The Minister for Space is a minister in the New Zealand Government with responsibility for outer space and advanced aviation in New Zealand.[1]
| Minister for Space | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment | |
| Style | The Honourable |
| Member of | |
| Reports to | Prime Minister of New Zealand |
| Appointer | Governor-General of New Zealand |
| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| Formation | 27 November 2023 |
| First holder | Judith Collins |
The current Minister for Space is Chris Penk of the National Party.[2]
History
editIn October 2023, National party leader Christopher Luxon promised a Minister for Space if his party was elected in the 2023 general election.[3] The aim of the portfolio is to help promote the aerospace sector within New Zealand and to “streamline the rules” to focus on opening up immigration for aerospace workers.[1][4] Previously the Minister for Economic Development was responsible for space-related policy.[1] New Zealand is one of only 11 countries with active launch-to-orbit capability, and the industry contributes $1.7 billion to the New Zealand economy.[1]
List of Ministers for Space
editThe following ministers have held the office of Minister for Space.
- Key
| No. | Name | Portrait | Term of office | Prime Minister | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judith Collins | .png) |
27 November 2023 | 7 April 2026 | Luxon | ||
| 2 | Chris Penk | .png) |
7 April 2026 | Incumbent | Luxon | ||
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 McConnell, Glenn (5 October 2023). "National leader Christopher Luxon promises a space minister if elected as Prime Minister". Stuff. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ↑ "Ministerial List". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ Hendry-Tennent, Ireland (5 October 2023). "Election 2023: National promises new Minister for Space, fast-tracked visa category if elected". Newshub. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ↑ "National promises Space Minister and prize for top school student". RNZ. 5 October 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.