A new marine centre will deliver a positive impact on industry and the local community. The University of Waikato is developing this state-of-the-art marine research and education facility in Tauranga, estimated to open in 2027. It will be world-class, based in a one-of-a-kind location where science and innovation meet community engagement, while conducting research into global challenges including climate change and sustainability.
There is no better place in New Zealand to build a marine research and education facility than the Bay of Plenty. Located in one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand, its marine space sits alongside a high production horticultural zone, the largest port in the country and a strong aquaculture industry. There is unique access to a diverse marine environment, including catchments, beaches, lakes, Whakaari/White Island, and the largest working harbour in the country with strong global connections.
Researchers at the university’s Coastal Marine Field Station are already working collaboratively across the region to create impact in industry and educate future generations about the wonders of the marine environment. The addition of a purpose-built facility, with specialised labs and interactive public displays, will further enhance potential to celebrate the area’s unique marine setting while ensuring continued protection of the environment.
Horticulture is a critical industry in the Bay of Plenty with sales of kiwifruit alone generating $2.6 billion in 2019 and expected to grow to $4 billion in 2027. As biosecurity issues and climate change are two of the greatest threats to this industry, Dr Marie Magnusson (associate professor in marine science and aquaculture) is developing innovative and organic solutions.
Dr Magnusson has been granted $11.4 million in funding from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to research the way sugars in seaweed can protect our primary sector from biosecurity threats, such as the bacterial disease Psa, and the effects of climate change.
New Zealand’s aquaculture industry is currently valued at $600 million based on salmon, mussels and oysters alone, all of which are produced in the Bay of Plenty. The University has strong expertise in this sector and supported the opening of Raukōkore Marine Research Centre in 2023. This base for research in the eastern Bay of Plenty contributes expertise to the growth of large-scale aquaculture in the offshore waters of the area.
With an enhanced marine research facility in Tauranga, the university and the region will be in a strong position to capitalise on government intentions to increase the aquaculture industry’s revenue to $3 billion per year by 2035.
The new marine facility will also contribute to local growth by serving as a considerable tourist attraction. Located on the edge of Tauranga’s city centre, it will showcase the impact of research and share the wonders of the underwater world through aquariums, touch tanks, public marine dissections and a livestream of the harbour. It will draw local, national and international visitors with its dynamic approach to communicating science and include a café, marine-themed playground and public programmes to celebrate events including Seaweek and World Oceans Day.
This year, the field station and its staff have already hosted 19 school visits, education and engagement events and we look forward to building on these connections through the new complex.
The University of Waikato is currently executing the development and design phase of the marine research and education centre since signing a lease with Tauranga City Council in June for a portion of land at Sulphur Point. Fundraising is underway and a project control group has been established.
As this exciting and unique opportunity is brought to life we look forward to working alongside local businesses, identifying opportunities for industry collaboration and community connection. If you are interested in supporting this one-of-a-kind initiative, please contact us at the university via www.waikato.ac.nz/marine-facility.
