Southland has today taken a major step toward realising the region’s aquaculture potential with the launch of the Murihiku Southland Aquaculture Pathway.
The Pathway has been developed by Great South, Southland’s regional development agency, which brought together Iwi, councils, industry, Government agencies and community voices to shape a shared vision for the future. This collaborative process has been vital in ensuring the Pathway balances economic opportunity with environmental care and reflects the aspirations of the whole region.
Launched at an event attended by Minister Hon Mark Patterson, the Aquaculture Pathway provides a roadmap for how Southland can support the growth of a sustainable, innovative aquaculture sector. Rather than setting hard targets, it focuses on enabling factors, from investment and infrastructure, to workforce development, research and regulation.
Southland already produces more than $272 million annually from fishing and aquaculture, employing over 500 people. With cool, clean waters and the country’s longest coastline, the region is well placed to expand into new areas such as salmon, seaweed, pāua and whitebait farming. Economic modelling suggests aquaculture could become a billion-dollar industry within the next two decades, creating hundreds of new jobs and diversifying the region’s economy.
Great South Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe said collaboration was the key to unlocking this opportunity.
“Aquaculture presents one of the most exciting opportunities for Southland’s future. The Pathway reflects the voices of Iwi, industry, councils, and our community. By working together we can ensure this growth is sustainable, inclusive and delivers real value for Southlanders.”
The full Murihiku Southland Aquaculture Pathway is available at www.murihikuaquaculture.nz
