SpaceBase Podcast
Catalysing a Space Cluster in South New Zealand: An Interview with David Powell
SpaceBase Podcast
•January 22, 2026•47 min
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SpaceBase Podcast•Jan 22, 2026
Why It Matters
Building a space cluster in Otago could diversify New Zealand’s economy, create high‑skill jobs, and place the country on the global aerospace map, especially as the industry expands worldwide. The episode is timely because governments and investors are increasingly seeking regional innovation ecosystems, and Powell’s insights illustrate how strategic partnerships can accelerate that growth.
Key Takeaways
- •Otago leverages health sciences for space research.
- •Aerospace South unites diverse Otago departments under space brand.
- •International trade experience drives NZ space ecosystem connections.
- •University creates links with NZ Space Agency, JPL, industry.
- •Human performance and solar weather research support Artemis missions.
Pulse Analysis
In this episode Emmeline Pat Dahlstrom sits down with David Powell, Business Development Manager at the University of Otago, to explore how a small, southern‑most university is positioning itself at the heart of New Zealand’s emerging space ecosystem. Powell draws on 25 years of international trade and economic‑development experience to explain why bridging academia, industry, and government is essential for a country geographically isolated yet globally connected. He outlines the strategic decision three years ago to craft a dedicated space strategy, securing early support from the New Zealand Space Agency and laying the groundwork for a regional space cluster.
The conversation then shifts to Aerospace South, the interdisciplinary brand that unites Otago’s health sciences, physics, law, and business under a single space‑focused identity. Without a traditional engineering school, Otago leverages its century‑old expertise in aviation medicine, human performance, nutrition, and sports science to address the “human as the weak point” challenge of long‑duration missions such as Artemis and future Mars trips. Complementary research in solar‑tsunami forecasting, led by Professor Craig Roger, and photonic sensor development from Professor Harold Schwefel, adds atmospheric and satellite capabilities, creating a unique value proposition for the national space sector.
Powell emphasizes that the cluster is more than a branding exercise; it is a conduit for funding, internships, and collaborations with partners like Aerospace New Zealand, JPL, and the NZ Space Agency. By offering a clear entry point—through the Aerospace South newsletter, dedicated website, and direct outreach—Otago invites researchers to translate their expertise into commercial space applications. This model illustrates how international trade insight, regional branding, and cross‑disciplinary research can accelerate New Zealand’s space ambitions, positioning the South Island as a vital hub for future aerospace innovation.
Episode Description
An interview with David Powell — Business Development Manager at the University of Otago and Convener of the Aero+Space South initiative. With over 25 years of international experience in business development, trade, and innovation strategy, David has been at the forefront of building bridges between academia, industry, and government to support high-growth sectors like biotech, health, food — and most notably, New Zealand’s emerging space ecosystem.
From leading global trade initiatives to supporting export companies and pioneering aerospace collaboration across Aotearoa’s southern regions, David brings a rare mix of vision, experience, and deep sector knowledge. He also has a long-standing passion for social enterprise and economic development — themes that continue to guide his work today.
Hosts: SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
Resources
Aero+Space South - Space Cluster in Otago
University of Otago
City on Mars by Kelly and Zack Weinersmith
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Show Notes
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