Several Southland and national political figures including Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson, Mr Campbell, Southland Mayor Rob Scott and Southland MP Joseph Mooney were on site for the start of phase two of SpaceOps NZ’s new head office building.
This $4.55 million project is led by the agency, a subsidiary of Great South, and will include a multi-purpose headquarters with workshops and supporting infrastructure.
"We’re seeing real momentum for a project that will strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global space industry while delivering jobs and economic opportunity at home," Mr Patterson said.
He highlighted the diversity of Southland’s regional economy and said this project would continue to build upon that.
"[SpaceOps] is creating new, high-tech opportunities alongside the region’s traditional strengths in primary production."
Mr Jones said the project was a no-brainer for Southland.
"You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see why this is a great opportunity for Southland and New Zealand.
"[It is] increasing high-value economic activity in Southland and strengthening New Zealand’s ground based space infrastructure."
He expected this expansion to increase the local workforce from 21 to about 30 high-skill roles with 10 jobs expected to open during construction.
Mr Campbell hoped this would prove to New Zealand and the rest of the world that Southland could do more than "just grow grass".
"It shows we can do high tech things.
"When companies come here and they want to see what we can do, we can show them SpaceOps."
The facilities were in need of an upgrade.
"When you do bring people down here it’s a bit of a downbeat to show them a portacabin.
"One of the great things about this development is we can show a building that is far more appropriate."
He saw SpaceOps NZ as an ever-growing operation.
He enjoyed coming down and seeing new structures popping up.
"It’s about prestige, it’s about reputation, and it’s about showing that we can do some really high tech things here."
