NZ hosts UN-backed International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems meeting

Experts from all over the world have gathered in Wellington to attend a United Nations (UN)-backed meeting of the International Committee on GNSS to discuss satellite-based positioning and navigation matters.

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and Geoscience Australia are jointly hosting the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG) meeting, which started yesterday (Sunday 6 October) and runs until Friday 11 October.

The ICG meeting is an annual event held by the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs.

Around 250 delegates are attending the meeting, with 177 joining in-person at the Tākina Convention Centre. This includes representatives from over 20 countries.

Minister for Land Information Chris Penk officially welcomed delegates this morning (Monday 7 October) following a traditional Māori welcome, mihi whakatau.

Other speakers also included Australian Deputy High Commissioner Amy Guihot.

LINZ Director – Customer Delivery Michael Appleyard says the event is an opportunity to showcase our contribution to the global space sector and collaborate on satellite-based positioning and navigation of mutual interest.

“Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) operate on a basis of global cooperation and coordination across jurisdictions. This meeting is an important opportunity for the international community to come together and align their future plans, share best practice and innovation.

“It’s a privilege to hold this meeting here in Aotearoa and help raise awareness of our emerging leadership in the space sector.

“We look forward to showcasing how we’re contributing to this through our joint investment with Geoscience Australia into new satellite infrastructure, the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN).”

SouthPAN improves positioning accuracy from five to 10 metres to less than a metre, and in some cases to as little as 10cm.

“SouthPAN will help a number of industries, including farming, forestry and aviation, take their productivity to the next level, helping lift the economy both here and Australia,” says Appleyard.

A new satellite uplink processing centre in Awarua, Southland, was officially opened by Minister Penk in July.