Ōtautahi Christchurch
A Rising Hub For Aerospace Innovation And Investment
In the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Ōtautahi Christchurch has emerged as a centre for aerospace innovation. With clear airways, proximity to international air and sea ports, and access to infrastructure and talent, Christchurch is New Zealand’s hub for aerospace and future transport innovation – and the opportunities for growth are endless.
In the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Ōtautahi Christchurch has emerged as a centre for aerospace innovation. With clear airways, proximity to international air and sea ports, and access to infrastructure and talent, Christchurch is New Zealand’s hub for aerospace and future transport innovation – and the opportunities for growth are endless.
Christchurch was the first region in New Zealand to develop an aerospace sector plan, tapping into New Zealand’s prime spot as number one of eleven launch-capable nations. A mix of start-ups and entrepreneur-driven companies are fuelling the aerospace sector boom. One company leading the charge is Dawn Aerospace.
Dawn Aerospace’s mission is to enable the next generation of space users by providing dramatically more scalable and sustainable ways to access and move around in space. The company is a leading supplier of turnkey green propulsion systems for NanoSat, MicroSat, ESPA, and ESPA Grande-class satellites and is developing suborbital and orbital rocket-powered planes that operate much like a fleet of aircraft, taking off and landing horizontally at airports.
With its commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology, founder and CEO Stefan Powell says Dawn Aerospace is a compelling case study for why Christchurch is a great place to invest.
“Christchurch is a remarkably efficient city for getting things done,” says Stefan. His decision to relocate from New Zealand’s largest city Auckland was influenced by Christchurch’s unique advantages, including its proximity to educational institutions and a well-established aerospace community. “The city’s size makes it easier to navigate local networks and connect with key people who can drive projects forward.”
Dawn Aerospace CEO - Stefan PowellChristchurch is a remarkably efficient city for getting things done,” says Stefan. His decision to relocate from New Zealand’s largest city Auckland was influenced by Christchurch’s unique advantages, including its proximity to educational institutions and a well-established aerospace community. “The city’s size makes it easier to navigate local networks and connect with key people who can drive projects forward.”
A Thriving Aerospace Community
New Zealand’s national aerospace body – Aerospace New Zealand – plays a pivotal role in supporting companies like Dawn Aerospace. Stefan highlights the community's collaborative spirit. “The local aerospace sector provides a tight-knit network of enthusiasts and professionals. This community has been instrumental in helping us connect with the right people and spark important conversations.” Initiatives like the National Aerospace Centre, Tāwhaki, exemplify the potential of collective innovation in the region.
Dawn Aerospace’s groundbreaking work is drawing attention not just from local entrepreneurs but also from international stakeholders. “It’s not a hard sell – space is inherently exciting,” Stefan explains. The company is creating well-paying tech jobs that allow employees to engage with cutting-edge technology. “We’re showing that you can make it big in aerospace right here,” he says.
Investment Opportunities Abound
Christchurch’s aerospace sector is ripe with investment opportunities. “The aerospace industry has traditionally been slow-moving and risk-averse, but that’s where the opportunities lie,” says Stefan. As other tech sectors rapidly evolve, the aerospace field is catching up, with advancements in small satellites and AI creating new niches for growth. “While it’s hard to predict exactly where the next breakthrough will come from, the drive for high performance in space ensures that there’s always a demand for the latest innovations.”
For potential investors, the favourable regulatory environment in Christchurch adds another layer of appeal. “The regulatory environment here is more favourable for what we're doing, especially since we're working on high-performance aircraft that function like rockets,” Stefan notes. This supportive atmosphere fosters innovation and encourages businesses to pursue ambitious projects.
Infrastructure And Quality of Life
The infrastructure in Christchurch has also proven advantageous for Dawn Aerospace’s growth. “The new Tāwhaki facility, though still in its early stages, is already showing promise and is a great reason to stay in the city,” says Stefan. The quality of life in Christchurch further enhances its attractiveness, especially when compared to other high-tech hubs. “Christchurch itself is very liveable – it’s a human-centred, friendly city offering a high quality of life that many find appealing compared to other high-tech hubs like Silicon Valley or LA.”
The city's blend of professional opportunities and lifestyle advantages is crucial for attracting and retaining talent. “Many younger professionals are driven by purpose and quality of life,” Stefan explains. “Christchurch offers that balance with opportunities for outdoor activities and a great place to raise a family.”
Community Collaboration
The local community is another cornerstone of Christchurch's appeal for businesses. Stefan emphasises the importance of collaboration. “Having reliable local partners is crucial when we do need to outsource.” The smaller community fosters genuine relationships, allowing local businesses to tailor their services effectively. This collaborative environment not only enhances operational efficiency but also builds a supportive ecosystem that encourages innovation.
A Call To Investors
For potential investors considering Christchurch, Stefan highlights the unique attributes that make the city a compelling choice. “The biggest draw for investing in Christchurch is the people. There's a strong culture of innovation here, rooted in New Zealand's history of self-reliance.” This resourcefulness is often referred to as the “number 8 wire” mentality, emblematic of Kiwis’ ingenuity and adaptability.
Christchurch is not just a city; it’s a thriving ecosystem for innovation and investment. With a collaborative aerospace community, a favourable regulatory environment, strong infrastructure, and a high quality of life, it’s an ideal location for businesses to flourish. As Dawn Aerospace illustrates, the potential for growth and success in Christchurch is significant.
Connect With The Team
Paul Wilkinson - Head Of Commercial And Skills Attraction
Paul comes to ChristchurchNZ with a wealth of economic development experience, both internationally and in Aotearoa. His roles have primarily focused on the promotion, attraction, and facilitation of foreign investment, but he has also worked on trade facilitation, and economic analysis. Having also been a small business owner, he has deep understanding of the different drivers of the public sector and private business. Most of his career has focused on strategies and initiatives where the two intersect, to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.
Paul loves learning about the amazing things Christchurch companies are doing, and by making connections, being a small but valuable part of their growth journeys. He is a cheerleader for the city, working to bring investment and jobs.
In his spare time he practices Kyokushin Karate, rides his mountain bike, and is trying to put back together a classic car that was so easy to dismantle.
Matthew Dwan - Investment & Business Attraction Specialist
Matthew is focused on stimulating the investment and business ecosystem in Christchurch through strategic directives and market intervention plans. His role involves building propositions for the region and promoting them to stakeholders, while also fostering relationships in the founder/start-up and investor ecosystem to drive economic growth.
With a background in founding and developing businesses, as well as leadership roles in the Christchurch earthquake recovery, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge in planning, operations, and company growth. He is passionate about organisations that prioritise conscious capitalism mindsets, strong cultures, and empowering their people and communities to do great things.
Dedicated to making a meaningful impact, Matthew's expertise lies in delivering high-impact economic benefits to Christchurch by strategically aligning stakeholders and driving growth.
Emma Renowden - Aerospace Cluster Lead
Emma is an experienced strategic partnerships manager who is passionate about the role of innovation and technology in addressing some of the world's most significant challenges. In her role at ChristchurchNZ, Emma is responsible for developing an ambitious city strategy for the Aerospace sector, with the goal of harnessing the economic opportunities it presents.
Prior to her current role, Emma's career focused on health tech, where she held various positions in NZ and the UK, all centred around innovation within the health and disability sector.
Emma has always loved supporting innovators, especially those that help people, so her ChristchurchNZ role ticks all right the boxes.
