Incorporating Indigenous voices and traditional astronomical knowledge is essential for developing a balanced approach to light pollution and ensuring cultural practices are preserved.

New Zealand's aerospace sector has experienced significant growth since its first rocket launch in 2017, generating approximately NZ$1.7 billion in revenue and aiming to reach NZ$10 billion by 2030.

There has been significant backlash regarding the lack of Māori representation in discussions about space policy, particularly concerning light pollution from satellites.

The dual role of the Space Agency as both regulator and developer creates a conflict of interest, complicating the balance between sustainability and economic growth.

The rapid expansion of the space industry has been driven by local company Rocket Lab, which conducted seven rocket launches last year, prompting the development of a regulatory framework to comply with international standards.

Balancing regulatory measures to protect dark skies with the economic interests of the space industry poses a challenge for New Zealand's regulatory framework.

While some companies, like SpaceX, have attempted to address light pollution from their satellites, their efforts have largely been ineffective without stronger regulatory frameworks.

Light pollution from artificial satellites has become a growing concern, contributing to a 10% increase in the brightness of the night sky by 2021, which affects both human health and astronomical observations.

The Treaty of Waitangi highlights the unique relationship Māori have with the night sky, emphasizing the need to integrate Indigenous knowledge into space regulations.

Sustainability leadership is increasingly crucial in the space sector due to rising concerns over space debris and environmental impacts from rocket launches.

The absence of strong sustainability leadership in New Zealand has allowed other nations to set norms in space exploration, highlighting the need for international cooperation.

New Zealand's approach to financial support for the aerospace sector is poorly defined compared to other countries that effectively leverage government co-financing for technological advancements.