Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) and Ocean Beach Aquaculture Hub have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost aquaculture innovation and build regional capability in Southland.

The agreement recognises the growing importance of aquaculture to the regional economy and positions SIT at the centre of developing the skills, knowledge, and applied learning needed to support the sector’s long-term success.

Southland is well-suited to aquaculture development, with the necessary attributes in water quality, ocean currents and water temperature.

Ocean Beach’s coastal location, access to primary production and its cool, clean sea water made it ideal for development, with scope to add more products, such as oysters, kina, shellfish, salmon, and other farmed fish, as well as seaweed for human consumption, horticulture and agriculture, and other innovations.

SIT Chief Executive Bharat Guha says the partnership reflects SIT’s commitment to industry-aligned education that delivers meaningful outcomes for students and the wider region.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is about creating strong, practical connections between education and industry,” Guha says.

“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.”

Guha says the agreement reinforces SIT’s role as a cornerstone institution supporting regional development, as outlined in Southland Aquaculture Pathway 2025, Great South’s collaborative road map, designed to align iwi, industry, and government on infrastructure, workforce training, and sustainable growth.

“SIT has a long history of working alongside industry to support Southland’s growth,” Guha says.

“This partnership strengthens those relationships and reflects a shared commitment to innovation, skills development, and a resilient regional economy.”

Invercargill National MP and Minister for Vocational Education, Penny Simmonds, says partnerships between education providers and industry are critical to regional success.

“This Memorandum of Understanding highlights the importance of collaboration in building strong regional economies,” Simmonds says.

“SIT plays a vital role in developing the skills and capability that underpin Southland’s industries, and partnerships like this support innovation, and long-term growth.”

Kaumatua Michael Skerrett of Ngãi Tahu says the partnership reflects a shared responsibility to support education and development that is grounded in place and people. “Aquaculture is closely connected to our environment and our communities,” Skerrett says.

“This agreement supports learning that is respectful of the environment and focused on long-term outcomes for the region. It is encouraging to see education and industry working together in this way.”

Ocean Beach General Manager, Blair Wolfgram, says the partnership is focused on enabling education and applied learning outcomes.

“Ocean Beach was established to support aquaculture innovation and excellence,” Wolfgram says. “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.”