Blue House opening demonstrates a promising and powerful future for Nelson Tasman’s blue economy, as a hub for innovation and growth.

Nelson Tasman’s position at the forefront of New Zealand’s blue economy is reinforced this week with the official opening of The Blue House; an innovation hub designed to accelerate sustainable ocean innovation, investment, and collaboration.

Located in the heart of the Nelson Marina and Port Nelson, Blue House will be opened by Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, on Thursday 26 March. Around 160 guests are expected to attend, including Nelson Mayor Dr Nick Smith, Tasman Mayor Tim King and Westpac NZ CEO Catherine McGrath.

Blue House has been established to support early-stage ventures, established businesses transitioning to sustainable ocean activities, and organisations working at the intersection of science, innovation and industry. It is also the physical home of Moananui; a national alliance committed to growing sustainable ocean-related business opportunities.

The opening of Blue House with the blue economy cluster, Moananui, represent a significant step forward in unlocking the economic and environmental potential of Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine sector. The initiative builds on Nelson Tasman’s growing reputation as a centre for marine science, innovation, and industry leadership within the blue economy.

For participating businesses and partners, Blue House represents more than a workspace, it is a launchpad for globally relevant innovation.
Two pioneering New Zealand startup businesses, Maidenfleet and Ocean Intelligence, have already committed to operating from Blue House, signalling strong early momentum.

Maidenfleet, founded by Dan Burrows, is developing next-generation crew-free commercial fishing vessels designed to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance in inshore fisheries. Burrows says,

“Being part of the Blue House places us at the centre of a forward-thinking marine ecosystem, enabling us to accelerate development and scale faster from New Zealand to the world.”

Ocean Intelligence, a spinout from Cawthron Institute, is transforming aquaculture through advanced, data-driven solutions that support regenerative and sustainable practices.

“Nelson’s marine science community is central to who we are. Blue House gives us the space to grow while staying connected to the expertise that makes this region unique” says Founder/Chief Executive Joel Bowater.

Last year, Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation helped bring Australian based Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) to New Zealand through a collaboration with Moananui and the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA). This partnership has helped to fast-track and strengthen international connections across ecosystems, opening up even more opportunity for the blue economy.

Through the support of Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation, OIO and Moananui together launched BlueStart Aotearoa late last year; a national programme helping startups turn ocean-focused ideas into scalable, investment-ready businesses, focusing on building ocean-positive businesses within New Zealand’s blue economy. 

Blue House in Nelson was selected as a base for this work due to its unique concentration of ocean-focused research institutions, innovative businesses, and a highly connected regional ecosystem.

Ocean Impact Organisation’s Head of Programs and Partners, Elisa-Marie Dumas, says Nelson Tasman is already demonstrating strong momentum. 

“Through BlueStart Aotearoa, we’re building a pipeline of investable ocean ventures grounded in real-world industry challenges. The early traction we’re seeing highlights both the strength of innovation in Aotearoa and the opportunity to connect these ventures to global markets.”

The BlueStart Aotearoa programme is already supporting 17 early-stage ventures from across the country, providing mentoring, investor connections, and tailored growth support.

Nelson Regional Development Agency Chief Executive Fiona Wilson says Blue House is about turning regional strengths into national opportunity.

“Encouraging investment and innovation in sustainable blue economy activity will benefit the Nelson Tasman region as well as having flow-on effects for businesses and communities throughout the country,” she says.

“We have so many inspiring businesses involved in the blue economy, and the Blue House will support even more to get started, helping to build a strong pipeline of growth in this critical sector.”

Nelson Mayor Dr Nick Smith says the region’s marine sector represents its greatest economic opportunity.

“Our biggest economic development opportunity is with our marine sector and our blue economy. It’s heartening to see innovative startups already committing to Blue House before it has even officially opened,” he says.

Tasman Mayor Tim King adds

“Tasman has a long relationship with the water that surrounds it. Blue House gives us a platform to explore what a sustainable economy beneath the waves can deliver for our future.”

For industry partners, collaboration is key. 

Kernohan Engineering Chief Executive Paul Miller says

 “We’re seeing firsthand how important it is to invest in regional growth that is both resilient and sustainable. Blue House provides a place to bring together all those who stand to benefit from the growth of the sector.”

Westpac New Zealand CEO Catherine McGrath says the Blue House initiative aligns strongly with the bank’s commitment to sustainable growth. 

“We’re delighted to support innovation in the blue economy to deliver positive outcomes for Nelson and Aotearoa. We hope to help encourage further investment into this important sector.”

Research from Westpac estimates marine activity already contributes at least $10 billion to New Zealand’s economy, with the potential to grow to $14 billion by 2035 through sustainable development. 

As Blue House opens its doors, it signals a clear ambition; to position Nelson Tasman as a leading hub for sustainable ocean innovation, and to help shape the future of New Zealand’s blue economy.

About the Blue House
The Blue House is a partnership between Kernohan Engineering, Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), Westpac NZ, and Moananui. Kernohan is providing the facility, while Westpac and NRDA are supporting its coordination and delivery.