NZ's 'rocket man' to give public lecture at University of Auckland

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck will give a free public lecture at the University of Auckland next week to share the company's story so far and his thoughts on the future of New Zealand's fledgling space industry.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck

Mr Beck founded Rocket Lab just over 12 years ago and since then the company has launched two successful flights with another one in the pipeline as it looks to accelerate into commercial operations to open up space for business.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the public and university staff and students to come along and hear first-hand from one of New Zealand’s true pioneers.

Professor Nic Smith, Dean of Engineering

Dean of Engineering Nic Smith says the Faculty of Engineering is delighted to welcome a top engineering entrepreneur and business leaders.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the public and university staff and students to come along and hear first-hand from one of New Zealand’s true pioneers,” says Dean of Engineering Professor Nic Smith.

“We know New Zealand needs to be at the forefront of new technologies and industries and Peter is a living example of how one man’s determination and ability to overcome challenges can create opportunities for New Zealand and New Zealanders.”

Rocket Lab made history with the launch of its Electron rocket last year, a feat that shone a spotlight on New Zealand as a possible launch pad for commercial space operations. The successful launch was the realisation of a lifelong dream for Mr Beck with Rocket Lab the first company to reach space from a privately-owned facility.

This lecture is free and open to the public:

When: 4pm-5pm, Tuesday 3 July 2018

Where: Fisher and Paykel Auditorium, Owen G Glenn Building (Business School), 12 Grafton Rd, Auckland.

Register: Eventbrite

Media enquiries:

Anne Beston | Media Adviser
Tel: 09 923 3258
Mob: 021 970 089
Email: a.beston@auckland.ac.nz