Build begins for Southland space headquarters

Construction of a new headquarters at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station near Bluff has begun, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say.

“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see why this is a great opportunity for Southland and New Zealand,” Mr Jones says.

“Awarua is already a critical part of global satellite operations, and this expansion will enable further growth over time, lifting the local workforce from 21 to around 30 highly skilled roles, increasing high-value economic activity in Southland, and strengthening New Zealand’s ground-based space infrastructure.”

The $4.55 million project, led by Space Operations New Zealand (SpaceOps NZ), includes a multi-purpose headquarters, workshops, and supporting infrastructure. It is supported by a loan of up to $2.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund alongside co-investment from SpaceOps NZ.

Mr Patterson welcomed the milestone.

“We’re seeing real momentum for a project that will strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global space industry while delivering jobs and economic opportunity at home,” Mr Patterson says.

“Southland continues to diversify its regional economy, and this project builds on that by creating new, high-tech opportunities alongside the region’s traditional strengths in primary production.”

The project is expected to create around 10 jobs during construction. Completion is estimated for early 2027. ...