Our Purpose
We envision a future where thriving marine ecosystems sustain biodiversity, restore blue carbon, and deepen the connection between people and the ocean’s mauri (life force).
Blue Nature Aotearoa (BNA) is a charitable trust equipping young blue leaders with the skills, confidence, and networks to drive change.
Through education, social enterprise, and blue technology, we prepare youth to regenerate biodiversity, develop sustainable ocean solutions, and restore balance to our moana. By fostering a network of passionate youth, we’re building a movement of change-makers committed to the future of our seas.
Our Vision
By 2030, we aim to have:
1000 students
engaged in hands-on marine restoration
100 hectares
of coastal ecosystems revitalized
50 innovations
launched as youth-led social enterprises
Our Model
BNA enriches education and boosts employability while making a tangible difference for the ocean.
Through education and innovation, we’re shaping the next generation of marine pioneers—ready to restore ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, and safeguard Aotearoa’s blue future. We’re empowering entrepreneurs to create sustainable projects that make a lasting impact and drive a global movement of blue nature leaders committed to ocean conservation.
Real Ocean Impact
Too often, student projects end with the school year. At BNA, projects are designed to grow year by year, with new cohorts building on the work of those before them. Albany Senior High School (ASHS) students spend their school day every Wednesday deeply engaged in blue projects that they create, design and deliver, supported by specialist teachers, external mentors, BNA staff, and global non profit Seakeepers. This creates continuity, deep learning, and tangible outputs.
Mentorship and Industry Engagement
We connect students directly with industry, iwi (Māori communities), scientists, and entrepreneurs to develop practical experience and learn directly from experts. Supported by mentors, students develop technical, project management, stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, delivering real conservation outcomes, and, where possible, providing students with formal academic recognition for their work. This feedback loop and industry engagement means projects are informed by real needs and future employment trends.
Multidisciplinary Skills
Projects are deliberately multidisciplinary, blending marine conservation with innovative technology, advocacy, and enterprise. From drones and AI to gaming, eDNA, and biosecurity, students test new tools while also learning how to communicate and advocate for their adoption. With skills across marine science, business, design thinking, project management, stakeholder engagement, policy, tech and innovation, students bring valuable perspectives and skills to the blue economy.