Blue Talks Auckland: How to build a sustainable and regenerative Blue Economy

BLUE TALKS 3: How to Build a Sustainable and Regenerative Blue Economy

Fale Pasifika, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland,Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, 28th May 2025, 12.30pm-5.30pm

Join us for the third edition of the Blue Talks in Aotearoa New Zealand — a series of high-level, forward-looking conversations leading up to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-chaired by France and Costa Rica, and taking place in Nice, France this June.

After a diplomatic focus in Wellington and a science-policy dialogue in Christchurch, this Auckland session will dive into how we can build a sustainable and regenerative Blue Economy — one that balances economic opportunity with the urgent need to restore ocean ecosystems and support coastal communities.

Through two dynamic roundtables, this event will explore:

🔹 Sustainable management of fishing resources, including social and economic dimensions —
How can we protect marine life while supporting food security, economic resilience, and equity across Pacific and Indigenous communities?

🔹 The role of ports in regional development and connectivity —
How can ports become engines of sustainable development, green infrastructure, and stronger maritime links across the Pacific?

The programme includes keynote speeches, expert panels, audience Q&A, and networking opportunities. You’ll hear from leaders in sustainable finance, fisheries, ecological economics, transport, Indigenous governance, and ocean science.

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FULL PROGRAMME

12:30 – 1:15 pm | Welcome Luncheon
Networking and light lunch for all participants

MC: John Pulu

1:15 – 1:45 pm | Opening Speeches

Opening Mihi – Michael Steedman, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori | Kaiarataki

• Prof. Frank Bloomfield (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research & Innovation, University of Auckland)
• Her Excellency Laurence Beau, French Ambassador to New Zealand & the Cook Islands
• Ms. Carolina Molina, Ambassador of Costa Rica in Australia & New Zealand (video message) 
• His Excellency Lawrence Meredith, EU Ambassador to New Zealand 
• Hon. Shane Jones, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

5 min break

1:50 – 2:10 pm | Opening Keynote

· Professor Nick Lewis, University of Auckland

2:10 – 2:20 pm | Introduction to Round table 1

• Marjan Van den Belt, Ecological Economist, former Chief Economist, MPI Fisheries

2:20 – 3:20 pm | Round table 1: Sustainable management of fishing resources
Including social and economic challenges (Moderator:  Marjan Van den Belt)

This round table will explore pathways toward the sustainable management of marine living resources, with a focus on balancing ecological resilience, food security, and socioeconomic well-being. Participants will discuss key challenges facing fisheries across the Pacific, including overfishing, climate impacts, and market access, while highlighting innovative approaches that support livelihoods, protect ecosystems, and promote equitable governance. The objective is to identify actionable strategies and partnerships that align sustainability goals with the economic and cultural realities of coastal and Indigenous communities.

Panelists:

• Howard Reti, Mohimohi Moana Project Coordinator (tbc)
• Jason Mika, University of Auckland
• Katherine Short, F.L.O.W Collaborative Ltd

 3:20 – 3:35 pm | Q&A with audience

3:35 – 4:00 pm | Coffee Break

4:00 – 4:10 pm | Introduction to Round table 2

• Professor Nick Lewis, University of Auckland

4:10 – 5:10 pm | Round table 2: Developing our ports for regional development & connectivity

(Moderator: Professor Nick Lewis, University of Auckland)

This round table will address the role of ports as critical hubs for sustainable blue economy growth, regional integration, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Discussions will focus on enhancing port capacity, promoting green technologies, and improving maritime connectivity across Pacific Island nations. Emphasis will be placed on inclusive development that supports local economies and coastal ecosystems, reduces emissions, and strengthens supply chains. The objective is to share best practices and identify opportunities for collaborative port development that advances both regional self-sufficiency and international trade.

Panelists:

• Nigel Ironside, Head of Sustainability and Environment for Ports of Auckland
• Tom Irvine, Board Hauraki Gulf Forum, Revive Our Gulf
• Cerasela Stancu, Sustainability Director, EnviroStrat

5:10 – 5:25 pm | Q&A with audience

5:25 – 5:30 pm

| Closing Remarks

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This event is free to attend, luncheon is offered on arrival, but registration is essential due to limited capacity.

Why Attend?

• Contribute to international dialogue ahead of UNOC3

• Connect with experts across ocean, policy, finance, and Indigenous knowledge systems

• Shape New Zealand’s voice on the global stage in support of SDG14 and ocean-climate resilience

Organized by
The French Embassy in New Zealand, in partnership with the Blue Cradle Foundation, the University of Auckland, and supporting organisations.

This event is the third in a series of Blue Talks leading up to the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3),
co-chaired by France and Costa Rica and taking place in Nice this June. Following previous editions in Wellington (diplomatic focus) and
Christchurch (science and policy), the Auckland session will explore how to build a sustainable and regenerative Blue Economy.

Watch the Blue Talks 2 video (Christchurch) to get an idea of what Blue Talks is about: