"Taking down the fences between sectors has benefited all parties and increased the chance of sustainable results through community ownership and collaboration"
Philanthropy NZ 2009 conference participant

Opotiki's drive towards sustainable economic and social development based on its marine resources has been boosted by an agreement with a leading player in the Chinese seafood market. The New Zealand Herald has reported on the success of an Opotiki and Aquaculture delegation to China recently, returning with news that Oriental Ocean Limited, will invest in helping commercialise the marine farm off Opotiki's coast, and in the commercial trials for pond farming of sea cucumber- a Chinese delicacy. They will also market NZ mussels through their enormous seafood chain in China.


These opportunities for NZ are in large part due to the determination of local iwi, Te Whakatohea, to create sustainable jobs and wealth, through aquaculture. For nearly a decade they have invested heavily in this potential. Their efforts have been strongly supported by the local community and by Opotiki District Council. More recently broader regional and national interests and organisations have come on board and are recognising the significance of this community-led initiative.


The commercialisation of off-shore marine farming in the Eastern Bay of Plenty depends on on Opotiki Harbour development and on-shore processing facilities. This is also essential to ensure that Whakatohea's investment realises local jobs and sustainable development for Opotiki and surrounding communities. These developments demand forward planning across social, economic, cultural and environmental dimensions.


Opotiki is involved with Inspiring Communities as one of the Core Learning Cluster initiatives. Inspiring Communities has helped by facilitating regional and national linkages and interest, and by tapping into individuals and networks willing to contribute their skills and resources to Opotiki. .
We have also worked to encourage cross-sectoral conversations and leadership, and to share the lessons being learnt in Opotiki. There are significant benefits to be gained when all sectors of a community - Iwi, Council, business people, community organisations, government agencies - work together to identify their common wish to build a strong and prosperous community, get behind a common plan, and then draw others in to support them.

Barbara MacLennan, Inspiring Communities BoP Convenor


Follow this link to recent NZ Herald coverage of the China deal.