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Industry Group - Aerospace

Background

On 29 September 2022, Smart+Connected Marlborough Aviation hosted an online implementation event.

The event was attended by up to 20 representatives from various aviation and related bodies wanting to discuss the future of aviation across the Marlborough region.

The focus of the workshop was to propose an actionable way forward for the group.

This was the third engagement event for the Smart + Connected Marlborough Aviation group. Through earlier events, a shared vision for the sector was identified.

Vision

Kei puta te Wairau

Preparing for the future, proudly rejuvenating the past

Smart + Connected Aerospace's aims and objectives

The Smart + Connected Aerospace industry group will aim to meet bi-monthly, through to the end of 2023.

The group will support ongoing collaboration related to each sector's opportunity.

A review of the group's activities will be undertaken at the end of next year.

Shared priorities

The group will have some shared priorities. These are;

Low emission leadership

The goal is to build on existing work undertaken by Sounds Air and Air NZ on electric passenger and freight aviation, and to build on emerging opportunities with Airbus, Electric Air and others to become a leading low-emission aviation hub.

Unlocking Marlborough Airport's potential

The group needs to consolidate sector-wide support for realising the potential of the airport and its surround to support a strong future for the region and the sector. This includes nurturing the relationship with the NZDF during a time of change for them to ensure their future presence.

Marlborough as the Aerospace training hub

There needs to be support of NMIT's investment in its aviation training and it's unique offering within Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology)

The group recognised that there needs to be a coordinated regional approach with private providers, schools and industry to lift awareness nationally and develop a broader aerospace programme.

Unique aviation visitor experiences

There are goals of leveraging Marlborough's aviation strength to create unique visitor experiences, like the world-renowned Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and the Classic Fighters Airshow.

Collaborative projects

From our vision we identified four collaborative opportunities for the region:

Migrate flight training to electric

The group needs to identify and develop training programmes to support the industry as it becomes commercially available. Specifically this is the training of engineers/pilots and to ensure infrastructure readiness.

Support Marlborough Airport expansion and modernisation

With support from Council, the government and iwi, the group is to agree on how proceed with realising the potential of Marlborough Airport. This includes creating a valuable background document to help all parties understand the opportunity.

NMIT's civilian aviation engineering training facility

Building sector support to NMIT's investment plans is important. The group needs to ensure alignment with both NZDF and Airbus training requirements and to consider broadening the training focus to aerospace.

Classic Fighters Airshow 2023 greatness

We will be seeking sector support for a modern future-focused pavilion at the 2023 Airshow, including from airways.

Want to get involved?

Contact Mark Unwin, Economic Development Programmes Manager at Marlborough District Council to get involved, or for more information.

Email: mark.unwin@marlborough.govt.nz

Phone: 03 520 7400

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