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Blue Economy

The fastest growing Blue Economy in the country

Nelson Tasman is positioned as the natural epicentre of New Zealand’s Blue Economy, and our global connectivity is undeniable. From this central hub with Australasia’s biggest fishing port, we export our seafood, innovative products, and expertise to the farthest reaches of the planet.

Our Blue Economy defines our economic distinctiveness and is a key driver of future economic development in the Nelson Tasman region.

Blue Economy at a glance

Statistics as at 2023

$334m

GDP

5%

Share of regional GDP

15%

GDP growth since 2019

3,673 jobs

Employment

6%

Share of regional employment

6%

Employment growth since 2019

Investing in opportunity.

Our Blue Economy is a key driver of future economic development in the Nelson Tasman region. In many ways it will define the region’s future economic distinctiveness, currently contributing $332m to the region’s GDP and employing 3,700 individuals in over 300 businesses.

Listen to Jodie Kuntzsch from Moananui, Nelson Tasman’s official Blue Economy cluster, on our region's biggest and most under-utilised natural asset and the opportunity it provides.

Leading Businesses

Nelson Tasman is home to many of New Zealand’s key stakeholders in the national Blue Economy; resulting in a wide and deep network of relationships, processes and systems that drive innovation and growth.

Latest news from our Blue Economy