Ocean Impact Organisation to Support Blue Economy Innovation Development in Aotearoa New Zealand
Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation, the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), and the Moananui program have invited Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) to work alongside them in Aotearoa New Zealand, supporting and amplifying the work already underway to grow a thriving, sustainable blue economy. This collaboration, commencing in late 2025, builds on existing relationships and reflects a shared commitment to helping local innovators, researchers, and communities transform ocean health and unlock the potential of New Zealand’s extraordinary marine assets. OIO delivers a range of innovation and growth programs to support early-stage ventures, and will leverage its international networks to unlock dedicated ocean and marine-focused opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
Aotearoa NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand’s ocean territory spans more than 4 million square kilometres, the ninth-largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. With abundant marine assets, world-class research, and a track record of innovation, Aotearoa New Zealand has the foundations to become a global leader in the sustainable blue economy, if the right support is mobilised now.
The partnership with OIO will initially be based in Nelson Tasman, Te Tauihu, the heart of the country’s emerging blue economy cluster. Nelson was chosen because of its concentration of ocean-focused research institutions, innovative businesses, and industry leaders, as well as the work Moananui and NRDA have already done to build an engaged ecosystem there. Establishing a base in Nelson allows OIO to plug into this network, collaborate closely with local partners, and help accelerate the region’s role as a hub for blue economy innovation.
Image: Carl Vink, CEO, Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation
“Carl Vink, CEO of Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation, early seed funders of this initiative, said “The potential of our ocean territory is simply enormous, both for nature and our climate but also our communities and the economy. Emission reduction and achieving our global Paris Accord targets are important, but when you consider our natural capital resources, it’s our ocean that provides us with the greatest potential to make an outsized impact globally. To get there we need more focused innovation and support which is why we’re so pleased to support OIO in bringing this world-leading program here to accelerate ventures in Aotearoa New Zealand.””
NRDA sees this partnership as a chance to build on the region’s leadership in the blue economy.
Image: Fiona Wilson, CEO, NRDA
“Fiona Wilson, CEO of NRDA, said, “We’ve been championing the blue economy as a cornerstone of growth for Te Tauihu. Collaborating with OIO, Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation, and Moananui brings more momentum to that work, building support for local innovators to bring their ideas to life and creating benefits for the region, the country, and beyond.””
That vision is shared by the blue economy cluster Moananui. Over recent years, Moananui has brought together businesses and institutions across maritime sectors to build an engaged ecosystem focused on unlocking the potential of New Zealand’s ocean sector.
Image: Jodie Kuntzsch, Moananui and Elisa-Marie Dumas, Head of Global Programs & Partners, OIO
“Jodie Kuntzsch, from Moananui, shared, “Moananui was established to connect and grow Aotearoa New Zealand’s blue economy, and we’ve been working to build an ecosystem that brings research, innovators and industry together with a shared sense of purpose. Having OIO set up in Nelson brings an exciting complement to our efforts with their start-up focused programmes, commercialisation experience and global networks.””
For OIO, this is about supporting and accelerating what’s already in motion.
Image: Nick Chiarelli, CEO, Ocean Impact Organisation at UNOC3
““We want to support innovators across APAC, and Aotearoa New Zealand is a key part of that vision,” said Nick Chiarelli, CEO of OIO. “By helping founders access growth support, connect to investors, and tap into regional and global networks, we can help accelerate the solutions emerging from this remarkable part of the world.””
“Elisa-Marie Dumas, OIO’s Head of Global Programs & Partners, added, “We’re excited to work alongside founders as they continue their growth and scale journeys, and with institutions to help get solutions from lab to market. Together with our local partners, we’ll co-create programs tailored to New Zealand’s needs and opportunities.””
Nick and Elisa-Marie will be in Auckland and Nelson the week of August 18, meeting with a range of stakeholders to discuss how these partnerships can best support local innovators and build on the progress already made.
