Rocket science seeks launch base in Wairoa

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little was pleased that a business like Rocket Lab was interested in setting up an additional site. Pictured is Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck. Photo / NZME.

Wairoa could soon become Hawke's Bay's gateway to the galaxy.

Auckland-based company Rocket Lab has signalled its continued interest in the district as an additional satellite launch base, and with it could come new financial opportunities for the small community.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said yesterday he was pleased that a business like Rocket Lab was interested in setting up an additional site in the district and appreciated that it wanted to have discussions with the community.

Mr Little said his council was keen for the community to have all of the relevant information and facts about the proposed site.

"It's important that we can all work together in a really positive way to bring lasting, real benefit to our community," he said.

"Attracting and supporting new businesses to the district is so important for Wairoa.

"With new businesses come a workforce, their families, new skills and new opportunities for our community. Looking at ways of growing our population is vital for Wairoa and these conversations with businesses like Rocket Lab are the first step in doing that."

The site being considered is on land owned by the Tawapata South Maori Incorporation - Onenui Station, on the southern tip of Mahia Peninsula.

George Mackey, speaking on behalf of the incorporation, said he was excited that Rocket Lab was considering Onenui Station.

"We are speaking with major shareholders seeking their support for this new opportunity for our community," Mr Mackey said. "We're keen to support Rocket Lab in communicating their vision, not only for their business, but also for our community.

"Wouldn't it be great to have a sign up that says 'Wairoa - Gateway to the Galaxy'?

"When I think about all this, I am left with this sense that our community will be linked to the development of these new innovative celestial waka. It's quite exciting really."

Wairoa District Council chief executive officer (CEO) Fergus Power said the council had focused on developing a strategy aimed at encouraging new and innovative businesses into the district.

"Wairoa has the potential to be at the forefront of innovation within New Zealand," he said.

"Council's goal will be to partner with businesses, rather than lead everything ourselves with rate funding.

"As noted in our Long Term Plan, council wants to foster an environment which assists the business community to bring about sustainable positive change for Wairoa, leading to opportunities for whanau to be reunited with those who have left this district to pursue employment opportunities elsewhere and who will be attracted back home for work, but more importantly, to friends and family."

Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairman Fenton Wilson said, "The HBRC will continue to work with Rocket Lab to ensure that any additional launch site based in the Hawke's Bay will meet the requisite requirements."