Smart Iwi Aquaculture in Bay of Plenty

Ngā Iwi o Mataatua are exploring pathways to a sustainable, resilient, and world-class Māori aquaculture industry in the Bay of Plenty. 

The 10-month project primarily focusses on offshore water space but is also considering land and geothermal-based aquaculture opportunities. Not an exercise in 'business as usual', the project looks to the potential of viable innovation that aligns with Te Ao Māori, taking a systems approach that maintains ecosystem health, and contributes to community livelihoods and wellbeing. Key to this vision is:

• Maori economic development: growing people through job creation, training, career pathways, and research and leadership opportunities.
• Empowering and exercising kaitiakitanga and maintaining and enhancing the mauri of Te Moana Nui-a-Toi. 

This project is being advanced for the benefit of all Bay of Plenty Iwi.  Chris Karamea Insley (Te Arawa), Dickie Farrar (Whakatōhea) and Rikirangi Gage (Te-Whānau-ā-Apanui) are the Iwi representatives within the project and provide an oversight role, including regularly disseminating information with Bay of Plenty Iwi. The Aquaculture Unit (Fisheries NZ) and Te Ohu Kaimoana are helping to facilitate the project, which is being managed by a multi-disciplinary team at Envirostrat, in collaboration with Aquaculture Direct. This project team holds valuable local and international knowledge and connections. 

The team will explore potential and emerging realistic technologies, opportunities for the circular economy, climate change risks and influences, indigenous learnings, market demand today and in the future, and labour requirements with specific focus on developing opportunities for Iwi to create productive, well-paid jobs.

Key to this exercise is gaining insight from the cutting edge of science, research, and development.   Understanding the future trajectory of aquaculture in New Zealand will enable Iwi to position themselves for leadership and success. It will enable Iwi to focus their efforts and make informed, forward-facing decisions for smart Māori aquaculture in Te Moana Nui-a-Toi. 
 

E: alicia.bullock@envirostrat.co.nz