Moananui
Moananui is a New Zealand not-for-profit blue economy cluster that convenes 30+ marine industry partners across aquaculture, research, biotech, and iwi to accelerate sustainable ocean-based innovation. It operates as a coordinating hub anchored in Nelson, supported by government co-funding and partner contributions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersNelson, New Zealand
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Moananui does
Moananui is a New Zealand-based not-for-profit blue economy cluster organisation founded in 2023 and headquartered at Blue House, 125 Vickerman Street, Port Nelson. It operates as an enabling organisation that convenes marine industry stakeholders across aquaculture, fisheries, biotech, bluetech, ocean energy, research, engineering, infrastructure, iwi, and government to accelerate sustainable ocean-based economic development. The cluster operates a partner-based governance model, anchored by a Leadership Group and Reference Group, with ~8 employees led by Chief Executive Jodie Kuntzsch and Cluster Manager Sarah Cooper. By late 2024, Moananui had grown from 9 founding partners to over 30 commercial partners, including Major fishing company Sealord, research institute Cawthron, port operator Port Nelson, engineering firm Kernohan, and aquaculture player MacLab.
Moananui's productised asset is Tohorā, an AI-powered search tool for marine research developed as a legacy of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge and hosted by NIWA, described as the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. Beyond Tohorā, Moananui coordinates an active programme of monthly partner forums, an annual Blue Economy Innovation Summit (175+ attendees, 1,000+ connections), international delegations (Tasmania 2024), regional workshops, and investor roundtables co-led with Ocean Impact Organisation. The cluster has been recognised with the 2023 Economic Development NZ Best Practice (Sector and Cluster Development) Award and operates within a framework of Blue Economy Principles developed by Sustainable Seas.
The business model is non-profit and not transaction-based: Moananui does not sell products or services in the conventional sense. Its NZD $900,000 seed capital comprised NZD $500,000 over two years from the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (2023) and NZD $400,000 from nine founding partners, supplemented by ongoing partner contributions, project grants, and convening revenue. The go-to-market is community-led via a pledge commitment, with members acquiring access to innovation forums, networking events, international delegations, and collaborative projects. Public pricing is not disclosed, and the organisation explicitly disclaims liability for outcomes generated through cluster activities.
Moananui firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Moananui
- Legal name
- Moananui
- Website
- https://moananui.org.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Moananui is a New Zealand not-for-profit blue economy cluster that convenes 30+ marine industry partners across aquaculture, research, biotech, and iwi to accelerate sustainable ocean-based innovation. It operates as a coordinating hub anchored in Nelson, supported by government co-funding and partner contributions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Moananui industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Blue Economy Cluster Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Animal Production and Aquaculture (112), Shellfish Farming (112512), Finfish Farming and Fish Hatcheries (112511)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine Shellfish Farming (e.g., oysters, mussels, clams) (AFAEAAAB), Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) & Land-Based Farming (AFAEAAAG), Offshore & Open-Ocean Aquaculture (AFAEAAAH), Aquaculture Health, Biosecurity & Veterinary Services (AFAEAAAK)
Keywords
Where Moananui is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nelson
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Moananui business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Government Funding: Moananui received government co-funding of $500,000 over two years through the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI's) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to help establish the cluster.
- Partner Contributions: Founding partners invested $400,000 to establish the cluster. Partners contribute through membership and ongoing participation in cluster activities.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Moananui product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Moananui is a not-for-profit blue economy cluster organisation that accelerates growth of New Zealand's marine industry by bringing together aquaculture, fisheries, biotech, ocean energy, research, engineering, and infrastructure organisations into a collaborative ecosystem. It facilitates partnerships, innovation forums, networking events, international delegations, and collaborative projects connecting industry, research institutions, government agencies, and iwi/Māori communities to drive sustainable ocean-based economic value.
Product overview
Moananui is a blue economy cluster organization (not-for-profit) that serves as an enabling organisation bringing together bold, forward-thinking organisations across the marine industry to generate economic value, connect people, and improve ocean health. The organization's primary offering is its cluster coordination and partnership facilitation services. Its main technology resource is Tohorā, an AI-powered search tool for marine research. Moananui also provides resources including an Impact Report, Strategic Framework (2025-30), Blue Economy Investment Prospectus, and hosts Mission Insights (video/podcast interview series), the Blue Economy Innovation Summit, and monthly Partner Forums.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Tohorā AI-Powered Marine Research Search An AI-powered search tool developed as a legacy of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge and hosted by NIWA. It processes text queries to retrieve and review marine research, and is described as the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Companies that use Moananui
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Moananui technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Moananui partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
43 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO)coreInvited Moananui as keynote speaker at Climate Action Week Sydney 2024 'Oceans of Potential: Feeding 10 Billion' event. Global partnership for ocean climate solutions advocacy and education.
- AquatiqsecondarySupplier of expertise, process equipment and hygiene solutions to global food industry. Managing Director Simon Fraser participated in partner forum. Showcased Analytiq food safety tool.
- Marine AI and SnapCore MoUcoreMemorandum of Understanding signed for development of data-rich unmanned sea vessels for aquaculture. Project combining unmanned surface and underwater vessels with AI-driven data collection. Expected to bring 150 skilled jobs to region and deliver by early 2025.
- Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO)coreAustralian impact investor focused on Asia-Pacific region. Connected with Moananui during Tasmania immersion tour. Invested in Ocean Intelligence through Cawthron and Pinpoint Earth in partnership with Snap Core. Co-leading international investor roundtable and ocean economic impact assessment.
- Sustainable Seas National Science ChallengecoreCo-presented regional workshops throughout mid-2024 across Otago, Southland, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Northland. Brought decade-long research to life demonstrating real-world application of blue economy principles.
- AquawatchsecondaryWater quality monitoring technology company that joined as new partner in October 2023 expansion.
- BecasecondaryOne of Asia Pacific's largest independent advisory, design and engineering consultancies with over 4,000 employees. Joined as new partner in October 2023.
- Guard SafetysecondaryNew Zealand's only maritime-specific health, safety, and wellbeing provider. Through Moananui facilitated national collaboration on psychosocial risks in fishing industry.
- Lincoln AgritechsecondaryResearch and development company with expertise in agriculture and marine technology. Joined as new partner in October 2023.
- Marine AI (NZ)secondaryAI company designing autonomous surface and sub-surface vessels with AI-based navigational systems. Signed MoU with SnapCore for aquaculture data vessels.
- NewFishsecondaryBiotechnology company designing natural nutrition from microalgae found in New Zealand's pristine waters. CEO Toby Lane emphasised alignment with blue economy ambition.
- Pinpoint EarthsecondaryVessel Monitoring System (VMS) technology company with expertise in solar-powered tracking devices. CEO Ali Kennard participated in partner forums and innovation workshops.
- Smith's EngineeringsecondaryEngineering company manufacturing aquaculture equipment including ClampOn Float for mussel industry. Hosts partner forum and provides workshop facilities.
- SnapCoresecondaryHigh-tech manufacturer with software, hardware, and AI capabilities. Signed MoU with Marine AI for aquaculture vessels. Hosts partner forums at new premises.
- Trinder EngineerssecondaryEngineering company that joined as new partner in October 2023 expansion.
- Cawthron InstitutecoreLeading marine research organisation and founding partner of Moananui. Provides scientific expertise and innovation capability. CEO Volker Kuntzsch serves on Leadership Group. Collaborates on projects including Citizens of the Sea and Ocean Intelligence.
- SealordcoreMajor seafood company and founding partner. Committed to holistic approach to ocean operations. CEO Doug Paulin endorsed the cluster as a custodian of oceans.
- MacLabcoreAquaculture company and Co-chair of Moananui Leadership Group. COO Scott Gillanders provides extensive aquaculture and seafood expertise spanning vessel operations, processing, and manufacturing.
- Plant & Food ResearchcoreResearch institute covering seafood technologies. GM Helen Mussely serves as Co-chair. Operates Nelson Research Centre with labs, finfish facility, and flume tank.
- Kernohan EngineeringcoreEngineering company and founding partner. CEO Dr Paul Miller serves on Leadership Group. Provides mechanical engineering expertise to marine industry.
- Port NelsoncorePort operations managing the largest fishing port in Australasia. Partner in Living Filters project and various blue economy initiatives.
- Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA)coreEconomic Development Agency and founding partner. CE Fiona Wilson serves on Leadership Group. Led the establishment of Moananui and won EDNZ award for the cluster initiative.
- Wakatū IncorporationcoreMāori incorporation with long-term marine interests and expertise in sustainable development practices.
- Pharmalink ExtractscoreCompany extracting high-value natural products from marine sources. GM Grant Wilson participates in cluster activities and innovation workshops.
- Creative HQsecondaryInnovation consultancy that ran applied innovation workshops for Moananui partners. Five-week workshops helping participants learn innovation tools and techniques to overcome challenges and apply blue economy principles.
- Hatch Innovation ServicessecondaryLed Global Innovation Launchpad for New Zealand Aquaculture in partnership with NZTE. Norwegian Director Tanja Knabenschuh Hoel was invited to New Zealand by Aquaculture NZ and hosted by Moananui.
- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)coreGovernment trade agency that partnered with Hatch Innovation Services for Global Innovation Launchpad. Guided programme and cohort formation. Supported New Zealand delegation to Aqua Nor 2023.
- Education New Zealand / Manapou ki te AosecondaryGovernment education agency that supported Blue Tomorrow pilot - an online learning course exploring blue economy challenges with uniquely New Zealand lens. Attracted 380 enrolments from nearly 70 countries.
- AUT VenturessecondaryDeveloped Blue Tomorrow online learning course in partnership with Education NZ, NMIT, and Moananui.
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)secondaryCo-designed Blue Tomorrow course with Moananui. Provides aquaculture program and internships. Dr Sobhan Akhavan from NMIT spoke at partner forums.
- Sustainable Seas National Science ChallengecoreHosted by NIWA, developed the blue economy principles that guide Moananui's efforts. Provided framework for sustainable ocean-based innovation in uniquely Aotearoa context. Also provided funding for Living Filters project.
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāti RāruacoreFirst iwi organisation to join Moananui. Active interests in fisheries, aquaculture, science and research, and workforce development. Through Tokomaru Research Centre and working with Cawthron, advancing research and innovation. CEO Shane Graham emphasises long-term relationships and powerful partnerships.
- NZ King SalmonsecondaryMajor salmon farming company. Monique Hatfull serves on Reference Group. Participated in Tasmania immersion tour.
- EnviroStratsecondaryEnvironmental strategy consultancy partner in the cluster.
- SeaWorkssecondaryMarine services partner in the cluster.
- Nelson MarinasecondaryMarina operations partner in the cluster.
- Waimanu MarinesecondaryMarine services partner in the cluster.
- SeaweavesecondaryMarine industry partner in the cluster.
- MaidenfleetsecondaryMaritime services partner in the cluster.
- Aquaculture Learning LabsecondaryEducation and training partner in the cluster focused on aquaculture workforce development.
- Ocean IntelligencesecondaryIntelligence and data partner in the cluster. OIO invested in Ocean Intelligence through the Cawthron Institute.
- VoyagersecondaryMarine industry partner in the cluster.
- Citizens of the SeasecondaryInitiative in collaboration with Cawthron Institute and Kernohan Engineering focused on citizen science in marine environment.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Moananui competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Cawthron Institute: NZ marine science research organisation and Moananui founding partner. While not a cluster itself, it functions as a comparable marine-focused enabling organisation that brings science and industry together through partnerships.
- NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research): NZ Crown Research Institute hosting the Sustainable Seas challenge and Moananui's partner. Not a peer in the cluster sense but the principal research enabler for Moananui's marine science backbone.
Direct peers
- Ocean Impact Organisation: Australian non-profit impact organisation accelerating ocean-based sustainability solutions across the Asia-Pacific. Direct peer as a blue-economy ecosystem builder connecting investors, startups, researchers, and policymakers — comparable mission and partner-led delivery model.
- Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge: New Zealand government-funded science challenge hosted by NIWA that produced the blue economy principles guiding Moananui. Closely comparable as a marine sustainability research and stakeholder engagement platform with national remit.
- Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre: Australia's industry-led blue economy CRC funded by government and industry partners to grow ocean-based economic activity. Directly comparable as a multi-stakeholder blue economy cluster orchestrator with national scope and government alignment.
- Hatch Innovation Services: Norwegian-headquartered aquaculture accelerator and innovation services firm. Comparable as a blue economy ecosystem enabler; ran the Global Innovation Launchpad for NZ Aquaculture and participated in Moananui forums.
Regional players
- Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ): National body for economic development practitioners in NZ and the awarding body of the Best Practice Cluster Development Award given to Moananui. Comparable as a convening/recognition ecosystem for cluster initiatives across sectors.
Broad incumbents
- Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance: Global ocean conservation non-profit convening partners around marine protected areas and ocean health. Comparable as a marine nonprofit convener, though focused more on conservation advocacy than economic cluster development.
- World Ocean Council: Global cross-sectoral ocean industry leadership council convening shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, energy, and tourism. Comparable as a multi-industry convening platform for blue economy participants, though broader in scope than Moananui's cluster model.
- Blue Marine Foundation: UK-based ocean conservation charity focused on marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries. Comparable as a marine nonprofit with partnership and convening model, though narrower in scope than Moananui's blue-economy mandate.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses2 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Moananui social profiles
Digital presenceMoananui financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Moananui leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Moananui funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Moananui M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Moananui
What does Moananui do?
Moananui is a not-for-profit blue economy cluster organisation that accelerates growth of New Zealand's marine industry by bringing together aquaculture, fisheries, biotech, ocean energy, research, engineering, and infrastructure organisations into a collaborative ecosystem. It facilitates partnerships, innovation forums, networking events, international delegations, and collaborative projects connecting industry, research institutions, government agencies, and iwi/Māori communities to drive sustainable ocean-based economic value.
Is Moananui a public or private company?
Moananui is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Moananui founded?
Moananui was founded in 2023. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Moananui based?
Moananui is headquartered in Nelson, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Moananui make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are partner Contributions.
Who are Moananui's main competitors?
Others on record are Cawthron Institute and NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research). Direct peers are Ocean Impact Organisation, Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge, Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre and Hatch Innovation Services. Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance, World Ocean Council and Blue Marine Foundation.
Does Moananui have an API?
No public API is recorded for Moananui.
What industry is Moananui in?
Moananui's product category is Blue Economy Cluster Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation, with a secondary code of AFAEAAAB, Marine Shellfish Farming (e.g., oysters, mussels, clams). Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8300.