Ground-based space infrastructure

New Zealand is committed to the safe, secure and responsible use of space. The Government is managing the risks posed by GBSI by establishing a new regulatory regime covering new and existing infrastructure.

To support this, the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act was amended and will come into force on 29 July 2025.

Scope of the regime and requirements

The regulatory regime targets the following GBSI activities and applies to existing operators in New Zealand:

1. Communicating with a space object including, without limitation, for the purpose of
   
   • tracking the space object
   • telemetry
   • controlling the space object.
2. Identifying or surveilling a space object.

But does not include an activity consisting entirely of one or more of the following:

• An activity of a personal, domestic, or household nature.
• An activity carried out as a recreational pursuit or hobby.
• An activity incidental to an undertaking if the undertaking does not otherwise relate to GBSI or a regulated activity (for example, use by a farm, school, or hotel of a satellite dish or satellite internet terminal).
• An activity carried out for the purpose of astronomy.
• An activity carried out by or on behalf of an emergency service (including the New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and hospital and health services).
• Using a publicly available system to calibrate a measuring instrument, or to access a safety, positioning, navigation, or timing service (for example, by means of a positioning device in a car or boat), unless the use of that system is for the purpose of, or for purposes that include:
  
  • controlling a space object
  • supporting or enhancing the operation of a space object.

Applications will need to be accompanied by a declaration that the operator has protective security arrangements and, where relevant, customer due diligence arrangements.

Transitional period

A transitional period applies from the date of the primary legislation’s enactment. All in scope GBSI operators are considered automatically authorised from 29 July 2025 until whichever comes first:

• 29 July 2026, or 
• Regulations coming into force.

In-scope operators will be required to have applied for and received authorisation by the time the transition period ends to continue operating. MBIE will update operators on the development of regulations to ensure they are aware of their obligations ahead of the requirement to authorise.

Offences and penalties

It is an offence to ignore the requirements of the regime and could lead to: 

• The disposal of interest and rights in the infrastructure.
• A $50,000 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail for an individual.
• A fine up to $250,000 for an entity.
• Further penalties exist for non-compliance with various enforcement action under the new law.

Regulations 

Regulations are currently in development. These regulations will set out more detailed requirements on the application process and other requirements.

This webpage will be updated with further information on necessary requirements for authorisation in due course.