A project that will help local ocean-related businesses accelerate growth and boost jobs has set sail thanks to a half million dollar investment from the government.
The Moananui – Blue Economy Cluster project aims to enable businesses, government bodies and other experts to work together with the aim of fast-tracking growth of the ‘blue economy’ - marine activities that generate economic value and contribute positively to social, cultural and ecological wellbeing.
With more than 400 marine-related businesses in the Top of the South, and more than 30 per cent of New Zealand’s fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing based here, Nelson was the natural place to establish the cluster says Moananui chief executive Jodie Kuntzsch.
“The ocean is key to the region’s wellbeing and prosperity. Developing the economy is often seen as being at odds with social and environmental goals but they are intrinsically linked,” she says.
If we’re going to accelerate the growth of our blue economy in an intelligent, sustainable and successful way, as guardians, we need to come together and collaborate in new ways. This government funding is an acknowledgment that by establishing connections and pooling resources, we can innovate and grow this sector much faster than if we worked individually.”
The Government is contributing $500,000 over two years to the project through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI’s) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.
A further $400,000 will be invested by the Nelson Regional Development Agency, Cawthron Institute, Sealord, Pharmalink Extracts, Plant and Food, Port Nelson, Kernohan Engineering, Wakatū Incorporation, and MacLab.
Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin says as a custodian of our oceans, it was a no brainer for Sealord to back the establishment of Moananui.
“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.”
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash was in Nelson to make the announcement on Thursday.
“There’s an enormous opportunity to leverage the good reputation of Nelson Tasman’s seafood and aquaculture sector to help connect with potential investors to boost innovation and growth,” he says.
Stuart says there are similar clusters operating overseas, which our seafood and aquaculture sector can tap into.
“New Zealand has a lot to offer and, equally, there’s a lot we can learn from similar clusters overseas, such as in USA, Canada, Norway and Iceland. The blue economy cluster will enable the local sector to move forward together and pool resources and expertise.”
“This investment is another win for our community with the Government working in partnership with Council and local businesses to boost our competitive advantage overseas, create more jobs and grow the Nelson economy”, says Nelson MP Rachel Boyack.
