Latest news with #GovernmentCommunicationsSecurityBureau
Newsroom
28-07-2025
- Business
- Newsroom
Take-off for NZ space law: who needs authorisation for ground-based infrastructure?
The Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Amendment Act is aimed at managing national security and other risks associated with ground-based space infrastructure. It is intended to address these risks by deterring certain entities from undertaking ground-based space infrastructure activities in New Zealand and by supporting the identification and disruption of operations that may not align with national interests. This includes deterring foreign interference in systems used to track and control spacecraft. The new regime took effect on Tuesday this week, with a transitional period running until July 29, 2026 or when new regulations under the regime come into force (whichever comes first). All current operators of space infrastructure will be considered to hold a transitional authorisation until the end of this period. It is likely to be of significance for various businesses beyond traditional space operators, including commercial ground stations, advanced aviation data services, and any businesses with satellite-related infrastructure or capabilities. All operators who fall within scope will be required to apply for authorisation and meet compliance requirements under the regime by the end of the transitional period. What is the current regime? Prior to the introduction of the new specific regime, these activities were governed under a combination of general legal and security frameworks, rather than a dedicated regulatory system. Key legislation includes: Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017 – New Zealand's primary legislation for space activities, focusing on the regulation of launches, launch facilities, and high-altitude vehicles. While it includes licensing and permit requirements for these activities, its coverage of ground-based space infrastructure has been limited to instances where infrastructure is directly involved in those regulated operations. Note the new regime will be implemented as an amendment to this Act. Radiocommunications Act 1989 governs the use of radio frequencies. Space infrastructure operators are required to comply with licensing and interference management provisions under this Act when using the radio spectrum. Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013 requires network operators to engage with the Government Communications Security Bureau on network security and interception capability. Where space infrastructure involves telecommunications infrastructure, this Act may apply. What is changing? The amendment bill specifically dealt with ground-based space infrastructure, requiring operators to have in place protective security and due diligence systems as well as obtaining authorisation to operate the infrastructure. These standards will be mandatory for all space infrastructure operators, including existing ones. The new regime will capture a broad range of commercial and industrial operators while carving out clear exemptions for everyday users. The scope of the new regime includes: Telemetry, tracking, and control of spacecraft including systems used to monitor and manage spacecraft, such as satellites, probes, or crewed vehicles from Earth. It includes collecting and transmitting data on spacecraft status, determining its position and trajectory, and sending operational commands. The scope also covers systems with the potential to interfere with or disrupt satellite functionality; Space surveillance and identification of spacecraft including tracking and identifying objects in space, including active and inactive satellites, space debris, and natural celestial bodies such as asteroids. These systems support space traffic management, collision avoidance, and situational awareness; Satellite data reception, i.e. the process of receiving data transmitted via radio signals from satellites, typically through a ground-based antenna or dish, which is then decoded and processed by receiving equipment; and Other areas of concern, if prescribed in regulations. The legislation specifically excludes personal, domestic, and household users from these requirements, meaning ordinary consumers using satellite TV dishes, satellite phones, mobile phones, internet terminals, or emergency locator beacons are not caught by the new rules. The exemptions also protect recreational activities like amateur astronomy, emergency services operations, incidental business use (such as hotels or farms using satellite internet), and the use of publicly available systems for navigation or timing services unless those systems are being used to control or support space objects. The regime may be relevant to telecommunications providers, who may be affected where they operate satellite ground stations or manage infrastructure that receives or relays satellite data. These activities often involve telemetry, tracking, and control functions and direct interaction with spacecraft systems. In addition, airlines increasingly rely on satellite-based services for real-time aircraft tracking and in-flight connectivity, which may involve receiving satellite data or integrating with surveillance systems. Rocket Lab and other launch providers are directly engaged in telemetry, tracking, and control and space surveillance as part of their mission operations, from launch through to satellite deployment and monitoring. Drone operators, particularly those conducting beyond visual line of sight operations, may also intersect with the regime when using satellite-based navigation, surveillance, or data reception systems. When will the changes take effect? The legislation will take effect on July 29 and will be implemented in two stages, with full compliance required by the end of the transitional period. Stage 1 grants the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, as the regulator, the authority to shut down operations deemed contrary to New Zealand's national security. This includes the authority to suspend or revoke a transitional authorisation. Stage 2 will introduce detailed regulations for ground-based space infrastructure registration. All in-scope operators, including those with infrastructure established before July 29, 2025, must implement protective security and due diligence systems and seek authorisation prior to the end of the transitional period. Operators who fail to comply may face equipment seizure, fines of up to NZ$50,000 and/or one year imprisonment for individuals, and up to NZ$250,000 for entities. The authority may also issue orders for the disposal of infrastructure, the termination of electricity or internet services to the infrastructure, or its forfeiture. Wider changes This regulatory shift aligns with broader government efforts to modernise and strengthen New Zealand's science and innovation ecosystem. On July 1 this year, three new science organisations were launched: New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science New Zealand Institute for Earth Science New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science These institutes aim to deliver a more connected, commercially focused science system aligned with national priorities. Simultaneously, the space and advanced aviation sectors are experiencing rapid growth. A recent economic report shows the space sector has grown by 53 percent since 2019, contributing close to NZ$2.5 billion to the economy in 2023-24, while the advanced aviation sector added nearly NZ$500 million. The Government's New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy 2024 to 2030 aims to double the size of these sectors by 2030, reinforcing the importance of clear and workable regulatory frameworks to support growth. In light of the regime, businesses operating in or adjacent to the satellite or high-altitude technology sectors should consider auditing systems and assessing exposure. Whether your business is a data receiver, launch support provider, or tracking equipment operator, early preparation for the July 29, 2026 transition could mitigate significant risks and ensure your business is able to meet the compliance requirements and gain registration under the new regime.
Techday NZ
29-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
New secure data centre Mātai opens at RNZAF Base Auckland
The Government Communications Security Bureau has formally taken possession of a new all-of-government data centre located at RNZAF Base Auckland, following an opening ceremony. The facility will provide a centralised and secure environment for the processing and storage of some of New Zealand's most sensitive government information. The data centre, named Mātai, was built after several years of planning involving collaboration between multiple government agencies and local iwi Ngati Whātua o Kaipara. Milestone for digital infrastructure GCSB Director-General Andrew Clark described the inauguration of the data centre as an important advancement in the progression of the country's secure digital infrastructure. "This is an investment that has been years in the planning, due to the role of this facility in processing and storing some of our most sensitive government information." He acknowledged the collective work and dedication of all parties involved in the development of the site, noting the particular combination of requirements and expectations that the project demanded. "Both the design and location of the facility were informed by a number of factors, including our unique environment and New Zealand's specific data storage needs." Partnership with mana whenua Clark paid tribute to Ngati Whātua o Kaipara, who played a meaningful role in the project by gifting the name Mātai to the building. He explained the cultural and geographic significance of the name in the context of the region's history. "A key partner in this build has been with mana whenua Ngati Whātua o Kaipara who have generously gifted the name Mātai to the building. The name comes from the site of an ancestral Pā, Rangi Mātai at Ōtakanini in South Kaipara and from where you can see in all directions." Defence Force collaboration The facility is located within the Whenuapai base perimeter, a site that offered the necessary amenities and level of security required for the project. Clark emphasised the value of this relationship and the benefits it brings to the operation of the data centre. "Also integral to the project has been the support of the New Zealand Defence Force, with Mātai located within the Whenuapai base perimeter." Leadership in information security The GCSB is responsible for managing the data centre as the lead agency for information security across government, supporting the wider public sector's requirements for digital safeguarding. The project is positioned as a reflection of the increasing significance of digital resilience and the importance of secure facilities for national data. The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, with the centre officially opened by Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins. The new facility is anticipated to play a fundamental role in advancing the government's data security and response capabilities as digital needs and security challenges continue to grow. Follow us on: Share on:
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Formerly Secret Spy Data Centre To Open Soon In West Auckland
Article – RNZ A tailor-made data centre for the country's most secret and sensitive public sector information is expected to open soon in West Auckland.A tailor-made data centre for the country's most secret and sensitive public sector information is expected to open soon in West Auckland. The $300m facility at the air force base in Whenuapai is a partnership between the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) spy agency and the Defence Force. It was especially designed to meet New Zealand's 'unique environment', the GCSB has said previously. Begun in 2022, but announced only in 2023 'after security milestones had been achieved', the centre will provide extra secure storage for core information across government agencies. It was on track to begin operating by the middle of the year, the spy agency said. A main driver has been to get 'additional protection against malign actors', official papers showed. A lot of public agency data is held in data centres in Australia run by big US tech companies. 'The data centre is neither modelled on nor linked to an Australian centre,' the GCSB said in 2023, in response to a request made under the Official Information Act. 'We did however seek to draw learnings from selected international partners about their data centres, given this is the first instance where we have built such a facility, noting we have a unique environment and different requirements than international partners.' A 'non-sovereign' option offshore, or in a centre with offshore ownership, was ruled out early on. Planning dated back almost a decade, when a Cabinet committee in 2016 agreed on setting money aside following a security resourcing review. 'The facility needed to be within New Zealand, preferably on existing Crown land,' the GCSB said. 'Value for money was a strong factor, as was geographical diversity and resiliency.' The centre would 'shore up the resilience of our secure data storage for at least another 25 years', the spy agency said in a statement. The GCSB's appropriation in Budget 2025 of $262m was about a fifth lower than what it spent last year. There was 'volatility from year to year as capital projects start and finish', it said. Successive governments' policy of pushing to the 'cloud' had propelled a lot of agencies to switch from storing and processing data on-site, to using services and servers run by Microsoft, Amazon and Google, in Australia. The former two have been building large data centres in this country.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Formerly Secret Spy Data Centre To Open Soon In West Auckland
Article – RNZ A tailor-made data centre for the country's most secret and sensitive public sector information is expected to open soon in West Auckland. The $300m facility at the air force base in Whenuapai is a partnership between the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) spy agency and the Defence Force. It was especially designed to meet New Zealand's 'unique environment', the GCSB has said previously. Begun in 2022, but announced only in 2023 'after security milestones had been achieved', the centre will provide extra secure storage for core information across government agencies. It was on track to begin operating by the middle of the year, the spy agency said. A main driver has been to get 'additional protection against malign actors', official papers showed. A lot of public agency data is held in data centres in Australia run by big US tech companies. 'The data centre is neither modelled on nor linked to an Australian centre,' the GCSB said in 2023, in response to a request made under the Official Information Act. 'We did however seek to draw learnings from selected international partners about their data centres, given this is the first instance where we have built such a facility, noting we have a unique environment and different requirements than international partners.' A 'non-sovereign' option offshore, or in a centre with offshore ownership, was ruled out early on. Planning dated back almost a decade, when a Cabinet committee in 2016 agreed on setting money aside following a security resourcing review. 'The facility needed to be within New Zealand, preferably on existing Crown land,' the GCSB said. 'Value for money was a strong factor, as was geographical diversity and resiliency.' The centre would 'shore up the resilience of our secure data storage for at least another 25 years', the spy agency said in a statement. The GCSB's appropriation in Budget 2025 of $262m was about a fifth lower than what it spent last year. There was 'volatility from year to year as capital projects start and finish', it said. Successive governments' policy of pushing to the 'cloud' had propelled a lot of agencies to switch from storing and processing data on-site, to using services and servers run by Microsoft, Amazon and Google, in Australia. The former two have been building large data centres in this country.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Formerly Secret Spy Data Centre To Open Soon In West Auckland
A tailor-made data centre for the country's most secret and sensitive public sector information is expected to open soon in West Auckland. The $300m facility at the air force base in Whenuapai is a partnership between the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) spy agency and the Defence Force. It was especially designed to meet New Zealand's "unique environment", the GCSB has said previously. Begun in 2022, but announced only in 2023 "after security milestones had been achieved", the centre will provide extra secure storage for core information across government agencies. It was on track to begin operating by the middle of the year, the spy agency said. A main driver has been to get "additional protection against malign actors", official papers showed. A lot of public agency data is held in data centres in Australia run by big US tech companies. "The data centre is neither modelled on nor linked to an Australian centre," the GCSB said in 2023, in response to a request made under the Official Information Act. "We did however seek to draw learnings from selected international partners about their data centres, given this is the first instance where we have built such a facility, noting we have a unique environment and different requirements than international partners." A "non-sovereign" option offshore, or in a centre with offshore ownership, was ruled out early on. Planning dated back almost a decade, when a Cabinet committee in 2016 agreed on setting money aside following a security resourcing review. "The facility needed to be within New Zealand, preferably on existing Crown land," the GCSB said. "Value for money was a strong factor, as was geographical diversity and resiliency." The centre would "shore up the resilience of our secure data storage for at least another 25 years", the spy agency said in a statement. The GCSB's appropriation in Budget 2025 of $262m was about a fifth lower than what it spent last year. There was "volatility from year to year as capital projects start and finish", it said. Successive governments' policy of pushing to the 'cloud' had propelled a lot of agencies to switch from storing and processing data on-site, to using services and servers run by Microsoft, Amazon and Google, in Australia. The former two have been building large data centres in this country.
