United States-controlled Rocket Lab is proposing to launch medium sized rockets to deliver satellites into space, potentially having multi-million-dollar spinoffs for the surrounding districts but Wairoa mayor Craig Little says he's taking the prospect one step at a time.
He said the initial benefit to the community was the construction of the launch pad at the tip of Mahia Peninsula, improved access roads and staff living in Mahia or Wairoa.
Rocket spotting would attract tourists "but the first thing we have to determine is what do you see when the rocket actually goes up in the air".
"If it is pretty spectacular then that will be great. If it's not then it probably won't be so good for tourism, but I am hearing it is pretty spectacular."
As well as as the rockets providing a possible tourism attraction and the benefit of new residents he hoped the manufacturing facility would move to Wairoa from Auckland.