Aquaculture option a aluminium future uncertain

Gideon Porter Terry Nicholas | Aquaculture option a aluminium future uncertain

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Ngāi Tahu hapū in Southland have high hopes for a new partnership to sustainably develop southern coastal waters.

Murihiku Regeneration, owned by the four southernmost rūnaka, is teaming up with Whiore Enterprises to look at new ways of farming shellfish and seaweeds, as well as the sustainable harvest of wild seaweeds and marine fauna for nutritional supplements.

Spokesperson Terry Nicholas of the Hokonui Rūnanga says because of uncertainty over the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, which employs 800 people and brings $700 million a year into the Southland economy, Murihiku Regeneration is exploring options for the so called blue economy.

“We’re looking at growing oysters, kina. Where the operation will be is right beside andother large land-based aquaculture construct growing paua and whitebait,” he says.

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