Blue economy
Aquaculture New Zealand
Nelson Tasman is positioned as the natural epicentre of New Zealand’s blue economy, and our global connectivity is undeniable. From this central hub with Australasia’s biggest fishing port, we export our seafood, innovative products, and expertise to the farthest reaches of the planet.
Our blue economy defines our economic distinctiveness and is a key driver of future economic development in the Nelson Tasman region.
Statistics as at March 2025.
Source: Infometrics Regional Economic Profile January 2026.
Our Blue Economy is a key driver of future economic development in the Nelson Tasman region. In many ways it will define the region’s future economic distinctiveness, currently contributing $332m to the region’s GDP and employing 3,700 individuals in over 300 businesses.
Listen to Jodie Kuntzsch from Moananui, Nelson Tasman’s official Blue Economy cluster, on our region's biggest and most under-utilised natural asset and the opportunity it provides.
Our region is home to many of New Zealand’s key stakeholders in the national blue economy, resulting in a wide and deep network of relationships, processes and systems that drive innovation and growth.
Tuesday 28 July, 2026
An industry led, public-private sector alliance is working together to showcase Nelson Tasman's strong capabilities and united commitment to support industry opportunities and the growth and resilience of the New Zealand Defence Force, particularly the New Zealand Navy.
Friday 24 July, 2026
Nelson Tasman's growing reputation as the centre of New Zealand's blue economy has received another significant vote of confidence, with the recent Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) announcement to co-fund a new national programme, supporting the country's next generation of ocean innovators, based from Nelson Tasman’s Blue House.
Friday 17 April, 2026
Port Nelson’s marine haul-out and maintenance facility, operating as Calwell, officially opened this morning. Representatives of the Crown and Kānoa joined iwi, industry and community leaders to celebrate the event.
Thursday 26 March, 2026
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.
Thursday 29 January, 2026
Nearly $13 million has been secured to support significant upgrades to Nelson Marina, bringing new jobs and sustained growth to the region.
Wednesday 17 December, 2025
Westpac NZ has announced a new three-year partnership with the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) and Kernohan Engineering to help accelerate the development of a sustainable marine economy – also known as the blue economy.
Monday 04 August, 2025
Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation, the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), and the Moananui program have invited Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) to work alongside them in Aotearoa New Zealand, supporting and amplifying the work already underway to grow a thriving, sustainable Blue Economy.
Thursday 27 February, 2025
Work on the construction of a five metre-wide Marina Promenade – the first stage of the Nelson Marina Masterplan – will start Thursday 6 March.
Wednesday 25 September, 2024
The Clean Marina flag can now fly proudly above Nelson Marina having achieved Clean Marina accreditation through the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA).
