A blue economy is made up of marine activities that generate economic value and contribute positively to ecological, cultural and social well-being.

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Internationally it is recognised that oceans are a fundamental part of solving the planet’s food, energy, and climate challenges, with the idea of a blue economy emerging as a global model for sustainable ocean-based business.

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The value of the blue economy is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate over the next decade as clusters of marine-based industries evolve and drive innovation, productivity and employment growth.

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Here in New Zealand, our marine environment represents vast economic opportunities. To help us embrace the potential from our blue economy, Moananui is fostering partnerships between industry, research institutions, government agencies, and communities. This means we can drive real change at scale and pace, transforming Aotearoa New Zealand into a world leader in oceans development.

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Our guiding lights

Moananui is guided by a set of blue economy principles developed by the Sustainable Seas NationalScience Challenge. The principles set the foundation of our efforts in a uniquely Aotearoa context and help us reimagine what is possible in the world of sustainable ocean-based innovation. How the principles are applied will evolve and grow over time.

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One thing won’t change – we will always place the moana, and people’s relationship with the moana, at our heart.

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An ocean of opportunity

New Zealand has one of the longest coastlines in the world and a blue economy that employs nearly 70,000 people across a wide range of marine industries throughout the country.

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The Nelson Tasman region is home to a naturally occurring cluster of these industries, with more than 400 ocean-based businesses based there. As well as being the largest fishing port in Australasia, the region boasts an engaged engineering sector and strong science and technology research base, making it the natural headquarters for Moananui.

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As an independent cluster organisation, Moananui works to build strategic alliances, foster industry cohesion and meaningful partnerships across the cluster to stimulate maritime innovation, attract global investment, maximise new opportunities, and accelerate growth.

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Moananui is regionally grounded in Nelson while offering a national centre for blue economy innovation and high-value creation.

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