Photo: Supplied/Rocket Lab via RNZA physics professor says he does not trust the New Zealand Space Agency to make good decisions about a likely host of new space launches. Space Minister Judith Collins said the 100 cap was likely to be hit this year. The environmental impact from more debris from space vehicle launches had been newly determined to be low. The rules would have required a special marine consent for every launch over the 100 cap. "Firstly, we need to look at whether we trust the New Zealand Space Agency to do the right thing in private."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 12, 2026 10:39 UTC