There was a real sense of momentum in the air this week as Blue House officially opened its doors in Nelson.

Bringing together partners, founders, industry, and supporters from across the ecosystem, the launch marked more than just the opening of a space. It signalled a step forward for the blue economy in Aotearoa, and the growing ambition to build something truly connected, innovative, and globally relevant.

It was an honour to have Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, open Blue House, joined by a strong mix of regional and national leaders, industry partners, and innovators

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A place for connection, collaboration, and growth

Located at Port Nelson, in the heart of the region’s marine sector, Blue House has been created as a shared base for the people shaping the future of the blue economy.

It is designed to support early-stage ventures, established businesses transitioning into sustainable ocean activity, and organisations working across science, innovation, and industry

More than a workspace, Blue House is a place where ideas can be tested, partnerships formed, and new ventures accelerated. It is also home to Moananui, grounding the space within a wider national ecosystem focused on growing sustainable ocean-related opportunities.

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Early momentum already building

Even before opening, Blue House has begun attracting innovative ventures.

Startups including Maidenfleet and Ocean Intelligence have already committed to operating from the space, reflecting the strength of the ecosystem and the opportunity ahead

Maidenfleet is developing next-generation, crew-free commercial fishing vessels designed to improve safety and environmental performance. Ocean Intelligence, a spinout from Cawthron Institute, is advancing data-driven solutions to support more sustainable aquaculture practices.

Their presence signals what Blue House is all about, building ventures that are both commercially strong and ocean-positive.

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Strengthening connections and capability

Last year, Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) began working in Aotearoa New Zealand through a collaboration with Moananui and the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), with the support of Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation

This partnership is helping to strengthen connections across ecosystems and open up new opportunities for the blue economy.

Through this, OIO and Moananui launched BlueStart Aotearoa, a national programme supporting startups to turn ocean-focused ideas into scalable, investment-ready businesses, with a focus on building ocean-positive ventures here in New Zealand.

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Built on partnership

Blue House has been made possible through a strong and committed partnership between Kernohan Engineering, Nelson Regional Development Agency, Westpac New Zealand, and Moananui

That partnership doesn’t stop here. It’s the foundation for what comes next, continuing to support the people, ideas, and ventures that will shape the future of the blue economy.

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Looking ahead

Nelson Tasman has long been a centre of marine science, innovation, and industry. Blue House, powered by Moananui, builds on that foundation, providing a platform to accelerate what comes next.

With strong early momentum, growing national and international connections, and a community ready to collaborate, the focus now shifts to what can be built from here.

This is just the beginning.

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