- Southland’s space sector received a major boost with a $2.25 million government loan
- Funding will fast-track infrastructure upgrades at Awarua Satellite Ground Station near Invercargill
- Project aims to create a regional space hub driving growth and high-tech opportunities in Southland
Southland’s growing role in the space industry is set to accelerate, with a major loan announced by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson.
“Southland’s Space Operations New Zealand Limited will receive a loan of up to $2.25 million from the fund as part of a $4.55 million project to expand its business,” he said.
The funding, drawn from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, will help fast-track development of new facilities at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station, located at Greenhills near Invercargill. Plans include a new headquarters building, workshops, and other infrastructure.
“Southland is an ideal location for a satellite ground station given its proximity to the South Pole, low horizon and limited radio interference. The loan helps fund development of a headquarters building, workshops and other infrastructure at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station at Greenhills near Invercargill,” Mr Patterson said.
The Minister marked the funding announcement by turning the first sod on-site alongside company executives.
The development will support growing demand for services and help realise Space Operations New Zealand’s future growth plans.
“The loan accelerates essential works which would otherwise have faced a two-year delay. It meets Space Operations New Zealand needs to meet current demand and to future growth plans,” Mr Patterson said.
“The project will create a regional space hub to support the continued growth and development of Southland’s space sector.”
The company, which operates as a subsidiary of Great South — Southland’s council-controlled economic development agency — already manages two sites: the Greenhills Ground Station and the Warkworth Space Centre north of Auckland. It offers mission support and ground services for satellites in low-Earth orbit and works with international clients to host, maintain, and operate antennae and other systems.
Great South first established the Greenhills facility in 2004, originally in collaboration with European and French space agencies.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds also welcomed the funding, saying: “Southland’s Space Operations New Zealand, at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station at Greenhills, will receive a loan of up to $2.25 million from the fund as part of a $4.55 million project to expand its business.
“This is a huge step forward for space operations in our province, giving it the fire power that it needs.
“We have the land, the location and the expertise to locate a satellite ground station here and this funding will certainly make things happen.
“The project has huge potential for our province, creating a regional space hub to support the development of Southland’s space sector, along with boosting employment and economic growth and resilience.
“Instead of facing lengthy delays this loan will ensure that work can start as soon as possible and will help fund development of a headquarters building, workshops and other infrastructure at the station.
“I’m delighted for Southland to see this funding coming through and excited to see us diversifying into alternative economic streams to carry us into the future.”