File image. Photo: 123RF
An organisation that aims to grow Aotearoa's blue economy has opened a headquarters in central Nelson - that it hopes will be a hub for innovation and high value products.
Blue economy cluster Moananui was launched earlier in the year in a bid to accelerate growth in the industry by generating economic value, connecting people, and improving ocean health.
Foundation partner Scott Gillanders said companies in the ocean space are recognising the potential of working together.
He said New Zealanders have not always been good at collaborating, but Moananui could be a catalyst to change that.
Eleven new partners, from around the country in the electronics, engineering, biotechnology, health and safety, and IT industries have signed up to join the blue economy cluster.
New Zealand is 96 percent ocean and home to one of the largest marine estates in the world, but ocean-based activities only account for 3 percent of GDP.
Moananui chief executive Jodie Kuntzsch said the potential for sustainable economic growth, employment and innovation in the blue economy was vast.
"When we talk about a successful blue economy we are talking about a wide range of smart, forward thinking businesses, working in and around the ocean, and that's reflective of the diversity of the Moananui partners.
"The larger, and broader, the partnership the greater those serendipitous moments and connections will be."
She said Moananui HQ will provide a space where partners can explore new partnerships and create solutions to some of the challenges facing ocean based businesses.
The new partners are; Aquawatch, BECA, Code and Caviar, Guard Safety, Lincoln Agritech Ltd, Marine AI (NZ) Ltd, NewFish, Pinpoint Earth, Smith Engineering PS Ltd, Snap Information Technologies Ltd, and Trinder Engineers.
They join foundation partners; Cawthron Institute, Kernohan Engineering, MacLab, Nelson Regional Development Agency, Pharmalink Extracts Limited, Plant & Food Research, Port Nelson, Sealord, and Wakatū Incorporation.
