Innovation
Case Study
Greenwave Aotearoa
Murihiku, Te Waipounamu / Regenerative Aquaculture
Greenwave Aotearoa is building a regenerative seaweed industry from the southern shores of Aotearoa. Focused on Murihiku, they’re piloting scalable seaweed farming and bioprocessing systems that restore ecosystems and unlock new value for people, planet, and place. By combining applied science, Te Ao Māori, and deep community partnership, they’re setting a new standard for aquaculture in Aotearoa.
Peter Randrup, Ryan Marchington, Liam Hansard Ecklonia radiata farming in Hauraki Gulf.
The innovation
We are designing and deploying a new model for regenerative aquaculture in Aotearoa, anchored in macroalgae cultivation, value-added processing, and mission-led product innovation. Our work combines ecological restoration with commercial opportunity, and is grounded in local partnership and regional potential.
The problem it solved
Aotearoa lacks a commercial-scale seaweed industry, despite global momentum and strong regional demand for climate-smart solutions. We’re addressing the need for low-impact, scalable ocean industries that restore mauri to marine ecosystems, diversify incomes, and support a circular economy.
The impact
We’ve activated pilot farms, hatchery infrastructure, and bioprocessing hubs—while building the partnerships needed to scale. Our early work has catalysed momentum in Murihiku and laid the foundations for a nationally significant industry, grounded in community and kaupapa Māori.
Why it matters
Seaweed is a nature-based solution with wide-reaching benefits—from ocean health and biodiversity to low-carbon products across agriculture, wellness, and more. By focusing on place-based development and indigenous partnership, we’re proving that regenerative aquaculture can serve both ecological and economic futures.
Looking ahead
We’re scaling seaweed production and processing capacity in Murihiku, while progressing product innovation and market access across Aotearoa and beyond. Our next chapter will focus on licensing models, commercial partnerships, and growing a movement that regenerates—at scale.