New Zealand Aerospace Strategy 2024-2030

The New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy 2024–2030 outlines New Zealand’s goal to expand its aerospace sector, doubling its size by 2030. The strategy focuses on five key objectives: developing sovereign space capabilities, establishing world-class regulatory frameworks, unlocking trade and investment opportunities, building an aerospace-capable workforce, and accelerating aerospace innovation.

New Zealand’s strategic geographic advantages, such as uncrowded skies and low population density, make it a prime location for space and aviation activities. The country aims to become a globally competitive aerospace hub for research, development, and testing in these sectors, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and international partnerships.

The United States-New Zealand aerospace sector partnership is important to both countries. For instance, in 2024, the New Zealand Minister of Space Judith Collins led a trade mission of government and New Zealand companies to the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the Symposium, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Minister Collins announced ongoing negotiations to complete a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between New Zealand and Colorado. The MOC is expected to reduce barriers for investments in the technology, aerospace and artificial intelligence industries.

U.S. aerospace companies considering New Zealand as a country to do business with are encouraged to consider timing their visit to include the annual New Zealand Aerospace Summit which takes place next in Christchurch from October 7-8, 2025.

For more information, please contact: Office.NewZealand@trade.gov.