South Canterbury is well positioned to participate in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, with the global aerospace economy forecast to grow from approximately USD 630 billion in 2023 to USD 1.8 trillion by 2035. Closer to home, New Zealand’s aerospace sector is already valued at NZD 2.5 billion, having grown by 53% over the past five years, and is supported by the country’s position as the third busiest launch nation in the world.
Recognising the scale of this opportunity, South Canterbury businesses, industry partners and regional stakeholders are working together to shape a local aerospace strategy that aligns with the wider Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy. The focus is on ensuring the region’s existing strengths, capabilities and infrastructure are visible, connected and positioned to participate in this rapidly expanding sector.
Facilitated by Venture Timaru, the group is taking a collaborative, industry-led approach to co-design a strategy that reflects the region’s unique advantages. While aerospace may be viewed as an emerging industry, many of the capabilities required already exist across South Canterbury’s established sectors. Advanced engineering, precision manufacturing, automation, electronics, software development and drone technologies all provide strong foundations for future growth.
The region is already demonstrating its capability through businesses and assets that are contributing to the wider aerospace ecosystem. Glentanner Aerodrome supports aerospace activity through its use by Dawn Aerospace for test flights. Local companies such as SPS Automation and Provision are delivering innovative drone applications and technologies with strong alignment to aerospace markets. Precision engineering firms are also proving their capability on a global stage, with MachineCraft recently completing its first CNC-machined prototype for an international aerospace player.
By identifying and connecting these capabilities, the group is creating a strategy that aims to create pathways for local businesses to access new markets, enter regional and national supply chains, attract investment and build future workforce capability.
Coming together on an eight-week cycle, this group is positioning South Canterbury to capture the economic, innovation and employment benefits of a sector that is expected to become a major contributor to both the Canterbury and New Zealand economies in the years ahead.
