Insights with the power to change our world
About us
Xerra is a multidisciplinary group of people brought together with funding from the Aotearoa New Zealand Government through the regional research institute initiative. We were funded to build and support a research institute with a focus on earth observation data.
We have built upon this foundation to develop Starboard, a commercial software-as-a-service company that uses Earth observation data to help nations and organisations monitor their maritime domain and help protect and the world's oceans.
We’re passionate about our natural world and conducting research and building software to help governments and organisations monitor and protect it for future generations.
About us
Xerra is a multidisciplinary group of people brought together with funding from the Aotearoa New Zealand Government through the regional research institute initiative. We were funded to build and support a research institute with a focus on earth observation data.
We have built upon this foundation to develop Starboard, a commercial software-as-a-service company that uses Earth observation data to help nations and organisations monitor their maritime domain and help protect and the world's oceans.
We’re passionate about our natural world and conducting research and building software to help governments and organisations monitor and protect it for future generations.
About us
Xerra is a multidisciplinary group of people brought together with funding from the Aotearoa New Zealand Government through the regional research institute initiative. We were funded to build and support a research institute with a focus on earth observation data.
We have built upon this foundation to develop Starboard, a commercial software-as-a-service company that uses Earth observation data to help nations and organisations monitor their maritime domain and help protect and the world's oceans.
We’re passionate about our natural world and conducting research and building software to help governments and organisations monitor and protect it for future generations.
The primary focus of Xerra is building Starboard, a maritime domain awareness platform.
Starboard helps governments and organisations tackle critical issues ranging from illegal fishing detection to assessing vessels for Covid-19 and biosecurity risks.
Starboard is subscription based software that provides teams with a comprehensive view of maritime activity and powerful tools for analysis.
By combining global automatic identification system (AIS) data, multiple layers of satellite data, scientific models, and other information or intelligence, Starboard enables teams to effectively analyse and investigate vessels and areas — all on a secure and intuitive platform.
The primary focus of Xerra is building Starboard, a maritime domain awareness platform.
Starboard helps governments and organisations tackle critical issues ranging from illegal fishing detection to assessing vessels for Covid-19 and biosecurity risks.
Starboard is subscription based software that provides teams with a comprehensive view of maritime activity and powerful tools for analysis.
By combining global automatic identification system (AIS) data, multiple layers of satellite data, scientific models, and other information or intelligence, Starboard enables teams to effectively analyse and investigate vessels and areas — all on a secure and intuitive platform.
The primary focus of Xerra is building Starboard, a maritime domain awareness platform.
Starboard helps governments and organisations tackle critical issues ranging from illegal fishing detection to assessing vessels for Covid-19 and biosecurity risks.
Starboard is subscription based software that provides teams with a comprehensive view of maritime activity and powerful tools for analysis.
By combining global automatic identification system (AIS) data, multiple layers of satellite data, scientific models, and other information or intelligence, Starboard enables teams to effectively analyse and investigate vessels and areas — all on a secure and intuitive platform.
Forest Flows
The Forest Flows project, a $13.7M research programme led by Scion, with support from the Universities of Auckland and Waikato, NIWA, Xerra and other international institutions determined the impact of planted forests on our Aotearoa’s waterways.
Dr Robert Schafer developed methods to measure the biophysical state of forest canopies using multispectral and hyperspectral sensors. These measurements guided development of a hydrology model that predicted catchment-scale water storage and release. This model enabled better planning of water use and understanding of the benefits of afforestation to downstream users.
Forest Flows
The Forest Flows project, a $13.7M research programme led by Scion, with support from the Universities of Auckland and Waikato, NIWA, Xerra and other international institutions determined the impact of planted forests on our Aotearoa’s waterways.
Dr Robert Schafer developed methods to measure the biophysical state of forest canopies using multispectral and hyperspectral sensors. These measurements guided development of a hydrology model that predicted catchment-scale water storage and release. This model enabled better planning of water use and understanding of the benefits of afforestation to downstream users.
Forest Flows
The Forest Flows project, a $13.7M research programme led by Scion, with support from the Universities of Auckland and Waikato, NIWA, Xerra and other international institutions determined the impact of planted forests on our Aotearoa’s waterways.
Dr Robert Schafer developed methods to measure the biophysical state of forest canopies using multispectral and hyperspectral sensors. These measurements guided development of a hydrology model that predicted catchment-scale water storage and release. This model enabled better planning of water use and understanding of the benefits of afforestation to downstream users.
Matariki
This MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project combined rigorous surveying methods and advanced computer-vision to generate accurate high-resolution topographic maps that could be used to detect often subtle but important surface elevation changes affecting New Zealand’s landscape. The project was led by the University of Otago, in collaboration with GNS Science, Land Information New Zealand, Meridian Energy and Xerra.
As key researcher and leader, Dr Dave Kelbe was responsible for designing the computer-vision software to automatically match points between multi-temporal image acquisitions, enabling the automated creation of previously unavailable land surface data.
Matariki
This MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project combined rigorous surveying methods and advanced computer-vision to generate accurate high-resolution topographic maps that could be used to detect often subtle but important surface elevation changes affecting New Zealand’s landscape. The project was led by the University of Otago, in collaboration with GNS Science, Land Information New Zealand, Meridian Energy and Xerra.
As key researcher and leader, Dr Dave Kelbe was responsible for designing the computer-vision software to automatically match points between multi-temporal image acquisitions, enabling the automated creation of previously unavailable land surface data.
Matariki
This MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project combined rigorous surveying methods and advanced computer-vision to generate accurate high-resolution topographic maps that could be used to detect often subtle but important surface elevation changes affecting New Zealand’s landscape. The project was led by the University of Otago, in collaboration with GNS Science, Land Information New Zealand, Meridian Energy and Xerra.
As key researcher and leader, Dr Dave Kelbe was responsible for designing the computer-vision software to automatically match points between multi-temporal image acquisitions, enabling the automated creation of previously unavailable land surface data.
Eye on Lakes
Improving detection of cyanobacteria blooms in lakes using satellite data.
This MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project worked to improve the detection of cyanobacteria in lakes using satellite remote sensing. It allowed the monitoring of cyanobacteria blooms over time and across hundreds of lakes throughout Aotearoa. Dr Moritz Lehmann was key researcher on this project, working with colleagues at the University of Waikato and Cawthron Institute.
Published papers
Eye on Lakes
Improving detection of cyanobacteria blooms in lakes using satellite data.
This MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project worked to improve the detection of cyanobacteria in lakes using satellite remote sensing. It allowed the monitoring of cyanobacteria blooms over time and across hundreds of lakes throughout Aotearoa. Dr Moritz Lehmann was key researcher on this project, working with colleagues at the University of Waikato and Cawthron Institute.
Published papers
Eye on Lakes
Improving detection of cyanobacteria blooms in lakes using satellite data.
This MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project worked to improve the detection of cyanobacteria in lakes using satellite remote sensing. It allowed the monitoring of cyanobacteria blooms over time and across hundreds of lakes throughout Aotearoa. Dr Moritz Lehmann was key researcher on this project, working with colleagues at the University of Waikato and Cawthron Institute.
Published papers
Lakes Resilience
Enhancing the health and resilience of New Zealand’s lakes.
The purpose of this MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project (2015-2019) was to increase the capability of decision-makers and managers to achieve favourable outcomes for lake health and resilience at a national scale and to raise the level of knowledge about how lakes respond to environmental pressures and management solutions.
Dr Moritz Lehmann is continuing the legacy of this programme by co-developing a sensor for autonomous hyperspectral light measurements in collaboration with international colleagues at CSIRO. This instrument allows for real-time monitoring of important water quality attributes and facilitates improving algorithms for satellite-based methods.
Published papers
Lakes Resilience
Enhancing the health and resilience of New Zealand’s lakes.
The purpose of this MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project (2015-2019) was to increase the capability of decision-makers and managers to achieve favourable outcomes for lake health and resilience at a national scale and to raise the level of knowledge about how lakes respond to environmental pressures and management solutions.
Dr Moritz Lehmann is continuing the legacy of this programme by co-developing a sensor for autonomous hyperspectral light measurements in collaboration with international colleagues at CSIRO. This instrument allows for real-time monitoring of important water quality attributes and facilitates improving algorithms for satellite-based methods.
Published papers
Lakes Resilience
Enhancing the health and resilience of New Zealand’s lakes.
The purpose of this MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas funded project (2015-2019) was to increase the capability of decision-makers and managers to achieve favourable outcomes for lake health and resilience at a national scale and to raise the level of knowledge about how lakes respond to environmental pressures and management solutions.
Dr Moritz Lehmann is continuing the legacy of this programme by co-developing a sensor for autonomous hyperspectral light measurements in collaboration with international colleagues at CSIRO. This instrument allows for real-time monitoring of important water quality attributes and facilitates improving algorithms for satellite-based methods.
Published papers
Our team
We’re a dispersed team of remote sensing and data scientists, software engineers and designers, and business and communication experts. Our team is based in Aotearoa New Zealand and has worked for NASA and the European Space Agency, through to tech startups, aircraft manufacturers, humanitarian organisations, and academic institutions.
We’re passionate about protecting our marine environment and supporting the people who rely upon it. Our oceans play a critical role in the lives of billions of people around the globe and ocean health is essential to planet health.
We’re a dispersed team of remote sensing and data scientists, software engineers and designers, and business and communication experts. Our team is based in Aotearoa New Zealand and has worked for NASA and the European Space Agency, through to tech startups, aircraft manufacturers, humanitarian organisations, and academic institutions.
We’re passionate about protecting our marine environment and supporting the people who rely upon it. Our oceans play a critical role in the lives of billions of people around the globe and ocean health is essential to planet health.
We’re a dispersed team of remote sensing and data scientists, software engineers and designers, and business and communication experts. Our team is based in Aotearoa New Zealand and has worked for NASA and the European Space Agency, through to tech startups, aircraft manufacturers, humanitarian organisations, and academic institutions.
We’re passionate about protecting our marine environment and supporting the people who rely upon it. Our oceans play a critical role in the lives of billions of people around the globe and ocean health is essential to planet health.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and oversight of Xerra Earth Observation Institute Ltd. The Board is comprised of three Directors, including a Chairperson. The Directors have a range of governance and executive experience in the public and private sectors, including experience leading technology start-ups.
Maria King, Chairperson
Maria lives in Tauranga where she is Executive Director and Chairman at D-TX Group LP. She has extensive knowledge of leadership, management and business development, with a background in scientific research, health and education.
Melanie Templeton
Melanie (Mel) also hales from Wellington. She has considerable experience in senior management and business leadership and brings valuable commercial, financial and legal acumen to the Board.
Dave Moskovitz
Dave is a professional director and investor focusing on taking New Zealand companies global. He has experience in educational technology, Internet infrastructure, software development, working with government, international growth, and early-stage investment.
Board of Trustees
Xerra Earth Observation Ltd is a Limited Liability Company, majority owned by The Space Science Technology Trust. The inaugural Board of Trustees is comprised of four Trustees, including a Chairperson.
Brian Sanders, Chairperson
Brian is a retired New Zealand diplomat with extensive experience and connections at the most senior levels across national and international political, government and business spheres. Brian has a comprehensive understanding of the machinery of the New Zealand Government and a practical understanding of operating a business in regional New Zealand. Brian resides in Central Otago where he and his wife own and operate their own vineyard – Charcoal Gully.
Tony Lepper, Deputy Chair
Tony has an extensive background in governance including local government, which culminated in two terms as Mayor of Central Otago District. Tony is committed to regional New Zealand, particularly Central Otago and has strong links to the horticulture sector and involvement with irrigation issues.
Bridgit Hawkins
Bridgit has broad, successful experience in science and technology commercialisation, specialising in the rural sector. She is CEO of Regen, a leading provider of decision support services to New Zealand farmers and has a strong understanding of and commitment to the aspirations and values of Xerra.
David Smillie
David is a practicing solicitor at Gallaway Cook Allan who specialises in commercial and corporate law with experience in all sectors of business, and increasingly in the technology sector. He is the Trust Account Partner for his company and has extensive experience working in trusts, including the creation and administration of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Otago.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and oversight of Xerra Earth Observation Institute Ltd. The Board is comprised of three Directors, including a Chairperson. The Directors have a range of governance and executive experience in the public and private sectors, including experience leading technology start-ups.
Maria King, Chairperson
Maria lives in Tauranga where she is Executive Director and Chairman at D-TX Group LP. She has extensive knowledge of leadership, management and business development, with a background in scientific research, health and education.
Melanie Templeton
Melanie (Mel) also hales from Wellington. She has considerable experience in senior management and business leadership and brings valuable commercial, financial and legal acumen to the Board.
Dave Moskovitz
Dave is a professional director and investor focusing on taking New Zealand companies global. He has experience in educational technology, Internet infrastructure, software development, working with government, international growth, and early-stage investment.
Board of Trustees
Xerra Earth Observation Ltd is a Limited Liability Company, majority owned by The Space Science Technology Trust. The inaugural Board of Trustees is comprised of four Trustees, including a Chairperson.
Brian Sanders, Chairperson
Brian is a retired New Zealand diplomat with extensive experience and connections at the most senior levels across national and international political, government and business spheres. Brian has a comprehensive understanding of the machinery of the New Zealand Government and a practical understanding of operating a business in regional New Zealand. Brian resides in Central Otago where he and his wife own and operate their own vineyard – Charcoal Gully.
Tony Lepper, Deputy Chair
Tony has an extensive background in governance including local government, which culminated in two terms as Mayor of Central Otago District. Tony is committed to regional New Zealand, particularly Central Otago and has strong links to the horticulture sector and involvement with irrigation issues.
Bridgit Hawkins
Bridgit has broad, successful experience in science and technology commercialisation, specialising in the rural sector. She is CEO of Regen, a leading provider of decision support services to New Zealand farmers and has a strong understanding of and commitment to the aspirations and values of Xerra.
David Smillie
David is a practicing solicitor at Gallaway Cook Allan who specialises in commercial and corporate law with experience in all sectors of business, and increasingly in the technology sector. He is the Trust Account Partner for his company and has extensive experience working in trusts, including the creation and administration of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Otago.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and oversight of Xerra Earth Observation Institute Ltd. The Board is comprised of three Directors, including a Chairperson. The Directors have a range of governance and executive experience in the public and private sectors, including experience leading technology start-ups.
Maria King, Chairperson
Maria lives in Tauranga where she is Executive Director and Chairman at D-TX Group LP. She has extensive knowledge of leadership, management and business development, with a background in scientific research, health and education.
Melanie Templeton
Melanie (Mel) also hales from Wellington. She has considerable experience in senior management and business leadership and brings valuable commercial, financial and legal acumen to the Board.
Dave Moskovitz
Dave is a professional director and investor focusing on taking New Zealand companies global. He has experience in educational technology, Internet infrastructure, software development, working with government, international growth, and early-stage investment.
Board of Trustees
Xerra Earth Observation Ltd is a Limited Liability Company, majority owned by The Space Science Technology Trust. The inaugural Board of Trustees is comprised of four Trustees, including a Chairperson.
Brian Sanders, Chairperson
Brian is a retired New Zealand diplomat with extensive experience and connections at the most senior levels across national and international political, government and business spheres. Brian has a comprehensive understanding of the machinery of the New Zealand Government and a practical understanding of operating a business in regional New Zealand. Brian resides in Central Otago where he and his wife own and operate their own vineyard – Charcoal Gully.
Tony Lepper, Deputy Chair
Tony has an extensive background in governance including local government, which culminated in two terms as Mayor of Central Otago District. Tony is committed to regional New Zealand, particularly Central Otago and has strong links to the horticulture sector and involvement with irrigation issues.
Bridgit Hawkins
Bridgit has broad, successful experience in science and technology commercialisation, specialising in the rural sector. She is CEO of Regen, a leading provider of decision support services to New Zealand farmers and has a strong understanding of and commitment to the aspirations and values of Xerra.
David Smillie
David is a practicing solicitor at Gallaway Cook Allan who specialises in commercial and corporate law with experience in all sectors of business, and increasingly in the technology sector. He is the Trust Account Partner for his company and has extensive experience working in trusts, including the creation and administration of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Otago.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and oversight of Xerra Earth Observation Institute Ltd. The Board is comprised of three Directors, including a Chairperson. The Directors have a range of governance and executive experience in the public and private sectors, including experience leading technology start-ups.
Maria King, Chairperson
Maria lives in Tauranga where she is Executive Director and Chairman at D-TX Group LP. She has extensive knowledge of leadership, management and business development, with a background in scientific research, health and education.
Melanie Templeton
Melanie (Mel) also hales from Wellington. She has considerable experience in senior management and business leadership and brings valuable commercial, financial and legal acumen to the Board.
Dave Moskovitz
Dave is a professional director and investor focusing on taking New Zealand companies global. He has experience in educational technology, Internet infrastructure, software development, working with government, international growth, and early-stage investment.
Board of Trustees
Xerra Earth Observation Ltd is a Limited Liability Company, majority owned by The Space Science Technology Trust. The inaugural Board of Trustees is comprised of four Trustees, including a Chairperson.
Brian Sanders, Chairperson
Brian is a retired New Zealand diplomat with extensive experience and connections at the most senior levels across national and international political, government and business spheres. Brian has a comprehensive understanding of the machinery of the New Zealand Government and a practical understanding of operating a business in regional New Zealand. Brian resides in Central Otago where he and his wife own and operate their own vineyard – Charcoal Gully.
Tony Lepper, Deputy Chair
Tony has an extensive background in governance including local government, which culminated in two terms as Mayor of Central Otago District. Tony is committed to regional New Zealand, particularly Central Otago and has strong links to the horticulture sector and involvement with irrigation issues.
Bridgit Hawkins
Bridgit has broad, successful experience in science and technology commercialisation, specialising in the rural sector. She is CEO of Regen, a leading provider of decision support services to New Zealand farmers and has a strong understanding of and commitment to the aspirations and values of Xerra.
David Smillie
David is a practicing solicitor at Gallaway Cook Allan who specialises in commercial and corporate law with experience in all sectors of business, and increasingly in the technology sector. He is the Trust Account Partner for his company and has extensive experience working in trusts, including the creation and administration of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Otago.
Our customers
Our customers
Our customers
Our customers
Get in touch
To find out more about Xerra and our current projects, get in touch.
Get in touch
To find out more about Xerra and our current projects, get in touch.
Get in touch
To find out more about Xerra and our current projects, get in touch.
Xerra Earth Observation Institute
©2023 xerra.nz
Xerra is a trademark of
Xerra Earth Observation
Institute Limited
Xerra Earth Observation Institute
©2023 xerra.nz
Xerra is a trademark of
Xerra Earth Observation
Institute Limited
Xerra Earth Observation Institute
©2023 xerra.nz
Xerra is a trademark of
Xerra Earth Observation
Institute Limited