Seaweed in Action – Delivering Economic, Cultural and Environmental Impact in our Growing Bioeconomy

After several successful years in Nelson, the ANZSA Seaweed Summit is heading north to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) for 2026. As our sector grows, so too does our ambition to connect across Aotearoa, so think of this as the beginning of a north–south rotation, bringing the conversation to where innovation, investment and impact are happening.

Join us on 5 October 2026 at the iconic New Zealand Maritime Museum, right on Auckland’s waterfront, for a full day of insight, connection and momentum-building across the seaweed sector.

Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm

About the Summit

This year’s theme, “Seaweed in Action”, reflects a step-change for our industry, from emerging potential to real-world delivery.  Expect the 2026 ANZSA Summit to showcase:

• Economic growth through new products, markets and value chains
• Cultural connection through partnership, mātauranga Māori, and community-led initiatives
• Environmental outcomes including climate resilience, regenerative practices and ocean health

It will bring our community together, from across Aotearoa and Australia to hear the latest scale up stories and commercial break throughs, present global market insights, address policy and regulatory updates and present the latest science.

Sponsors

We can’t put on these events without the generous support of sponsors, and we are extremely grateful to our first two sponsors – BNZ has come on as a Gold Sponsor and Kernohan Engineering as a Bronze sponsor.

We still have a few options available including Silver and Bronze sponsorships and trade tables available. We also welcome product donations.
Please click below to express your interest in sponsorship!

Speaking slots and student posters – Seeking Expressions of Interest!

Speaking slots: We are working on our programme. In line with this year’s theme, we are seeking concise, high-impact presentations that showcase real-world applications, innovation, and outcomes across the seaweed sector. Presentation length is 5-10 minutes.

Student Posters: Students are encouraged to submit an abstract aligned to the summit theme. These will be reviewed alongside speaker EOIs and may be selected for a 3 minute elevator pitch presentation.  All student poster submissions will be reviewed as contenders for the Jill Bradley award.  First prize is $1,000 and second $500.

Important dates for those interested in speaking slots or submitting a student poster:

• EOI submissions close: 5 June 2026
• Speaker selection confirmed: Mid June 2026

If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please submit your expressions of interest here before Friday, 25th July 2026 by clicking the link below

POTENTIAL Field Trip – Expression of Interest (6 October 2026)

Following the Summit, attendees are invited to register their interest in a field trip on 6 October, visiting:

• AgriSea New Zealand – Paeroa
• University of Waikato (Sulphur Point facilities) – Tauranga

This will be a unique opportunity to see innovation and application on the ground.

Please note:

• We only seek EOI for this trip at this stage. Once numbers are confirmed we will provide details and advise any additional costs, which will include transport and a packed lunch.
• Please click here to complete this form if you are interested in attending the field trip.

Join Us!

The ANZSA Seaweed Summit continues to grow alongside the industry it represents. What began as a niche gathering has evolved into a key event on the blue economy calendar, bringing together researchers, innovators, policymakers and commercial leaders.
In 2026, the focus is clear: delivery, impact and scale.
Be part of the conversation, and the action, as we shape the future of the seaweed sector in Aotearoa and beyond.