Secure Trans-Tasman Satellite Innovation: Aura and SouthPAN
The challenge
When Geoscience Australia (GA) and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) partnered to deliver the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) — a major trans-Tasman initiative designed to improve GPS accuracy to within 10 centimetres — they faced a significant challenge.
The project had many moving parts, multinational suppliers, and thousands of technical documents. However, the security requirements for such a nationally important system needed to be clearly defined and compliant across two different sets of national standards. GA and LINZ needed an expert information security partner who could bring consistency structure, best-practice thinking, and cohesive guidance across the entire programme.
Aura's solution
Kordia's independent cyber consultancy, Aura Information Security provided a Principal Advisory Consultant with deep knowledge of security governance to provide advice.
Once involved, Aura quickly identified gaps in the existing security frameworks and highlighted the potential risks in a clear, diplomatic manner. With approval to strengthen the security approach, Aura undertook a comprehensive review of the programme, analysing thousands of documents and working closely with global suppliers — including major technology partners delivering core SBAS components.
Aura helped reshape the security strategy across both countries by:
- Defining security requirements and aligning them with best-practice international standards
- Providing structured, actionable recommendations to secure all elements of the system
- Challenging outdated approaches where necessary and holding vendors accountable
- Creating a consistent, robust security posture for a project with national-level importance
As Aura’s role expanded and its expertise became recognised by both LINZ and GA, Aura became the preferred security advisor for the entire programme. To support GA directly, Aura also undertook the process to join the Australian Government’s approved supplier marketplace, with an accredited IRAP consultant based in Melbourne clearing the way for long-term collaboration.
Results
Aura is now the primary security partner supporting the SouthPan Project and the SBAS system across its full duration. The strengthened security approach has improved clarity, consistency, and confidence across project teams in both countries.
Key outcomes include:
- A unified, best-practice security model for a complex trans-Tasman initiative
- Increased assurance for all stakeholders
- Improved project governance and risk visibility
The SBAS project continues to advance positioning accuracy for industries including, agriculture, construction, transport, utilities and more, with a strong, resilient security foundation now in place.
The next major milestones will be supporting aviation and the launch of two co-owned (AU/NZ) satellites to improve the quality of the service even further.
