SAVE THE DATE …
The 2025 Aquaculture New Zealand conference will be taking place on 8th and 9th October 2025.
Wrap-Up of the 2024 Conference
On behalf of the team at Aquaculture New Zealand, it was great to see everyone at the recent ‘Accelerating Aquaculture’ conference in Nelson.
The energy and enthusiasm you all bring are the hallmark of our event and a vital ingredient in the magic that makes conference week so unique.
‘Accelerating Aquaculture’ came out of the gates fast with a stirring fillip from our Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, the Hon Shane Jones. Minister Jones and his Government see the potential in our sector to contribute positively to New Zealand’s economic and social challenges and as importantly, they share our ambition. Already they have progressed legislative changes that have materially increased consent certainty, the confidence to invest and the confidence to grow, so now we need to get on and do it.
There were delegates from all corners of New Zealand, many from Australia and several other international visitors, with everyone warmly welcomed and embraced by Aotearoa’s aquaculture family.
A special thanks to all our presenters for delivering well-curated sessions that sparked interest, insight, and enthusiasm, fuelling meaningful conversations during the breaks and beyond.
Our city’s Mayor, Nick Smith, is also very grateful as the conference vigour was shared with Nelson’s hospitality providers, including accommodation, restaurants, retailers, and bars all getting a much-welcomed boost.
Finally, a huge thank you to our sponsors and trade participants. Your generous support and active involvement were crucial to the success of this conference, and we deeply value your contribution.
Many of our sector’s suppliers attend various industry conferences throughout the year, but they consistently say that the Aquaculture New Zealand event is the best of them all. Let’s take pride in that recognition and I look forward to seeing you at the primary sector’s top conference again next year.
Gary Hooper
Aquaculture New Zealand - Chief Executive
