In October we attended the Aquaculture New Zealand (AQNZ) and Aotearoa NZ Seaweed Association (ANZSA) conferences held in Nelson. 

These conferences offer valuable insights into the challenges our industries face and their aspirations for future growth and resilience, while also fostering important opportunities for dialogue and knowledge sharing. 

With the theme of ‘Accelerating Aquaculture’, the AQNZ conference focused on growth and acceleration within the industry.  

A key advancement for the aquaculture industry has been the removal of legislative barriers – the passing of the Resource Management Amendment Bill (Extended Durational of Coastal Permits), will see an extension of up to 20 years for consent terms, enabling growth in workforce development, investment, and infrastructure. 

Topics of significant interest to Muka Tangata included biodiversity and the need for greater learning options, especially short courses. This was great to hear as we have recently drafted a Level 5 bio-security micro-credential which is currently being reviewed by our working and steering groups.  

AQNZ Workforce Implementation Lead, Kirsten Norfield, presented an update on the Pathways and Promotion programme she is leading.  Kirsten spoke to the work she has been doing with regional schools and Gateway students by introducing them to the world of aquaculture thanks to partnerships with industry members. 

Other notable topics included a growing interest in including ecology and conservation into aquaculture training and addressing the specific needs of the Gen Z workforce.  

The ANZSA conference demonstrated the growing momentum of the seaweed industry. With applications ranging from biostimulants and pet food to nutraceuticals and diving gear, this sector presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. 

Image courtesy of Richard Briggs Photography.