NEW ZEALAND AEROSPACE SUMMIT 2025

Programme

Focus Session | Tuesday 07 October and
Summit | Wednesday 08 October

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Ōtautahi Christchurch

Programme Subject to Change

Tuesday 07 October | Focus Sessions


Join us on Day 1 of the Summit for a select Focus Sessions where participants can deep dive into topics.

These sessions are an additional cost and can be purchased via the registration process.

9.15am - 10.30am

Focus Sessions - #1

  • This focus session will increase collaboration across the aerospace sector internationally. Join us as we take steps towards making a more highly connected aerospace world. 

    Moderator: Mark Rocket,CEO, Kea Aerospace

    • Grégoire Bourban, Head of Space Exchange Switzerland, EPFL Space Center

    • Dr. David Alexander OBE, Director, Rice Space Institute 

    • Mr. Jin-seop Kim, Director of Defense and Space Industry, Daejeon City Council

    • Lawrence Meredith - Ambassador, European Union in New Zealand

  • The academic research sessions will cover a wide range of talks across aerospace research disciplines featuring speakers from industry,  international academic institutions and multi-institutional programmes.

    Facilitators:

    • A/Prof. Sarah Kessans, University of Canterbury, School of Product Design, Faculty of Engineering

    • Catherine Qualtrough, Partnerships and Innovation Manager - Space and Advanced Tech, Uniservices

    Speakers:

    • Dr. Ken Savin, Chief Scientific Officer, SpaceMD

      • New horizons of medical research in microgravity

    • Zach Preston, Avionics Team Manager, Dawn Aerospace

    • A/Prof. Sarah Kessans, University of Canterbury, School of Product Design, Faculty of Engineering

      • Future ambition and opportunities for microgravity research in Aotearoa New Zealand

  • This session explores manufacturing processes and uncompromising quality standards driving aerospace innovation in New Zealand.

    Moderator:Sarah Ramsay, CEO & Co-Owner, United Machinists

    Welcome: Hon. Chris Penk, Minister for Manufacturing, New Zealand Government

    • Stephen Burrows, Chief Executive, NZAero

    • Warwick Downing, CEO & Director, RAM3D

    • Charlie North, Head of Global Supply Chain, Dawn Aerospace

  • This session will showcase practical examples of Earth Observation (EO) and geospatial science across industry, government, and academia - from marine habitat restoration to environmental mapping. Discover why EO matters for New Zealand's growing aerospace sector and the power it has to benefit Kiwis.

    Moderator: Tom Dowling, Earth Observation Lab Aotearoa Co-Founder & Lecturer, University of Auckland

    • Laura Read, Geospatial Analyst, EnviroStrat

    • Matt Wilson, Director, Geospatial Research Institute

    • Brent Martin, Principal Data Scientist, Bioeconomy Science Institute, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research Group

  • Aligned with our wider Summit theme of ‘Open Skies’, join us as we delve deeper into the unique regulatory environment New Zealand has to offer.

    Moderator: Jude Rushmere, General Manager New Zealand, Nova Systems

    • Eamon McGrath, Program Manager - Emerging Technologies, CASA

    • Kate Smith, Senior Advisor - Strategy, Policy and International Engagement, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

    • Carolina Durrant, Principal Advisor, Ministry of Transport

    • James Powell, Co-Founder, CFO & Spaceplane Chief Engineer, Dawn Aerospace

10.30am

Morning tea (requires Focus Session registration)

11.15am - 12.30pm

Focus Sessions - #2

  • Explore the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand's growing UAV sector and what's needed to grow our nation's UAV capabilities.

    Moderator: Dr Isaac Henderson, CEO, Droneshows Limited

    • Dr Andrew Shelley, Managing Director of Fenix UAS

    • Scott Spooner, CEO/CTO of SPS Automation

    • Catherine MacGowan, Deputy Chief Executive of Aviation Safety Oversight at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

    • Dr Philipp Sueltrop, CTO of Kea Aerospace

    • WGCDR Christopher Andrew, NZDAA Training and Improvement Manager, Air Staff

  • The academic research sessions will cover a wide range of talks across aerospace research disciplines featuring speakers from industry,  international academic institutions and multi-institutional programmes.

    Facilitators:

    • A/Prof. Sarah Kessans, University of Canterbury, School of Product Design, Faculty of Engineering

    • Catherine Qualtrough, Partnerships and Innovation Manager - Space and Advanced Tech, Uniservices

    Speakers:

    • Dr. Francesc March de Ribot & Timon Ax, University of Otago

      • New horizons of medical research in microgravity

    • Dr. Brian Russell, Ambient Cognition | Auckland University of Technology | SPRINZ | Auckland Bioengineering Institute

      • AI clinical decision support across the mission lifecycle

    • Dr. Scott Knowles, Bioeconomy Science Institute

    • Brent Gregory & Suzanne Wilson, Co-Founders, The Merino Softwear Company

    • Prof. Anthony Phillips, University of Auckland

      • Early experience with establishing microgravity research

    • Randy Pollock, Victoria University of Wellington | Paihau-Robinson Research Institute

      • Hēki - a high temperature superconducting technology demonstration mission to the International Space Station

  • Discover how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming aerospace. This focus session will explore emerging technologies, efficiencies, and the new possibilities they unlock for the industry.

    Moderator: Miho Tanaka-Gumpp, Head of Business Development, Argus Manutech

    • Tuana Yazici, Founder, Chair, & CEO | Tuana Group, AeroAI Voyages & AeroAI DesignLab and
      Founder, Chair & CEO of Nonprofit AeroAI Global Solutions

    • Saktthi Priya Balaji Ranganathan, CEO & Founder, Jix Reality

    • Bob Voros, Director of Product Safety Assurance, Merlin Labs NZ

    • Dr Hugh Mortimer,Associate Director, National Laboratories, RAL Space, STFC

  • This focus session will demonstrate the synergies between aerospace and Antarctica. 

    Moderator: David Tayler, Head of Christchurch Antarctic Office, ChristchurchNZ

    • Jordy Hendrikx, Chief Executive, Antarctica NZ

    • Chris Martin, Founder and Lead Consultant, Vela Science

    • Michelle La Rue, Associate Professor - Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury

    • Wolfgang Rack, Professor - Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury

  • Hosted by ChristchurchNZ; Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment; and Ministry of Transport

    In this practical, action-focused workshop you’ll help shape the future of aerospace talent in Aotearoa. With national and regional strategies already in place, this session moves beyond discussion to identify real opportunities for workforce development. Participants will:

    • Map current initiatives and gaps

    • Explore short-term wins and long-term priorities

    • Collaborate in themed groups

    • Determine tangible follow-up actions

    Whether you're from government, education, or industry, this is your chance to co-create solutions and drive progress in building a future-ready aerospace workforce.

12.30pm

Lunch (requires Focus Session registration)

1.30pm - 2.45pm

Focus Sessions - #3

  • Noting this session continues after the afternoon tea break D1

    This practical workshop uses strategic foresight to explore Space Ethics, Space Workforce, and Space Aotearoa 2050. Participants will develop future scenarios combining ideas to explore potential outcomes for the aerospace landscape of tomorrow.

    Facilitator: Cheryl Doig, Futurist

  • The academic research sessions will cover a wide range of talks across aerospace research disciplines featuring speakers from industry,  international academic institutions and multi-institutional programmes.

    Facilitators:

    • A/Prof. Sarah Kessans, University of Canterbury, School of Product Design, Faculty of Engineering

    • Catherine Qualtrough, Partnerships and Innovation Manager - Space and Advanced Tech, Uniservices

    Speakers:

    • Dr. Morgan Cable, Pasadena, California

      • Exploring ocean worlds: the search for life and interesting chemistry in our cosmic backyard

    • Dr. Courtney Ennis, University of Otago

      • Laboratory simulation of the chemistry unfolding within planetary surfaces and atmospheres

    • Dr. Lisa Peacocke, University of Canterbury

      • Planetary exploration mission design in Europe and the US

    • Dr. Ludmilla Adam, University of Auckland

    • Prof. Ben Malphrus, Morehead State University

      • A new era of lunar exploration and the role of small satellites and universities

  • Focus Session proudly brought to you by Leap

    This session will delve into the innovations and challenges driving faster, more efficient ways to travel and operate in the skies.

    Moderator:John Cater, Professor of Aerospace Engineering, University of Canterbury

    • Stefan Powell, CEO & CTO, Dawn Aerospace

    • Malcolm Snowdon, CEO, Snowdon Consulting

    • Benjamin Wannan, Founder, Egress Space

    • Josh Hately, Engineering Solutions Manager, Leap Australia

  • This session explores the critical role of ground segments in enabling communication, control, and the success of space missions.

    Moderator: Robin McNeill, CEO, Space Operations New Zealand

    • Rolf Skatteboe, President – CEO, KSAT - Kongsberg Satellite Services AS

    • Kerry Clapham,Senior Engineer, SpaceOps NZ

    • Dr Sacha Tholl, Ground Segment Engineer, DLR/RSC

    • Prof. Nathan Fite, Program Manager, Morehead State University Space Science Center

    • Dr Florian Sellmaier, Project Manager Moon Mission Control Center, DLR

    • Alec Forsman, Deputy Chief Engineer, Advanced Space

    • Mr Alister Egan, Co-founder, Extera Design Corporation

  • Focus Session proudly brought to you by Outset Ventures

    This session will examine investment trends, funding pathways, and strategies for successfully raising capital in a competitive global market.

    Moderator: Angus Blair, General Partner, Outset Ventures

    • Aaron Small, Principal, GD1 (Global from Day One)

    • Timothy Armitage, Investment Manager, InvestNZ

    • Ryo Kotera,Manager & Business Development - Space Business, All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd.

    • Manveer Sandhu, Venture and Corporate Development, Plug and Play Tech Center

2.45pm

Afternoon tea (requires focus session registration)

3.30pm - 4.45pm

Focus Sessions - #4

  • Noting this session if following on from C1.

    This practical workshop uses strategic foresight to explore Space Ethics, Space Workforce, and Space Aotearoa 2050. Participants will develop future scenarios combining ideas to explore potential outcomes for the aerospace landscape of tomorrow.

    Facilitator: Cheryl Doig, Futurist

  • The academic research sessions will cover a wide range of talks across aerospace research disciplines featuring speakers from industry,  international academic institutions and multi-institutional programmes.

    Facilitators:

    • A/Prof. Sarah Kessans, University of Canterbury, School of Product Design, Faculty of Engineering

    • Catherine Qualtrough, Partnerships and Innovation Manager - Space and Advanced Tech, Uniservices

    Speakers:

    • Prof. David Alexander, Rice University Space Institute

      • Advancing research partnerships in support of the commercial space sector

    • Dr. Rose Foster-Dyer, University of Canterbury

    • A/Prof. Gabor Kereszturi, Massey University

      • Exploring geothermal activity from space using hyperspectral, thermal and SAR remote sensing

    • Sarah Wiki-Bennett, University of Canterbury

      • Partnerships that lift us: Working with Tāwhaki

    • Dr. Tom Dowling, University of Auckland

      • SAR4SAR: search and rescue from space with synthetic aperture radar

  • Focus Session proudly brought to you by Dentons

    • Discover how companies are realising success from New Zealand and how they create value on the global stage.

    • How do you decide what to keep onshore or take offshore, and where could you establish overseas operations - market entry, investment, IP protection, export controls and talent mobility.

    • Hear from NZTE about how they are supporting NZ Aerospace companies to grow bigger, better, faster internationally for the good of New Zealand.

    • Gain insights from the panel as they discuss the opportunity for New Zealand Aerospace industry internationally.

    This session will explore strategies, challenges, and success stories in taking local homegrown Kiwi innovation to the world’s markets.

    Moderator: Gerard Dale, Partner - Corporate and Commercial, Dentons New Zealand

    • Hayley Millar, Partner, Dentons New Zealand

    • Imogen Lomax, Customer Manager, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

    • Thomas Galbraith, Electronics Team Lead, Dawn Aerospace

    • Benjamin Lloyd, Senior Director - Legal & Global Risk Manager, Rocket Lab

  • Aligned with our wider Summit theme of ‘Open Skies’, join us as we delve deeper into the unique environmental benefits New Zealand has to offer for aerospace testing capabilities.

    Moderator: Steve Smyth, Director Emerging Technologies Programme
    CAA New Zealand

    • Stan Topping, Head of Aerospace, Tāwhaki Joint Venture

    • Sean Rogers, Manager Aeronautical Services, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

    • Graeme Tilley, Senior Systems Engineer, Nova Systems New Zealand

    • WGCDR Christopher Andrew, NZDAA Training and Improvement Manager, Air Staff

    • Mathiynan Nithiyananthan, Technical Lead, Syos Aerospace

  • Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear from and connect with some of New Zealand’s most innovative aerospace entrepreneurs at our Start-Up Showcase.

    Moderator:Graham Scown, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Awesome


Wednesday 08 October | Summit Day

8.30am

Registration and arrival tea and coffee
Join us to start your morning with coffee and networking in the Exhibition Hall.

9.00am

Morning session

Mihi Whakatau
Ngā Tūāhuriri, provides a mihi whakatau, a traditional Māori welcome that greets visitors, builds connections, and sets a respectful, inclusive tone for the gathering.

Welcome
David Downs, MC and CEO, New Zealand Story Group

Opening Address
Mark Rocket, President, Aerospace New Zealand and CEO, Kea Aerospace

New Zealand Government Update

Keynote Presentation
Stefan Powell, CEO and CTO, Dawn Aerospace

Featured Speaker
Prof Lucy Johnston, Tumu Tuarua Rangahau | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand

Collaboration to Grow the Liquid Hydrogen Ecosystem

Panel brought to you by Fabrum.

Moderator: Mark Hoskins, Chief Revenue Officer, Fabrum

  • Claire Waghorn, Sustainability Transition Leader, Christchurch International Airport

  • Steve Smyth, Head of Emerging Technologies Programme, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

  • Dana Goodwin, General Manager - Design, NZAero

  • John Holt, Director, Tāwhaki Joint Venture

  • Simon Coburn, Lead Hydrogen Engineer, AMSL

Morning tea within the Exhibition Hall
Enjoy morning tea surrounded by the buzz of our exhibition, celebrating the very best in New Zealand aerospace innovation.

10.30am

Mid-Morning Session

11.10am

Keynote Presentation
Phil Swinsburg, Director of Asia Pacific Business Development, Wisk

Panel Discussion: Aerospace for a Sustainable Future

Moderator: Dr Priyanka Dhopade, Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland

  • Dr Reuben Brown, Chief Science Officer, Zenno Astronautics

  • Julian Phillips, Head of Whenua Planning & Rejuvenation, Tāwhaki Joint Venture

  • Dr Michele Bannister, Senior Lecturer Above the Bar, University of Canterbury

  • Tuana Yazici, Founder, Chair, & CEO | Tuana Group, AeroAI Voyages & AeroAI DesignLab and
    Founder, Chair & CEO of Nonprofit AeroAI Global Solutions

  • Michael López-Alegría, Astronaut, Axiom Space

Quickfire Aerospace Project Updates

  • Ali Adams, CEO, ChristchurchNZ

  • Scott Spooner, CEO, SPS Automation

  • Catherine MacGowan, Deputy Chief Executive, Aviation Safety Oversight, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

  • Peter Johnson, Director of Aerospace, Nova Systems Australia and New Zealand

Featured Speaker
Sir Peter Beck, CEO, Rocket Lab

Invited Speaker
Dr. Minh Nguyen, Deputy Associate Administrator, Commercial Space Transportation, FAA

Lunch Sponsor
Dr Hugh Mortimer, Associate Director, National Laboratories, RAL Space, STFC

Lunch within the Exhibition Hall
Enjoy lunch surrounded by the buzz of our exhibition, celebrating the very best in New Zealand aerospace innovation, while connecting with your aerospace community.

1.00pm

Afternoon Session

2.00pm

Featured Speaker
Max Arshavsky, CEO & Co-Founder, Zenno Astronautics

Invited Speaker
Michael Edmonds, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Origin

Panel Discussion: Satellite Earth Observations: Helping Earth from Space

Moderator: Robin McNeill, CEO Space Operations New Zealand

  • Stella Belliss, Remote Sensing & Capability Leader, Geospatial & Remote Sensing, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited

  • Dr. Delwyn Moller, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Design, University of Auckland

  • Prof. Wolfgang Rack, Director, Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury

  • Rolf Skatteboe, President – CEO, KSAT - Kongsberg Satellite Services AS

Afternoon tea within the Exhibition Hall
Enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by the buzz of our exhibition, celebrating the very best in New Zealand aerospace innovation.

3.00pm

Late Afternoon Session

3.40pm

Featured Speaker
Emily Bilbao, VP for Policy and Engagement, Reflect Orbital

Quickfire Aerospace Project Updates

  • Robin McNeill, CEO Space Operations New Zealand

  • Sarah Ramsay, CEO & Co-owner, United Machinists

  • Stan Topping, Head of Aerospace Strategy and Global Partnerships, Tāwhaki Joint Venture

Panel Discussion: Shaping New Zealand’s Role in the International Space Ecosystem

Led by New Zealand Space Agency

  • David Korsmeyer, Deputy Director, NASA Ames

  • Nujoud Merancy, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Strategy & Architecture Office

  • Eric Morel de Westgaver, Director of Strategy, Legal and External Matters, ESA

Closing remarks
Mark Rocket, President, Aerospace New Zealand and CEO, Kea Aerospace

Post Summit Networking Function

6.00pm