The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) will be the largest and most advanced radio telescope ever conceived. Vastly more sensitive than the world's best existing radio telescopes, the Square Kilometer Array will be one of the largest and most ambitious international science projects ever devised. It will help answer fundamental questions about the evolution of the universe (http://www.skatelescope.org).

SKA is a multi-billion dollar international effort undertaken by 19 counties. Australia and New Zealand have been shortlisted by the international science community as one of two potential locations for the SKA. As well as a fantastic opportunity, and challenge, for the world's astronomers it also represents a major opportunity for New Zealand industry and HERA member companies.

The New Zealand SKA Research & Development Consortium ( SKARD) and the New Zealand SKA Industry Consortiums are working together with the Ministry of Economic Development to create a major benefit for the New Zealand economy from participating in the project. A significant funding of this work has been planned in new budget recently announced by the Government.

Industry partners are being sought by the School of Engineering of AUT to design and build light and cost effective 15 m diameter telescopes with a total quantity of 3,000-4,000 units. To cpautre this opportunity for New Zealand, a group will be formed to develop concepts to be presented to the Ministry of Economic Development and the international SKA community for the purpose of receiving a contract to manufacture telescopes for SKA.

For more details, please contact Dr Slava Kitaeff or Prof. Thomas Neitzert, both School of Engineering, AUT University, Auckland.