Monday, 23 June⋅12:00 – 1:00pm
Room: 423-340 – 22 SYMONDS ST – Seminar Room
* The Monday Midday seminar link to join Zoom meetings is:
https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98461140225
“Aerospace National Strategy – Innovation Opportunity Capability”
Confirmed speakers: Jess Covich of Space Trailblazer, Catherine Qualtrough of UoA Space Institute, Jess Dallas of NZ Space Agency, and Mike Lynskey of RAeS NZDiv.
Learn the results of the recent release of the Aerospace Survey, the contributions of the NZ division of the Royal Aeronautical Soc and the MBIE Space Agency, successes of UoA Space Institute, and the potential for Microgravity research with Parabolic Flight. Specific topics include:
An overview of the functions of the New Zealand Space Agency, the government’s ambitions for New Zealand’s space sector as set out in the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy and implementation of that strategy
Jess Dallas, NZ Space Agency
Dr Jess Dallas is the Policy Team Leader at the New Zealand Space Agency – the lead government agency for space policy, sector development and regulation. Prior to working at the Space Agency, Jess worked as a researcher at a number of international space research institutes. Jess did a PhD at the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at the University of New South Wales focusing on space resources and a Master of Science at Victoria University of Wellington investigating solar system formation.
NZ Industry was founded on Air Transport and General aviation. NZ is highly dependent on aviation due to our geographical location and island structure. Technology changes have expanded industry to encompass space, unmanned vehicles, and hi-tech Defence. The migration has progressed in a very fragmented way, with a short-term focus. A reset is required to move the industry structure from the 1950s to the 2050s. Alignment is key in areas like capital efficiency, resources, and priorities. Attracting foreign capital will be required, and will be only be attracted when we can show a clear country strategy and commitment. RAeSociety is a learned society focused on providing leadership and influence, the Society is working with major entities to reduce the silo approach in favour of recognising the interdependence of individual entities, to plan for the required resources, and lift NZ global competitiveness.
Michael Lynskey FRAeS, President Royal Aeronautical Society New Zealand Division
Mike’s career in aviation spans over 50 years. He spent 21 years in the RNZAF as an Engineering Officer, including tours with the RAAF on F111 maintenance and in the US on the A4 wing refurbishment programme. After leaving the RNZAF, Mike gained an MBA and spent the next 29 years at Aspeq Limited, as CEO and Director Business Development. Mike grew the company to provide examination and assessment services to 27 countries for pilot and engineer licencing. Mike is currently President of the Royal Aeronautical Society New Zealand Division.
Aerospace Survey Results
Jess Covich, Founder, and CEO, Space Trailblazer
Jess Covich is a dynamic leader driving New Zealand’s growth in aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing. She is the founder and CEO of Space Trailblazer, launched in 2020 to help Aotearoa build a globally competitive space sector. With a mission to connect New Zealand innovation with international opportunity, she works to attract foreign investment, foster sovereign capability, and strengthen the country’s role in global supply chains.