August 20, 2021
Wakatu looks to boost blue economy with rimurimu
A top of the South Island Māori business is looking at how it can expand its stake in the blue economy through seaweed.
Wakatu Incorporation research and business development manager Andy Elliott has been part of a Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge study looking at the potential economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits of growing or harvesting seaweed.
He says New Zealand has more than 900 rimurimu species, the majority of them only found here, but consumption rates are low.
Industry, business and other interested parties have been meeting to discuss what steps to take next now the report has identified the scope of the opportunity.
"We need probably a lot more prototyping and pilot-scale development. We need to balance the high value extract potential and really novel species with the ones we can grow broad acre. We also need to respect those who hold mātauranga and value those resources for communities and regions," Mr Elliott says.
Developing a rimurimu sector will also require a partnership with government to ensure the right regulatory settings and supports are in place.
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