SGAC New Zealand

New Zealand’s space community is small but passionate, with strong support and activity in the areas of astronomy and experimental rocketry.

New Zealand astronomers, both professional and amateur, regularly contribute to international research, producing valuable high quality data. This is partly due to New Zealand being in a great geographical location for observing the southern skies along with great facilities, such as the Mt. John Observatory on the South Island.

The NZ Rocketry Association is also very active and holds regular launch days in which members can attend and launch their own rockets. They are very welcoming and supportive of new members who are interested in exploring experimental rocketry for their first time.

Due to the pending SKA project, a project office has recently been set up in preparation for New Zealand being chosen as one of the locations for the array. This is particularly exciting, not only because it will be one of the largest scientific projects ever undertaken (on a world wide scale) but also due to the fact that it is expected to provide answers to fundamental questions that we have about the creation of the universe, life, and our understanding of the laws of physics.

Young Space Activities Overview in New Zealand

There are various regular space related activities and events throughout New Zealand for young people such as rocket launchings held by the New Zealand Rocketry Association, as well as events put on by Stardome Observatory in Auckland and the Carter Observatory in Wellington. With the recent formation of the NZ Space Foundation, there will be more events coming up in 2011. This page will be updated as events are announced.

Country-Specific Events in 2011

• National Rocket Day (6 Feb): More info: http://www.nzrocketry.org.nz/index.php?page=rocket-day
  

• Regular events at Stardome: http://www.stardome.org.nz/events/upcoming-events/

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in New Zealand

Groups, People, Institutions

New Zealand Space Foundation www.spacefoundation.org.nz

Studies