
Aurora in Mosgiel and Dunedin
As well as later on in Mosgiel when it peaked again and was spectacular.
Seeing Starlinks satellites launching through the middle of the Aurora over the beach was an added bonus!
The first photo of the coastal photo, is taken at Blackhead, Dunedin
Along with the second photo where you can see the long light smudge which is Starlink's satellites.
The third with the water in the forefront is Brighton Beach, Dunedin.
The others are in Mosgiel with Saddle Hill in the background.
- Madison Murray

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NZ Herald
05-08-2025
- NZ Herald
When cell towers fail, Kiwis turn to the skies
When Cyclone Gabrielle tore through Aotearoa, and again when Cyclone Tam lashed the upper North Island, something became frighteningly clear: traditional mobile networks can go dark when disaster strikes, sometimes for many days. Power lines collapse. Roads wash out. Cell towers get damaged. This means, in a moment when communication is everything, New Zealanders are cut off. Aotearoa needs a resilient back-up to on-the-ground mobile network, which One NZ Satellite is providing. Cyclone Gabrielle was a turning point for One NZ. It was the catalyst that accelerated its partnership with SpaceX to bring satellite-to-mobile connectivity to New Zealanders when they need it most. This could be during a widespread disaster, or a personal tragedy, such as a car crash or accident in a state highway mobile blackspot. One NZ's collaboration with SpaceX leverages the Starlink satellite network to provide direct-to-mobile text messaging wherever you can see the sky, even when traditional cell towers are down. This service isn't intended to replace the existing mobile network but acts as a vital safety net, a backup that can save lives during disasters. 'We're talking about potentially saving lives,' says Joe Goddard, One NZ's Chief Experience & Commercial Officer. 'Whether it's a massive cyclone or a solo hiker stuck in the backcountry , this technology gives people a lifeline. Over in the US, during Hurricane Milton and the Los Angeles wildfires, the service came into its own – and more recently, and closer to home, during the Nelson-Tasman flooding.' Since its launch in December, One NZ customers on an eligible phone and plan have sent more than 2.7 million text messages and counting via satellite. As Goddard says, 'These are messages that otherwise wouldn't have made it out. 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Techday NZ
31-07-2025
- Techday NZ
Satellite IoT market sees over 100 vendors as LEO drives change
New research has shown more than 100 vendors are active in the satellite IoT market, which is becoming increasingly fragmented as new entrants challenge established companies. According to IoT Analytics' latest Satellite IoT Market Report 2025–2030, the dominance of legacy satellite network operators (SNOs) is expected to lessen by 2030 as new players such as Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper enter the market. The analysis finds that in 2024, seven longstanding SNOs held over 80% of the total satellite IoT market share. However, with over 100 vendors now active, competition is intensifying and market dynamics are shifting. The presence of new operators leveraging Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is prompting changes amongst established operators, leading to new business strategies in response. Market overview IoT Analytics observed 7.5 million satellite IoT connections in 2024. The average revenue per user (ARPU) for satellite IoT was found to be nearly 15 times that of cellular IoT, underscoring the comparatively high value of satellite-based remote connectivity solutions. The Satellite IoT Market Report 2025–2030 outlines that while legacy SNOs remain significant, major technology companies are entering the arena and shifting the competitive environment. Starlink and Project Kuiper are highlighted as two leading entrants expected to impact market shares by 2030. Strategic trends Three core strategic trends have been identified in the report. Firstly, the adoption of LEO satellite constellations has accelerated. In 2024, 63% of satellite IoT operators used satellites in LEO to support their services. LEO offers lower signal latency, and the costs associated with manufacturing and launching these satellites are generally less than those for higher orbits. Secondly, legacy operators are increasingly pursuing multi-orbit strategies. By combining LEO, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites - often through partnerships or acquisitions - these companies seek to enhance service coverage and remain competitive. Companies employing multi-orbit connectivity strategies accounted for 50% of the satellite IoT connectivity market share in 2024. Thirdly, the implementation of hybrid networks is rising as SNOs partner with mobile network operators (MNOs). This integration of satellite and terrestrial networks is intended to improve both coverage and reliability for end users, offering broader connectivity options globally. Industry perspective Satyajit Sinha, Principal Analyst at IoT Analytics, comments that "Legacy players like Iridium and Inmarsat won't be displaced overnight. Their continued relevance comes from a proven ability to evolve. But survival for all, especially for newer players, now depends on adapting to the new market reality: LEO collaboration, cloud-native operations, and flexible pricing models are no longer optional. The entry of tech giants like Starlink will reset expectations, and the industry must respond accordingly. With Starlink bringing over 7,000 LEO satellites into service by mid-2025, price competitiveness in the satellite market will reshape the competitive landscape by 2030." Sinha's assessment highlights both the resilience of established firms and the adaptability expected of both current and new market participants. The scaling up of LEO deployments, coupled with adjustments to operational models and pricing, is projected to have a significant influence on how services are delivered over the coming years. Market fragmentation The analysis notes that the growing number of SNOs and partnerships is contributing to increasing market fragmentation. This trend is considered likely to continue as barriers to entry decrease and technology evolves, making it possible for a wider range of companies to offer satellite IoT services. Hybrid network deployments and cross-sector collaborations are anticipated to be key forces shaping the strategic direction of both new and traditional SNOs. Follow us on: Share on:


Otago Daily Times
06-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Art, science meld in workshop
Dunedin artist Jess Nicholson holds one of her clay tiles after her workshop at New Zealand International Science Festival in the Meridian Mall yesterday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Māori stories about the night sky help weave art and science together, a Dunedin potter says. Jess Nicholson (Kāi Tahu) delivered an Aurora (Te Tahu-Nui-ā-Rangi) clay tile-making workshop at the last day of the New Zealand International Science Festival at Meridian Mall yesterday. She said she aimed to show the harmonious relationship between art and science as well as Māori stories about the night sky. "I'm really not a scientist but I really enjoy giving the people the opportunity to chill out with a simple mindful activity." She said it was nice to hear about people's experiences of the night sky including their cultural understandings. "I get so much out of it just getting to hear other people's perspectives. "I feel quite privileged to be in a position where I can share local and national te ao Māori history and ideas." She said Purākau Māori (traditional Māori narratives) and western science could often be held in conflict with one another but there was a lot of harmony between them. During the 45-minute session people sat around a table and painted small square tiles with acrylic paint and chatted. "I think people have found it easy to access." Ms Nicholson taught a beginners' pottery course at the Otago Potters Club as well as made her own pottery. She only used clay she found herself at places such as beaches around Dunedin rather than using imported, commercial and pre-made products.