The Minister for Space is a minister in the New Zealand Government with responsibility for outer space and advanced aviation in New Zealand.
The current Minister for Space is Paul Goldsmith of the National Party.
History In October 2023, National party leader Christopher Luxon promised a Minister for Space if his party was elected in the 2023 general election. 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. Previously the Minister for Economic Development was responsible for space-related policy. 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.
List of Ministers for Space The following ministers have held the office of Minister for Space.
Key
No. Name Portrait Term of office Prime Minister 1 Judith Collins 27 November 2023 7 April 2026 Luxon 2 Chris Penk 7 April 2026 13 August 2026 3 Paul Goldsmith 13 August 2026 Incumbent
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