October 31, 2022
Māori need to shine light on space strategy
There’s concern public consultation on New Zealand’s Aerospace Strategy and Space Policy Review consultation has been too rushed for Māori to have meaningful input.
Consultation closes today.
William Grant, Pūkenga lecturer at the University of Canterbury law faculty, says with an attractive launch site Aotearoa New Zealand has become one of the top four most active countries in the space arena, and has the opportunity to influence the future development and use of outer space.
But he says the breakneck speed of commercialisation of outer space brings into focus concerns not just about its peaceful but how we engage with the night sky from earth.
Satellites and especially now mega-constellations of satellites are contributing to the light barrier between earth and celestial bodies.
Māori are rebuilding their relationship with the night sky through developments such as the reawakened interest in Matariki, but what does it mean if people can no longer see Puaka, Matariki or her children because of increased nightglow.