A blue economy is defined as a sustainable economic growth model that preserves the health of marine and coastal ecosystems. Photo: AFP
A Nelson-based organisation that aims to grow Aotearoa's blue economy has received government funding to get it off the ground.
Moananui is a partnership between industry, the Nelson Regional Development Agency, councils, government and the community and is focused on accelerating the growth of a blue economy through the collaboration of hundreds of marine-related businesses in the top of the South Island.
A blue economy is defined as a sustainable economic growth model that preserves the health of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Stuart Nash Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Stuart Nash said the government will invest $500,000 over the next two years through the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to help the cluster get up and running.
Moananui chief executive Jodie Kuntzsch said the funding acknowledged that by establishing connections and pooling resources, it could be innovative and expand the sector much faster than working individually.
The blue economy in Nelson /Tasman accounts for more than 3700 jobs and contributes five percent of the region's GDP.
"Moananui's shared goal is to transform Aotearoa New Zealand into a world-leading ecosystem for developing and commercialising blue economy products, services, technology, research and capability, with a healthy ocean at the heart of this," Kuntzsch said.
"Collectively we want to tap into international markets and investors to boost innovation and growth not only here in Te Tau Ihu, but across the country. With New Zealand home to the fourth largest marine estate in the world, we have a real opportunity to position Aotearoa as a world-leading blue economy."
Kuntzsch said with start-up funding secured, Moananui was in a position to drive innovation projects, attract further investment and grow its membership.
Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin said it backed the establishment of the ocean cluster.
"Sealord has long recognised that we need to take a holistic approach to how we operate in our oceans, and we strongly believe that collaboration facilitated by Moananui will help all of us to increase value, connect people and improve ocean health."
Cawthron chief executive Volker Kuntzsch said science and innovation were key parts of realising the potential of the blue economy.
"Our oceans have vast, untapped potential to rebalance and reduce our overall impact on the environment, while creating sustainable products that enhance people's wellbeing.
"Cawthron scientists are already working collaboratively with industry to develop sustainable aquaculture, offshore technology and remote ocean-based data collection, but we can realise so much more by working as a whole cluster."
Nelson Regional Development Agency chief executive Fiona Wilson said Moananui had the potential to boost local employment opportunities and provide better access to global markets.
A further $400,000 will be invested by Moananui's founding partners; Cawthron Institute, Sealord, Pharmalink Extracts, Port Nelson, Plant & Food Research, Kernohan Engineering, the Nelson Regional Development Agency, Wakatū Incorporation and MacLab.
The organisation will be officially launched in May.