ensure space policies are consistent with New Zealand’s obligations, laws and interests.

Supporting New Zealand's values and interests

New Zealand’s values speak to who we are as a nation and how we act in the world. The chapter notes the values that the New Zealand government aims to reflect and promote through space activities, engagements and the use of space technologies.

Growing an innovative and inclusive space sector

The New Zealand government supports the growth of an innovative and inclusive space sector. A 2019 report from Deloitte showed that the New Zealand space sector contributed $1.69 billion to the economy and supported 12,000 jobs in 2018/19.

Protecting and advancing our national security and economic interests

Space plays an important role in protecting New Zealand and New Zealanders, including our national security and economic interests.

Regulating to ensure space activities are safe and secure

MBIE regulates the use of all launch vehicles, facilities, payloads, and high-altitude vehicles from New Zealand under the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017 (the Act).

Promoting the responsible uses of space internationally

New Zealand is one of the few countries that has space launch capability. This gives us a credible voice internationally, and a responsibility to actively preserve the benefits of space for future generations and other nations across the world.

Modelling sustainable space and Earth environments

Sustainability supports our economic, national security, regulatory and international interests in space. We want to ensure that both space and Earth environments are sustainably used to preserve their benefits for future generations.

Last updated: 30 January 2023