Jodie Kuntzsch describes the place she grew up in, in the USA, as being “one of the farthest points from the coast,” yet she’s now at the helm of an organisation striving to advance New Zealand’s maritime industries and ocean health.
Moananui was officially formed in Nelson in 2023 to bring together private and public sector organisations and knowledge institutes involved in the blue economy. Key to the not-for-profit’s foundation is recognition that collaboration is essential to ensuring good guardianship for generations to come.
“I think people would be amazed at the emphasis given to environmental stewardship by those involved in ocean-related businesses,” says Jodie, who has a background in leading collaborative projects from across the global seafood industry.
“Developing the economy is often seen as being at odds with environmental and social goals but they are intrinisically linked. At Moananui, our partners have signed a pledge that includes being responsible guardians, embracing innovative solutions, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and caring for the ocean.”
Aotearoa has one of the largest marine estates in the world, but ocean-based activities account for only 3% of GDP, she says.
“I’m very conscious of the role businesses play in addressing some of the challenges we face, including climate change.
“We have over 400 marine-related businesses in the region. Our job is to bring together synergenistic industries and harness the benefit of collaboration. In other places, like Silicon Valley, having a cluster of similar activities creates exponential growth and economic development. As a blue economy cluster organisation, we want to help bold and forward-thinking businesses collaborate, and see it as a regional initiative to grow a national asset. We made a decision very early that Moananui would be from here, not for here.”
An early meeting organised in conjunction with the Nelson Regional Development Agency invited leaders from maritime-related companies across the top of the South Island to share their aspirations.
“The two items at the top of everyone’s agenda were resoundingly to be Tūpuna Pono – good ancestors – and to safeguard the environment,” Jodie says.
There are now 34 partners across a diverse range of industries, from fisheries, manufacture and aquaculture, to technology, engineering and marine conservation.
With funding secured, a headquarters was established near the city’s cathedral, which partners use for meetings, workshops and training sessions. Opportunities to connect were supercharged earlier this year with a hui to bring industry together with others in the marine environment; scientists, entrepreneurs, academics, technologists, and those involved in law and policy making.
The event, the Blue Economy Innovation Summit, attracted over 170 attendees from across Aotearoa. The out-going ripples of action that come from the connections made there include the formation of new business innovation partnerships and product developments.
“I knew the faster we could connect people the quicker we’d see results.”
Jodie recently travelled to Australia to present at Climate Action Week in Sydney. “One of the biggest things I’ve learnt from these overseas visits is that internationally, New Zealanders who work on, for, with, in, or under the water are regarded highly for the value they give to environmental stewardship.
“At Moananui we’re looking to further develop the blue economy in harmony with ocean health. The potential for sustainable growth, employment and innovation is vast. We’re an action team to catalyse this and for me it’s like a game of chess – only I want to be able to move one piece and advance eight games!”
Story by Fiona Terry for the Spring 2024 issue of AA Directions Magazine. Fiona Terry is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to AA Directions Magazine.
