Aerospace New Zealand Powers Future Careers with ‘Mission to Aerospace’ Camp
Space Camp participate pilots an aircraft during flight training at the Christchurch Aero Club
Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand — November 26, 2024
Aerospace New Zealand is excited to announce the successful completion of the Aotearoa Aerospace Academy’s “Mission to Aerospace” Camp, which has brought 16 Kiwi rangatahi closer to careers in aerospace. Supported by the Embassy of the United States and local industry partners, this camp provided a tailored experience that integrated indigenous knowledge and local industry connections.
“The camp offered a uniquely New Zealand perspective, integrating indigenous knowledge and local industry connections—which we think is important because it makes it more relevant and impactful than sending students to overseas programs”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aerospace Leaders
The “Mission to Aerospace” Camp marks a significant milestone in Aerospace New Zealand’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of aerospace leaders and promoting diversity and inclusivity within the aerospace sector. By empowering underrepresented communities through hands-on experiences with industry experts and NASA-trained mentors, the organisation is building a more diverse and dynamic future for the industry.
Notably, the camp achieved a significant improvement in students’ perception of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics and careers, with participants’ interest in STEM careers increasing by 14.8% (STEM Semantics Survey) following the camp. This supports industry growth through high-value pathway initiatives and aligns with Aerospace New Zealand’s mission to establish strong pathways into the country’s most exciting aerospace companies.
Equipping Educators to Inspire Future Generations
In addition to supporting rangatahi, the camp was also designed to empower nine educators with the tools and knowledge to incorporate aerospace topics into their classrooms. Through dedicated workshops and collaborative sessions, teachers learned how to integrate aerospace concepts into their curricula, fostering a sustained interest in STEM subjects among their students. This initiative ensures that the impact of the camp extends beyond the immediate participants, reaching classrooms and communities across Aotearoa.
Educator Matua from Te Pā o Rākaihautū School expressed the transformative impact of the camp, stating that students could now “Tū ki te Marama, tau ana,” which translates to “reach for the stars, the moon is your oyster.” This sentiment reflects the newfound confidence and aspiration among students to pursue aerospace careers.
Unique, Locally-Focused Opportunities
The “Mission to Aerospace” Camp offered experiences tailored to Aotearoa, providing a richer, more relevant experience than overseas programs. By integrating indigenous knowledge and local industry connections, the camp ensured participants received a unique perspective on the aerospace sector, making it more impactful and meaningful.
Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre - Kaitorete Spit Canterbury
Strengthening U.S.-New Zealand Aerospace Collaboration
The support from the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, played a pivotal role in the success of the camp. This collaboration provided participants with valuable insights into aerospace pathways and deepened the connections between New Zealand and the United States. By bringing this knowledge back to students and schools across Aotearoa, the program underscores a shared commitment to advancing aerospace education and promoting diversity by offering underrepresented students and educators meaningful opportunities in the field.
About the Camp
Over the course of three transformative days, participants engaged in a variety of hands-on activities and site visits:
Day 1: Focused on the theory of flight and the origins of the universe at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Site visits included the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre and Air New Zealand’s maintenance and engineering facility, bringing participants closer to real-world aerospace environments.
Day 2: Delved into NASA’s Artemis project, exploring the importance of moon exploration and New Zealand’s role in space agreements. Activities included a hot rocket build and launch with Christchurch Rocketeers and a visit to Pratt & Whitney at Air New Zealand, enhancing technical skills and industry understanding.
Day 3: Explored Mars research and its relevance to Earth, featuring a Mars robotics build with Imagination Station. Visits to the University of Canterbury and the UC Aerospace Club introduced tertiary pathways, culminating in flight training at the Canterbury Aero Club where students piloted planes themselves.
Air New Zealand Engineering and Maintenance facility in Christchurch
Empowering Underrepresented Communities
By offering hands-on experiences with industry experts, the camp empowered Māori and Pasifika rangatahi and educators, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the aerospace sector. This initiative aligns with Aerospace New Zealand’s commitment to building a globally recognised aerospace nation by identifying gaps in career pathways and establishing strong connections into the industry.
About Aotearoa Aerospace Academy
Since its inception in 2023, the Aotearoa Aerospace Academy has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of aerospace professionals. The AAA has successfully delivered over 13 aerospace pathways events, including Mission to Space Camps, providing students and educators with essential resources to explore the industry.
About Aerospace New Zealand
Aerospace New Zealand is dedicated to advancing the nation’s aerospace capabilities across aviation, space flight, manufacturing, and education. With a vision to establish New Zealand as a prominent space-faring nation, Aerospace New Zealand collaborates with individuals and organisations to drive economic growth and innovation within the aerospace sector.
