June 01, 2021
Canterbury runanga join space race
Two Canterbury rūnanga are teaming up with the crown to build a rocket launch facility near Banks Peninsula.
The crown is contributing $16 million to help Taumutu Rūnanga and Wairewa Rūnanga, trading as Kaitōrete Ltd, buy 1000 hectares on Kaitōrete Spit.
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods says suitable sites for a space launch and aerospace testing facilities are scarce globally, and the long finger of land along the coast of Canterbury is an ideal location.
She says the 50-50 Project Tāwhaki partnership will rejuvenate a nationally unique environment, honour deep cultural relationships, and provide amazing opportunities to tap into the multi-billion dollar aerospace economy.
Kaitōrete Limited spokesperson David Perenara-O’Connell says by developing aerospace on Kaitōrete Spit the rūnanga can generate a sustainable and viable industry for hapū and the greater Christchurch community.
It will also enable the rūnanga to invest more in the rejuvenation of Kaitōrete and the adjoining hāpua, Te Waihora.
The project is expected to return annual benefits of $300 million by year 10.
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