Latest news with #Christchurch-based
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Mark Rocket: Who is Mark Rocket? The Christchurch entrepreneur who just became the first New Zealander in space
ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT With a name like Rocket, it was only a matter of time. On Sunday, Christchurch aerospace entrepreneur Mark Rocket lived up to his name, becoming the first New Zealander to fly to 55-year-old soared aboard Virgin Galactic 's Galactic 07 mission, a suborbital flight launched from Spaceport America in New Mexico. As the spacecraft arced above Earth, reaching an altitude of about 88 kilometres, Rocket joined a rare group of civilians who have witnessed the planet from the edge of space and returned safely.'I've been dreaming of this for a long time,' Rocket said after the flight. 'It was surreal. The Earth looked incredible from up there.'Born Mark Stevens, he legally changed his name to Mark Rocket in 2003 to reflect his passion for space. He was an early investor and the first customer of Rocket Lab, New Zealand's prominent space launch company, although he is no longer co-founded Kea Aerospace , a Christchurch-based company developing solar-powered aircraft to collect high-altitude data. He is also the current president of the Aerospace New Zealand industry group, which supports the country's growing space sector.'This flight isn't just about me,' Rocket said. 'It's about inspiring others in Aotearoa to dream bigger, reach higher, and see space as part of our future.'The Virgin Galactic flight lasted around 90 minutes from takeoff to landing. Rocket was joined on board by passengers from the US, Ukraine, and Austria, as well as two Virgin Galactic crew spacecraft, VSS Unity , was carried into the sky by a mothership before being released to fire its rocket engine and soar into space. It was Unity's final flight, and it is now being retired after completing seven commercial said he had been training for the experience since 2022 and felt honored to represent New Zealand. 'The view, the weightlessness — it was all incredible,' he said. 'I feel extremely grateful.'Prime Minister Christopher Luxon congratulated Rocket, calling the flight 'a proud moment for New Zealand's science and technology sector.''It's only the beginning,' Rocket said. 'There's so much more we can achieve.'
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Who is Mark Rocket? The Christchurch entrepreneur who just became the first New Zealander in space
With a name like Rocket, it was only a matter of time. On Sunday, Christchurch aerospace entrepreneur Mark Rocket lived up to his name, becoming the first New Zealander to fly to space. The 55-year-old soared aboard Virgin Galactic 's Galactic 07 mission, a suborbital flight launched from Spaceport America in New Mexico. As the spacecraft arced above Earth, reaching an altitude of about 88 kilometres, Rocket joined a rare group of civilians who have witnessed the planet from the edge of space and returned safely. 'I've been dreaming of this for a long time,' Rocket said after the flight. 'It was surreal. The Earth looked incredible from up there.' Born Mark Stevens, he legally changed his name to Mark Rocket in 2003 to reflect his passion for space. He was an early investor and the first customer of Rocket Lab, New Zealand's prominent space launch company, although he is no longer involved. Rocket co-founded Kea Aerospace , a Christchurch-based company developing solar-powered aircraft to collect high-altitude data. He is also the current president of the Aerospace New Zealand industry group, which supports the country's growing space sector. Live Events 'This flight isn't just about me,' Rocket said. 'It's about inspiring others in Aotearoa to dream bigger, reach higher, and see space as part of our future.' The Virgin Galactic flight lasted around 90 minutes from takeoff to landing. Rocket was joined on board by passengers from the US, Ukraine, and Austria, as well as two Virgin Galactic crew members. The spacecraft, VSS Unity , was carried into the sky by a mothership before being released to fire its rocket engine and soar into space. It was Unity's final flight, and it is now being retired after completing seven commercial missions. Rocket said he had been training for the experience since 2022 and felt honored to represent New Zealand. 'The view, the weightlessness — it was all incredible,' he said. 'I feel extremely grateful.' Prime Minister Christopher Luxon congratulated Rocket, calling the flight 'a proud moment for New Zealand's science and technology sector.' 'It's only the beginning,' Rocket said. 'There's so much more we can achieve.'
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Postal Voting Made Easier With Orange Boxes
Orange ballot boxes are expected to pop up around North Canterbury later this year. Waimakariri District Council deputy electoral officer Sarah Nichols said orange ballot boxes will be deployed around the district in September and October to make it easier for people to vote in this year's local government elections. ''We are still finalising the locations, but we are intending to have more than we did last time. ''With less post boxes around, we want to make sure people are able to have their say.'' She said voting papers from any neighbouring district will be accepted in Waimakariri ballot boxes, ''as they all end up in the same place''. Christchurch-based runs the elections for several councils around the country, including the Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura districts. Nominations open on Friday, July 4, with 35 positions up for grabs in Waimakariri - including mayor, 10 councillors, 24 community board members. In Hurunui, nominations will be accepted for mayor, 10 councillors, community board members in Hanmer Springs and south ward (including Amberley) and the Cheviot Licensing Trust. Nominations will also be accepted for two councillors in Environment Canterbury's North Canterbury constituency. Ms Nichols said there were more than 80 candidates in the Waimakariri district in 2022, with contests required for all positions. ''It will be interesting how many come forward. We are certainly encouraging people from all walks of life and ages to stand for their community.'' She said she hoped recent publicity about online abuse of female politicians will not deter too many people from standing. ''It is certainly a factor for people to consider. Abuse can range from texts or emails, it can be keyboard warriors and in-person and none of it is acceptable behaviour. ''We hope it is a clean campaign with issues being debated, rather than personal traits.'' Ms Nichols said there had not been too many issues with candidate nominations not complying with the rules in the past. Candidates need to submit a passport sized photo with their 150 word profile. The photo needs to be of your head and shoulders, with no sunglasses, no hat and not accompanied by whānau, pets, friends or kissing a baby. Candidates must be a New Zealand citizen. You do not need to reside in the district(s) you choose to stand in - but your two nominees do. If you or your partner hold a contract of more than $25,000 for your local council you cannot stand, unless you have prior approval from the Auditor-General. Nominations close at 12noon on Friday, August 1, and no late nominations are accepted. Once nominations close, you are on the ballot paper, Ms Nichols said. Voting papers are posted out from September 9, with voting closing at 12noon on Saturday, October 11.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Fixed Physio Highlights Key Recovery Services For Local Sports Injuries
As demand grows for non-surgical recovery options among recreational and competitive athletes, Christchurch-based clinic Fixed Physio is highlighting two core services: sports injury rehabilitation and targeted needling therapy. Fixed Physio provides sports physio in Christchurch for individuals recovering from athletic injuries or managing long-term biomechanical issues. The service includes assessment, strength reconditioning, mobility programming, and return-to-sport planning. Each treatment pathway is tailored to the athlete's discipline and stage of recovery, whether post-surgical, post-impact, or preventative in focus. The clinic also offers dry needling in Christchurch as part of its musculoskeletal treatment programme. This technique involves inserting fine needles into trigger points in muscle tissue to help reduce tension and improve movement. It is commonly used alongside physiotherapy in cases of muscle tightness, tendon discomfort, or restricted joint mobility. Both services are delivered by qualified physiotherapists and are suited to adult patients with sport-related physical concerns. Bookings and further information are available at
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Global Creatives To Guide UC's Digital Screen Programme
UC's new Industry Advisory Board brings global expertise to guide the University's Digital Screen programme and strengthen industry partnerships. The new Digital Screen Kōawa Studios Industry Advisory Board will provide strategic insight into Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)'s programme development, student recruitment and industry collaboration. Chaired by Ingrid Taylor, a Christchurch-based commercial property lawyer with extensive governance experience, the Advisory Board also boasts award-winning film director Michelle Walshe, Whitebait Media founder Janine Morrell-Gunn ONZM, media-tech entrepreneur and Emmy judge Catherine Warren, creative technologist Nikora Ngaropo – whose past work at Wētā Digital included major productions such as Avatar, The Hobbit trilogy, and Iron Man 3 - among leaders from ChristchurchNZ, and the global screen and technology sectors. The Advisory Board's role will be pivotal in ensuring UC's offerings are future focused, industry-connected, and globally relevant, as well as supporting the growth of the University's Kōawa Studios, a purpose-built creative production hub. 'The fabulous UC Kōawa Studios are the springboard and perfect pipeline for the convergence of world class education, technology and creativity right here in Waitaha - where Aotearoa's talented young people get to collaborate to create screen magic and take their stories to the world,' says board member Janine Morrell-Gunn. Vice-Chancellor Professor De la Rey believes the calibre of board members reflects UC's growing reputation as a university that blends academic excellence with real-world impact. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'With the guidance of this new board, we're strengthening our ties with industry and supporting innovation that benefits our students, our city, and New Zealand as a whole.' Kōawa Studios was established to position UC and Ōtautahi Christchurch as a centre of excellence for digital screen production and creative technology education. With state-of-the-art facilities and co-location opportunities, it's already attracting industry engagement - including recent work on feature film Holy Days and children's clay animation series Kiri and Lou, as well as a renewed partnership with UK-based Aardman Animations. Director of Kōawa Studios Sam Witters says the board builds on real momentum. 'We've brought together some of the best minds in screen and creative tech. With partners like Aardman Academy and feature film Holy Days, things are already humming at Kōawa Studios — and this Advisory Board takes it to the next level.' UC's Digital Screen programme, including the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours, prepares students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global industry that fuses creativity and technology. Students have access to world-class facilities, including a virtual production stage, motion capture studio, green screen room, and post-production suites. Learning alongside industry professionals and globally renowned academics, students develop the skills and experience needed to succeed in a competitive, collaborative sector. 'We've designed a programme that covers the full spectrum of digital screen — from animation and game design to virtual production,' Professor Kevin Watson, Executive Dean of the University's Faculty of Arts, says. 'This Advisory Board will help us strengthen industry ties, bring global perspectives into the classroom, and continue developing Kōawa Studios as a hub for learning, collaboration, and creativity.' The Advisory Board came together in Ōtautahi Christchurch for the first time earlier this week, kicking off an exciting new chapter of collaboration between UC and creative tech leaders. Chair Ingrid Taylor says she joined the board because of the potential she sees in both the programme and the people behind it. 'There's something incredibly energising about what UC is building. I'm excited to contribute to an environment that empowers young people, connects sectors, and creates space for innovation and growth.'
