Restoration of Ecosystems and Aerospace Possibilities: A Focus on Tāwhaki
Aotearoa New Zealand's space industry brings unexpected benefits, such as strengthening our kaitiakitanga of the whenua and tuarangi (outer space). Take Kaitōrete, for instance, a special place to Ngāi Tahu with mahinga kai, rare species, and areas of historical significance.
Kaitōrete played host to NASA's suborbital rocket launches in the 60s and was in the running again for Rocket Lab's commercial orbital launch range. Although Rocket Lab chose Māhia Peninsula, Kaitōrete remains a prime location for its access to desirable satellite orbits, proximity to Christchurch (an aerospace hub), and mana whenua's continued interest.
The next step for Kaitōrete is Tāwhaki, an initiative to restore the local ecosystems and create aerospace opportunities. This joint venture between Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga, and the New Zealand government takes its name from the ancestral connections of Ngāi Tahu with the demi-god Tāwhaki who sought celestial knowledge. The project aims to revitalize the land damaged by farming and irrigation practices while fostering employment opportunities for rangatahi, creating infrastructure beneficial to the community, and preserving endangered species like the shrubby torotoro.
Tāwhaki embraces kaitiakitanga, a core value that extends beyond caring for the land to future generations of people and communities. The project seeks to develop roles for Māori rangatahi in the space industry, generate sustainable education pathways, and attract international investment. With its strategic location, the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre will be instrumental in hosting suborbital research missions, further advancing New Zealand's aerospace sector through collaborations with international partners.
- The Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, a joint venture between Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga, and the New Zealand government, was inspired by the ancestral connections of Ngāi Tahu with Tāwhaki, the demi-god who sought celestial knowledge in environmental-science.
- In line with boosting the space industry, Tāwhaki aims to foster business opportunities by generating sustainable education pathways in the field of education-and-self-development, attracting international finance, and creating employment for rangatahi in the science sector.
- Beyond its contribution to the aerospace industry, the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre also focuses on the revitalization of the local ecosystem, preserving endangered species like the shrubby torotoro, and promoting kaitiakitanga, ensuring a healthy environment for future generations in the industry and beyond.
