22 Oct 2026
3 days ago
79 views
A $2. 8 million investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help support the long-term resilience of the Northland oyster sector while backing economic opportunities for local communities, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries Jenny Marcroft say. "Mahurangi oyster farms produce around a quarter of New Zealand's oysters but recurring closures due to water quality issues have disrupted harvests and put significant costs and stress on growers and the community," Mr Jones says.
14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
199 views
The Government has designated two Aquaculture Settlement Areas in Marlborough to enable iwi participation in the region’s expanding open ocean aquaculture industry while negotiations under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act continue. These areas, totaling nearly 6,000 hectares, will support future marine farming projects subject to regulatory approval without affecting current fishing activities. The initiative aims to boost the local economy through export income, job creation, and sustainable seafood production, aligning with the broader goal of reaching $3 billion in annual aquaculture revenue by 2035.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
626 views
Legislation changes will centralize fishing and fishery resource management under the Fisheries Act, removing councils' authority to regulate these activities to reduce confusion and streamline oversight. The new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act aims to support primary sector growth, simplify aquaculture consent processes, and enable ministerial decisions on aquaculture space to boost sustainable industry expansion. These reforms intend to enhance fishery sustainability, increase seafood availability, and create economic opportunities while maintaining local community involvement and transitioning existing council rules until 2030.
10 Aug 2026
2 months ago
580 views
The Hananui Aquaculture Project off Stewart Island, the first aquaculture venture approved through New Zealand's Fast-track process, is expected to produce 14,400 tonnes of salmon annually, generating over $310 million in sales and creating up to 480 jobs. This approval aligns with government efforts to support Māori commercial aquaculture and aims to boost the sector towards a $3 billion annual revenue target by 2035 through large-scale open-ocean farming. The Fast-track process, which has approved 31 projects so far, accelerates development timelines, supporting regional growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable seafood production.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
721 views
The Government is investing $12.5 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop Ōpōtiki Marina, supporting aquaculture growth and creating up to 87 construction jobs. Additionally, a $3 million grant will fund the Gas to Geoheat – Tauranga Geothermal System Project, exploring geothermal energy potential to support future renewable energy initiatives and create 15-20 jobs. These investments aim to unlock the Bay of Plenty’s natural resource potential, boost regional economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
711 views
A major aquaculture settlement between the Crown and Te Moana-a-Toi iwi, involving 5000 hectares of new aquaculture space, aims to drive significant economic growth and workforce development in the Bay of Plenty. The region, known for open ocean mussel farming, has the potential to generate $200 million in annual revenue by 2035, contributing to the Government’s goal of $3 billion in aquaculture revenue nationwide. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones highlighted the settlement as a milestone that supports iwi leadership and strengthens local communities through stable jobs and export opportunities.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
990 views
The Government has updated the National Environmental Standards for Marine Aquaculture to simplify regulations, reduce costs, and support innovation while maintaining environmental protection. These changes aim to ease consenting processes, enable research and trials, and provide clearer national direction, contributing to the sector’s growth toward a $3 billion annual revenue goal. The updates, effective from June 4, are part of broader reforms to improve resource management and support sustainable economic development in New Zealand.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1428 views
The New Zealand Government has enacted amendments to five major National Direction instruments under the Resource Management Act to simplify consenting for mines, quarries, and coastal activities, aiming to support infrastructure development and economic growth. These changes streamline the planning system by reducing duplication and conflicting language, enabling more efficient resource development while maintaining environmental safeguards and supporting sectors like renewable energy and aquaculture. The reforms, effective January 2026, represent the first tranche of RMA national direction updates designed to integrate smoothly with the forthcoming new planning system, with further instruments planned for future consideration.
06 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1390 views
Elaine Bay Fuel Services has received a $350,000 grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to install a 20,000-litre petrol tank and dispensing infrastructure, restoring critical fuel access for communities, marine operators, and emergency services in the outer Marlborough Sounds. This investment supports key regional industries like aquaculture, tourism, and farming by reducing the need for a one-hour drive to Rai Valley for refuelling and enhancing resilience against road closures caused by extreme weather. The project, co-funded with $235,000 from EBFS, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1055 views
The Crown has signed an agreement in principle to settle the historical Treaty claims of Ngai Tai, marking a significant step after claims were first submitted over 150 years ago. The settlement includes conservation land, $12 million in financial and commercial redress, and reserved marine space for aquaculture consents. This agreement acknowledges the Crown's past wrongs and initiates negotiations toward a comprehensive deed of settlement for Ngai Tai, an iwi based in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
04 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1061 views
The $12.7 million upgrade of Port Tarakohe in Tasman District has transformed it into the region's only all-tide, all-weather, deep-water port, enhancing economic development and resilience. The improvements, including new wharves and facilities, support the growing aquaculture industry, marine tourism, and provide a crucial alternative route during highway closures. Funded jointly by the government and Tasman District Council, the project is expected to unlock nearly a billion dollars in value over 25 years and ensure vital access to Golden Bay during emergencies.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1128 views
The completion of the new Ōpōtiki Harbour, featuring two 350m harbour walls and dredged channels, has created safe access for marine activities and unlocked opportunities for aquaculture and regional economic growth. The project, funded by government and regional councils with significant local collaboration, generated around 200 construction jobs and supports the expanding mussel industry, which employs over 200 full-time staff. This major infrastructure investment aims to boost local incomes and contribute to the government's goal of increasing aquaculture sector sales from $750 million to $3 billion by 2035.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1166 views
Watercare has made a $1 million compensation payment to oyster farmers affected by sewage contamination in Mahurangi Harbour, but more compensation is needed, according to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft. The payment was a response to a recent sewage overflow incident caused by a power surge, impacting farmers during harvest time. Marcroft urges Watercare to work with Aquaculture NZ to fully compensate farmers for the financial and personal toll of repeated sewage overflows, emphasizing the importance of protecting waterways from pollution.
11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1293 views
The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1326 views
A bill protecting marine farmers from costly consent reviews was passed, aiming to support the aquaculture industry's goal of generating $3 billion in revenue by 2035. The Resource Management Act amendments restrict council reviews of coastal permits until 2030, reducing bureaucratic barriers for industry growth. These changes aim to allow marine farmers to focus on innovation and growth rather than dealing with regulatory red tape and costs.