Picture / Leigh Tait, NIWA
Rimurimu (seaweed) could be a booming business for Aotearoa if the government and commercial interests can align to build New Zealand’s share of the $20 billion global market.
Nelson-based iwi-owned wholefoods corporation Wakatū and the Ministry of Business (MBIE) have produced a business case for commercialising Aotearoa’s over 500 indigenous seaweed species.
The NZ Seaweed Sector Review suggests New Zealand could leverage its free-trade agreement to cultivate and sell seaweed into China, the world's largest market.
Before settlers arrived, rimurimu was a staple for Māori, its salt content meaning it was also used to preserve kai moana.
Today seaweed is used not just in cuisine but also as a health food.
Recent research suggests it has success as a supplement to reduce methane produced by livestock.
Some parts of the seaweed market are in their infancy, with small amounts currently cultivated salvaged off anchor lines on Oyster and Muscle farms in the Marlborough region.
However, seaweed has been commercially collected since the 1940s for use in pharmaceuticals and more recently as ingredients for food.
More than 80% of seaweed produced globally is commercially farmed. Current legislation would require the iwi operation (which has holdings in aquaculture through its Kono Oyster and Mussel brand) to follow a lengthy resource consent process and receive permission from fisheries.
Andy Elliot from Wakatū says to accelerate the sector government will need “strong leadership and engagement to influence fit for purpose regulations”.
Elliot also says the government should commit to an overseas marketing partnership with industry, work to develop high-value species and adhere to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Dave Taylor, from Aquaculture New Zealand, says developing a so-called "blue economy" product (the oceanic equivalent of green industry) like seaweed will “provide value to Aotearoa, generate local jobs, and help us move to a low emissions economy.”
This report's author, Serean Adams, says the release is just part one of the comprehensive seaweed sector review.
“In the next few months, we will release more reports that review the research and development of Aotearoa New Zealand’s key seaweed species and groups, Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi considerations, and environmental effects associated with regenerative seaweed aquaculture. The impact of this sector on Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy and society, if we develop it right, could be a game-changer for our country.”