Membership of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Talking Points

• New Zealand is very pleased that our application to join the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space has received support from current Committee members.
• While New Zealand is not currently a space-capable state, the first commercial rocket launches from New Zealand territory into outer space are expected to take place later this year.
• These first launches will be conducted by Rocket Lab, a company founded and run by a New Zealander. Rocket Lab’s business model is focused on providing orbital launches for small satellites.
• New Zealand is currently party to three of the UN space treaties: the Outer Space Treaty, the Rescue Agreement and the Liability Convention. We have stated our intention to also accede to the Registration Convention. 
• New Zealand takes its responsibilities as a country hosting space launches extremely seriously.
• The “Outer Space and High Altitude Activities Bill” was introduced in the New Zealand Parliament on 19 September. This Bill will enable the development of a space industry in New Zealand, while ensuring its safe, secure and responsible operation. It will also ensure that New Zealand is in compliance with its international space obligations
• Like many other countries, New Zealand relies on assured access to space-based systems to support its economic prosperity and maintain public safety.  We have a clear interest in working with international partners to promote the responsible and peaceful use of space.
• Those interests are what drove New Zealand to seek membership of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
• Other areas of COPUOS activity that are of particular interest for New Zealand include the long term sustainability of space, and the question of how relevant international law obligations apply to the activities of private companies in space.
• New Zealand can make valuable contributions to the work of COPUOS, including the Legal Subcommittee and the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.  We look forward to the opportunity to exchange expertise and make a positive, constructive contribution to the committees’ work.

New Zealand Statement: 59th Session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, 8-17 June 2016

Mr Chairman

Thank you for considering New Zealand’s application for membership of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and for the opportunity to speak to the Committee today.  I would also like to take this opportunity to warmly thank you Chairman and those members of the Committee that have extended welcoming words to us on our application.

New Zealand is not currently a space-capable state and no launch into outer space has ever taken place in New Zealand.  However, in recent years commercial interest in space launches from New Zealand has increased.  The first commercial rocket launches from New Zealand territory into outer space are now expected to take place later this year, by Rocket Lab, a company founded by a New Zealander which specialises in the launch of small satellites.  This development places extra responsibility on our shoulders, and we see membership of COPUOS as an important milestone in fulfilling our obligations as a responsible member of the international space community.

Mr Chairman

Like many other countries, New Zealand relies on assured access to space-based systems to support its economic prosperity and maintain public safety.  We have a clear interest in working with international partners to promote the responsible and peaceful use of space.

New Zealand is currently party to three of the UN space treaties: the Outer Space Treaty, the Rescue Agreement and the Liability Convention.  And New Zealand is a current member of the UN Security Council, placing us at the heart of discussions on international peace and security, where we are a fair minded and independent player, and where we strive to deliver practical and constructive results.

We place particular value upon the integrity of international law and respect for international institutions.  New Zealand is supportive of mechanisms and initiatives to prevent conflict extending into space, including the development of norms of responsible behaviour and confidence building measures.   We believe that a rules based approach to the responsible use of space by all nations is ultimately necessary to ensure that access to and use of space can be maintained for all.  Other areas of COPUOS activity that are of particular interest for New Zealand include the long term sustainability of space, and the question of how relevant international law obligations apply to the activities of private companies in space.

Mr Chairman

New Zealand can make valuable contributions to the work of COPUOS, including the Legal Subcommittee and the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.  It has existing technical expertise in areas such as radio spectrum and satellite applications.

We hope our application for membership will be viewed favourably by current Committee members, and look forward to the opportunity to exchange expertise and make a positive, constructive contribution to the work of COPUOS.

Thank You Mr Chairman