New space launch site, conservation programme near Christchurch

The government has announced a new aerospace site on Kaitōrete Spit - south-west of Banks Peninsula - in a joint project with local rūnanga. The Crown is stumping up $16 million for the land, which it will co-own with the rūnanga. Together, they'll work to develop a launch site and facilities that'll return 300 million a year within a decade, and they'll develop a conservation plan to protect and rejuvenate the wetlands and nearby Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora. Max Towle spoke to the Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods.