Simmonds - Congratulates Southland Space Man on National Award

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds has congratulated Southlander Robin McNeill on being awarded the inaugural Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Professional Excellence.

“This is a big moment for SpaceOps New Zealand founder and chief executive Robin McNeill MNZM, but it’s also huge for Southland and for the space industry in this province.

"It highlights how passion, innovation, and a future vision can achieve great things anywhere in New Zealand.

“The Government established this prize to recognise and encourage innovative expertise and rising talent in the space industry. Mr McNeill will receive $100,000.

“I congratulate Robin on this wonderful accolade. His passion and enthusiasm, and his commitment over many years, has undoubtedly had a huge impact on the space sector in this province and around the country.

“I acknowledge his wonderful success in receiving this special award.

“Robyn has quietly gone about who has quietly gone about achieving some amazing developments for New Zealand’s space industry, at the same time sharing his knowledge and skills with students and those interested in space across the South, and across the country.

“He has played a critical role in deepening New Zealand’s space relationship with the European Space Agency. This relationship has also included scholarships and other benefits to Southland students, one of which was the Kepler Space Camp for 70 local students.

“Robin has also designed and built ground stations in Antarctica, Tokelau and Southland.

“SpaceOps New Zealand also continues to collaborate with Great South’s “Youth Futures” programme, with the number of students completing Year 13 physics in Invercargill doubling.”