Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has significant capacity for research in the Blue Economy space, evident through its robust commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovative projects. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, AUT's researchers contribute expertise in areas such as marine biology, environmental science, data science/AI, intelligent systems, renewable energy and consumption, materials science and data analytics to address key challenges facing the blue economy. AUT's investment as one of the five core research providers in the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Center (https://blueeconomycrc.com.au/) underscores its dedication to advancing knowledge and technology for offshore aquaculture, renewable energy, and environmental monitoring. Through leadership positions held by prominent faculty members and active participation in projects such as measuring depositional footprints, exploring ocean carbon markets, developing aquaculture opportunities for bull kelp and system level modelling to improve the performance of offshore hydrogen DC microgrid, AUT demonstrates its leadership and expertise in driving impactful research outcomes. As a leading research institution, AUT is poised to continue making significant contributions to sustainable development and resource management in the blue economy sector.

Founded in 1878 as a School of Agriculture, Lincoln University holds a unique place in tertiary education as New Zealand’s specialist land-based university. The university’s strategy includes a strong focus on partnerships to achieve impact in New Zealand’s primary sector. Our education programmes reflect this strategy by offering research-led teaching coupled with practical experience. Lincoln University has several outward-facing entities whose mission is to engage in partnerships with external stakeholders, including: • Lincoln Agritech • B.linc Innovation • Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit • Bioprotection Aotearoa Lincoln Agritech is a multidisciplinary research and development company with a long track record of delivering leading-edge science and engineering technologies for primary industries and the environmental sector. Its dedicated team of over 85 staff, including research scientists, engineers, and software developers, have a passion for innovation and environmental conservation – a passion that aligns with Moananui’s vision and values. The Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit undertakes research for sustainable wellbeing. It leads research programmes on global value chains that create and capture value by understanding consumers in international markets willing to pay premiums for New Zealand’s quality food and fibre exports. There are opportunities to apply this value-led research to the blue economy in partnership with Moananui.

Based in Nelson, NMIT is located in the heart of New Zealand’s Blue economy. NMIT boasts the countries only focused aquaculture tertiary institution with courses ranging from level 3 right up to level 9. A key part of the student experience at NMIT is hands on involvement with industry. This relationship aims to inspire innovation in fresh minds and helps to connect passionate individuals to meaningful employment. NMIT has world class training facilities which are not only used to educate students but also support industry. NMIT is passionate about supporting the development of Aotearoa’s blue economy and is open to connect with others who feel the same.

Plant & Food Research is excited by the opportunities that the blue economy offers to Aotearoa, with responsible development having the potential to support social, cultural, environmental and economic aspirations. We are enthusiastic about Moananui’s role in realising these opportunities through a collaborative and knowledgeable cluster of like-minded organisations. Plant & Food Research is open to exploring any collaboration where we might add value through our extensive research, technology development, and commercialisation expertise. We are looking forward to making new connections and discovering new opportunities for partnerships with iwi, industry and other research organisations.

The focus of our UCVision research cluster is applying state-of-the-art computer vision and robotics to primary industry, increasing NZ’s export revenue and production sustainability, while creating deep-tech jobs locally to retain our best minds. Lead by Professor Richard Green, our groups share talent to accelerate the development of new and exciting technologies. As a subset of UCVision, our mission in the ŪWAI group is to enhance marine and aquaculture practises with new technologies, for more efficient and sustainable marine farming, fishing and transport. We aspire to the principles of kaitiakitanga or guardianship of our marine environments not only to preserve our precious coastal ecosystems, but also to maintain sustainability and economic value for global food security. Aotearoa | New Zealand is uniquely positioned to take the lead in marine food sustainability with our large continental shelf, nutrient rich waters, and pristine ecosystem. Kiwi ingenuity has made aquaculture and mariculture one of the most environmentally friendly food production methods available, we want to help scale marine farming endeavours by providing data collection, analysis services and new technology solutions.

The researchers in the Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDSAI) at Victoria University of Wellington use data science tools and artificial intelligence to optimise the farming of green-lipped mussels and breeding of finfish in open ocean farms. Farm managers can use this data to drive decision-making when responding to climate challenges, managing disease, improving production yields, and farming sustainably at scale. We focus on aquaculture and the need for smart, data-driven decision making to help meet the government’s target of aquaculture being a $3 billion industry by 2035. Our team will help develop innovative data science, artificial intelligence, and machine-learning techniques to enable efficient and large-scale growth of the aquaculture industry, and ensure it produces high-quality, low-carbon protein for Aotearoa and the world without compromising the environment.

NIWA is a Crown Research Institute which leads environmental science to enable the sustainable management of natural resources for New Zealand and the planet. Our purpose includes enhancing the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand’s aquatic resources and environments. Our marine research is led from our main campuses in Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch, and Auckland, and at our regional office in Nelson. NIWA is enabling the growth of the Blue Economy through research and development in a range of fields including: Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: Spearheaded the development of on land-based aquaculture for Haku (Kingfish). Blue Carbon and Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal: Research into viable marine based sequestration methodologies in the coastal and deep ocean. Environmental assessment: Undertake fundamental research to understand the marine environment and utilise this research to inform industries on environmental impacts Forecasting: Support prediction of weather and business outcomes e.g. yield Fisheries: Support sustainable fisheries management, minimising environmental impacts, climate change response, and contribute to ecosystem based fisheries management One of NIWA’s strengths is our access to New Zealand’s oceans through our research boat and vessel fleet. This is partnered with our broad range of ocean observing, modelling, data science and analytical capacity.

The University of Auckland (UoA), New Zealand’s largest and leading university, has a rich history dating back to 1883. It supports economic growth and is ranked among the top 10 globally for sustainable development impact. UoA fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, creating quality jobs and high-value businesses, and producing graduates that contribute significantly to our economy and society. UoA’s ties to the Blue Economy, are both extensive and impactful, with a long-standing tradition of marine studies through the Institute of Marine Science and Leigh Marine Lab, amongst others. The University has cultivated expertise in oceanic ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal management and has played a pivotal role in the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge, a collaborative effort involving researchers, policymakers, and industry partners. Through this initiative, they address critical marine challenges, seeking solutions that benefit both society and the environment. University of Aucklands research initiatives span a wide spectrum, from traditional aquaculture practices to novel approaches, leveraging indigenous knowledge with modern science across 8 faculties. In this synergy of academia, culture, and oceanic stewardship, UoA propels New Zealand toward a thriving and ecologically conscious Blue Economy. Their commitment extends beyond research—it shapes graduates who contribute significantly to our economy and society for the benefit of all.

The oceans are one of our biggest opportunities as we look for solutions to the challenges we face as a society. Cawthron Institute is dedicated to supporting the growth of the blue economy and is a leading developer of new blue technologies such as ocean data, remote sensors, open ocean aquaculture, environmental modelling and biosecurity. Cawthron Institute is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest independent science institute based in Wakatū Nelson, and our purpose is to create a better future by delivering science that supports healthy ecosystems, a prosperous blue economy and thriving communities. We have many innovative research programmes underway that are supporting a blue economy, including: - harnessing the power of ocean data to inform industry development through data products such as dashboards, decision-making tools and operational forecasts; - overcoming the challenges of high-energy ocean conditions through robust, open ocean aquaculture structures to produce sustainable and nutritious food offshore; - using nature-inspired solutions to protect marine ecosystems and prevent biofouling on underwater structures and vessels; - understanding, predicting and controlling seafood safety threats in a warming world and breeding resilient, nutritious, high-value seafood products; - identifying potential nutritional, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications from Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique algal species. Find out more at www.cawthron.org.nz.

Based in Te Tauihu and of Tainui waka, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua exists to uphold and enhance the mana and the whānau whanui of Ngāti Rārua, as well as kaitiaki for our region and those who reside within it. As partners to Te Tiriti o Waitangi we have co-operation agreements in place between all iwi and the three councils of Te Tauihu and a long-term future focus of prosperity for our region. We operate a mix of commercial and not-for-profit enterprises employing 37 full-time equivalent staff. We use these to grow capability and fund activities across cultural, economic, social and environmental workstreams. Investments and collaborations which fit our strategic goals can be considered at any time. Our research centre, Te Whare Rangahau o Tokomaru, has skilled staff who can assist with bespoke research and investigation work, and shared grant applications. Our Taiao team have expertise in resource consents, cultural impact statements and understanding environmental impacts. They maintain long term relationships with councils and other statutory organisations across the region. Our Mauri Ora team protect our deep cultural connections to the whenua, whānau and the moana, and hold a wealth of historical knowledge. Likewise, we have strong connections to the community – from our marae through to our free school lunch programme which delivers thousands of meals a week to primary and secondary students.