There’s something powerful about having a place to gather.

For Te Tauihu and the wider blue economy ecosystem, that place is about to become a reality.

Moananui is proud to share the establishment of the Blue House — a new blue economy hub in Nelson made possible through a three year partnership between Westpac NZ, Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) and Kernohan Engineering.

Located in the heart of the Nelson Port and Marina, the Blue House will provide dedicated workspace, support and connection for businesses, innovators and researchers working to grow a sustainable, regenerative marine economy.

‍

‍

A hub designed to accelerate the blue economy

The Blue House is being created to support early‑stage ventures,established businesses transitioning to sustainable ocean activities, andorganisations working at the intersection of innovation, science and industry.

It will offer:

• A shared physical workspace for blue economy organisations

• Administrative and coordination support for startups and scaling businesses

• A venue for events, collaboration and knowledge sharing

• A place to build connections across industry, research, investment, iwi and government

At its core, the Blue House is about removing barriers, helping ideas move faster by surrounding founders and organisations with the right networks, support and momentum.

‍

Why this matters nationally

New Zealand’s blue economy already contributes at least $10 billion to the national economy, with the potential to grow to $14 billion by 2035 through innovation and responsible development.

Across aquaculture, fisheries, marine engineering, shipping, biotechnology and emerging ocean based solutions, the opportunity is significant, but so is the challenge of ensuring growth supports long term ocean health.

The Blue House is a practical response to that challenge: a proof point for how collaboration, co location and partnership can help accelerate sustainable marine activity, starting in Nelson and connecting nationally.

‍

A partnership grounded in collaboration

Westpac NZ brings long term commitment to supporting customers transitioning to a sustainable blue economy. NRDA provides regional leadership and coordination, while Kernohan Engineering is contributing the Blue House property rent free and supporting the establishment of blue economy businesses within the space.

Together, the partners are backing a model that prioritises collaboration, shared learning and impact, with the Blue House acting as a proof point for how this approach could be replicated and scaled in the future.

The Blue House will also become the physical home of Moananui, a not-for-profit alliance led from Nelson Tasman, bringing together organisations committed to growing sustainable ocean-related business opportunities.

‍

A home for Moananui, and what comes next

For Moananui, the Blue House represents more than a location.

It provides a focal point for:

• Partner led events and connections

• Startup support initiatives (including our upcoming collaboration with Ocean Impact Organisation)

• Visiting delegations, investors and collaborators

• Showcasing the depth and diversity of the blue economy ecosystem

While the Blue House will officially open in early 2026, conversations with blue economy businesses and partners are already underway.

‍

Building the future, together

Our oceans are a precious taonga, environmentally, culturally and economically. Unlocking the potential of the blue economy requires not just innovation, but trust, partnership and shared ambition.

The Blue House is another tangible step toward that future.

We look forward to welcoming partners, founders and collaborators into the space, and to working together to grow a blue economy that delivers prosperity while safeguarding ocean health for generations to come.

‍

More details about how to engage with the Blue House and upcoming initiatives will be shared in the new year.

‍