Mark Rocket, the current president of Aerospace New Zealand, and CEO of Kea Aerospace, is helping to propel Christchurch’s aerospace sector to new heights as a Business Events Advocate. He shares his thoughts about the newly-formed Space Cities Network, and his plans to leverage international connections to attract more global events
Please take us through your role as a Business Events Advocate in the aerospace industry. What events have you worked on, and why are these events important to Christchurch’s aerospace sector?
Christchurch is home to a rich community of thought leaders and sector experts; a community of innovators, and a city that celebrates big ideas. I’m delighted to be a part of the Tūwhana Business Events Advocate Programme for Christchurch which brings together local experts, industry and academic leaders to connect with the world – and to champion Christchurch as a leading destination to host business events.
To date I have been involved with the New Zealand Aerospace Summit which was successfully held here in Christchurch in 2022, 2023 and 2024 – and we have plans for significant growth in future, including being a partner event of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) being held in Sydney in October 2025.
Christchurch also hosted the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) Extreme Solar Systems V in 2024, which city stakeholders worked on collectively – including Sarah Kessans who is also a scientific committee member of the Space Cities Network. The conference brings together international members of AAS who study and research exoplanets outside of our solar system.
Since then, key stakeholders from around the city – including the City Council, the University of Canterbury, academia and business – have got behind the vision of establishing an aerospace hub. The central government have also been very supportive, they have funded the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, which includes a newly built runway and hanger to be used for aerospace R&D, and a new minister for space is showing new momentum to help support and grow the industry.
Speaking of the Space Cities Network, could you share about your involvement in the alliance, and whether you have any aerospace-related business events you have your eye on?
I’m excited that the Space Cities Network has launched, and having Christchurch as one of the founding cities is fantastic. The Network is undertaking some mapping work to align international conference opportunities with the areas of expertise that each city has.
As one of the Christchurch representatives on the Scientific & Advisory Committee of the Network, I can act in an advisory capacity in terms of which international conferences best suit our key strengths in aerospace. We can look for opportunities to attract these to Christchurch in the coming years.
A key focus for next year is to build on the growth of the New Zealand Aerospace Summit, particularly now that it is a partner event of IAC in Sydney. We are keen to maximise this opportunity to bring international aerospace experts and participants to Christchurch, particularly for those studying and working in aerospace here, who would not otherwise have an opportunity to learn and engage with people of this calibre from all over the world.
I will also be engaging with other international experts to develop new channels for collaboration, which I’m really excited about. Having Christchurch at the table means we can bring our unique position and expertise to this global network, which will help elevate the profile of the sector here in Christchurch.
Will this also contribute to developing local talent?
Having the ability to work on international projects will bring many opportunities, including developing local talent at student and early career levels. We have outstanding young talent here – with the University of Canterbury’s Aerospace team taking home the trophy in the 30,000 foot Commercial Off-The-Shelf category at the Spaceport America Cup, in both 2023 and 2024. Having opportunities to help further develop this local talent is incredibly exciting and rewarding.
As the Network develops there will be valuable opportunities to attend international business events that align with the work we are doing here in Christchurch, and where there is benefit to meeting in person with others in the Network.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities do you see for Christchurch’s aerospace sector?
Christchurch has the momentum to establish itself as a leading Southern Hemisphere aerospace centre of activity encompassing advanced aviation and space launch.
We have companies operating rocket planes, stratospheric solar-powered aircraft, and commercial drones, and the city is well-equipped with an extensive range of aerospace manufacturing capabilities. There are space missions underway doing biology research, satellites using Christchurch-built thrusters and rocketry projects achieving great heights at the University of Canterbury.
The aerospace industry is swiftly developing internationally and Christchurch is well-placed to take advantage of that. One key challenge in New Zealand has been getting access to capital for commercial aerospace operations, but that is starting to change. Particularly now people are seeing how Kiwi businesses, such as Rocket Lab, are developing into world-class companies.
What do you think the sector will look like in five years?
We are seeing a strong aerospace talent pipeline emerging and our city is attracting international talent, so I expect we’ll keep building on the successes we’ve already seen in Christchurch. I hope to see a significant increase in aerospace operations in the region and the infrastructure built to facilitate that growth.
