Govt Invests $2.2 M in Southland Aquaculture Hub to Drive Regional Growth

Ocean Beach Aquaculture Centre of Excellence set to bolster Southland’s economy, foster skills, and promote sustainable seafood export with Coalition Government support.

In a major boost to Southland’s aquaculture industry, the Coalition Government is investing $2.2 million to help establish a world-class aquaculture centre of excellence at Ocean Beach, near Bluff. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced the funding, which will support South Island Industrial Fund Ltd’s ambitious $6.3 million project to upgrade infrastructure and expand the site’s capabilities.

The funding, provided as a Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan, will support extensive upgrades to the former Ocean Beach freezing works site, enabling the creation of shared services for aquaculture businesses, new farming pods, research and training facilities, worker accommodation, and even tourism amenities. This infrastructure investment aims to catalyze Southland’s growing aquaculture sector, making the site a leading hub for production, distribution, and skills training in New Zealand.

“Ocean Beach will serve as a foundational base for emerging aquaculture businesses,” said Minister Jones. “The centre will provide critical infrastructure for production, distribution, and export, as well as facilities for workforce training and a platform for investment in the sector. This site has the potential to become the largest aquaculture hub in New Zealand, leveraging the area’s natural advantages.”

As the gateway to Bluff, Ocean Beach’s pristine waters and expansive coastline make it ideal for aquaculture. The region’s cool climate and access to a vast marine environment set the stage for what Jones envisions as a “world-class aquaculture centre of excellence.”

The aquaculture expansion aligns with the Coalition Government’s broader economic goals, including a targeted $3 billion in aquaculture sales by 2035. The Ocean Beach project met the RIF’s rigorous criteria by focusing on enabling infrastructure that will have long-term benefits for the region’s economy.

Minister Jones is currently in Southland, where he will attend the Southland Regional Growth Summit to discuss regional priorities with local iwi, government leaders, business representatives, and sector stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of regional engagement and partnerships in achieving shared development goals. “The summits are essential for fostering collaboration across sectors, enabling us to align on priorities, leverage investments, and optimize strategies to maximize the benefits for Southland and its people,” he said.

By investing in the Ocean Beach site, the government is not only supporting local businesses but also laying the groundwork for sustainable industry practices and tourism opportunities in the region. The new facilities are expected to attract domestic and international interest, further establishing New Zealand as a global leader in aquaculture.