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 2024.
Source: Infometrics Regional Economic Profile January 2025.
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.
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.
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).
Friday 15 March, 2024
NRDA and Moananui are co-hosting New Zealand’s first Blue Economy Innovation Summit on Thursday 11 April 2024 in Nelson, bringing together leading blue economy businesses and innovators, universities and research institutions, funders and navigators.
Thursday 04 August, 2022
With support from the Tasmanian Government, BioMar Australia have announced the introduction of a new direct trans shipping route between Nelson (Bluff, Lyttleton) and Tasmania, during the Tasmanian Government’s trade delegation visit to Nelson Tasman this week.
