NZ: $10 Million Seafood and Aquaculture Centre

Helen Murdoch, writing for The Press, reports that Nelson's Wakatu Incorporation chief executive Keith Palmer and chairman Paul Morgan announced plans for the 78ha Horoirangi Centre of Seafood and Aquaculture Innovation north of the city.

According to The Press, Palmer said the timing was right, with a Government commitment to a billion-dollar aquaculture industry, support of Maori investment and involvement and the strengthening of industry partnerships.

It was envisaged Horoirangi initially would have fingerling fish hatcheries, high-value extraction and aquaculture research facilities, he said.

Eventually an educational facility, seafood and Maori culture museum and a cafe or restaurant would be included.

Morgan said the estimated cost of the initial infrastructure would be about $10m. Hurdles included gaining consent for a seawater intake pipe through the Boulder Bank and how to fill and drain the low-lying land.