Front row, from left to right: Bharat Guha - SIT CEO, Christopher Luxon - Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Blair Wolfgram - Director, Ocean Beach, and Hon. Penny Simmonds - Minister for Vocational Education. Back row, from left to right: Kaumatua Michael Skerrett - Ngãi Tahu, Julia Russell - SIT Head of Faculty, Gary Monk - Chair, Ocean Beach.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
The New Zealand educational institution, Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ocean Beach Aquaculture Hub to support development and promote aquaculture innovation in Southland.
Ocean Beach has access to primary production, and its clean, cold seawater can support the addition of new products, such as oysters, kina, shellfish, salmon, and other farmed fish, as well as seaweed for human consumption, horticulture, and agriculture.
"Aquaculture is a sector with significant opportunity for Southland, and this partnership helps ensure our students are gaining real-world experience that supports both learning and regional capability building," said SIT Chief Executive Bharat Guha.
Also, SIT establishes itself as a key institution for developing the skills, knowledge, and practical learning needed to support the long-term success of this industry. Furthermore, it reinforces its central role in regional development, in line with the Southland Aquaculture Pathway 2025.
"SIT has a long history of working alongside industry to support Southland's growth. This partnership strengthens those relationships and reflects a shared commitment to innovation, skills development, and a resilient regional economy," Guha added.
Finally, Ocean Beach General Manager, Blair Wolfgram, noted: "Ocean Beach was established to support aquaculture innovation and excellence. Working alongside SIT allows us to contribute to research and skills development in a way that supports the future of the sector and the region."