ORA - Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa

Reviving the lifeforce of our ocean's ecosystems

ORA (Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa) is a charitable trust and registered charity that uses catalytic, blended capital (philanthropy, government grants, private donations) to originate, develop, fund, and execute new blue ventures.

Our work

We are guided by a deep respect for our coastal areas and oceans, their fragile ecosystems and the potential for a sustainable blue economy that enables active regeneration alongside economic growth.

We believe these are not mutually exclusive goals.

The purpose of ORA is to benefit the community by supporting sustainable regenerative ocean farming to improve climate outcomes, marine biodiversity, and water quality, whilst creating economic and social impact for coastal communities.

ORA works in partnership with the team at EnviroStrat, an impact investment venture studio and environmental advisor. For over 15 years, EnviroStrat has excelled at solving complex environmental challenges in New Zealand and around the world, through technical excellence and innovation to challenge traditional models.

Our ventures

ORA Reefs

Actively restoring biodiversity in impacted rocky reefs and soft bottom marine environments through supporting kina removal, reseeding kelp, reintroducing crayfish, and investigating artificial reefs seeded with kelp, mussels and oysters to provide structure for marine life.

Save Our Scallops

With the closure of New Zealand's scallop fishery, we are building a sustainable, resilient scallop aquaculture sector that creates environmental, economic, and community benefits, while actively supporting the long-term restoration and recovery of wild scallop beds.

Kinanomics

Kinanomics has successfully validated the market opportunity of enhancing wild caught marginal kina to produce a much sought after seafood delicacy. This work has reduced the risk and uncertainty for attracting support and partners in a future commercial enterprise.

Greenwave Aotearoa

Greenwave Aotearoa is reviving the mauri/lifeforce and vitality of our ocean and coastal communities through regenerative ocean farming of native New Zealand seaweed. By responsibly cultivating and utilising seaweed, we are creating a future that supports our needs while protecting the environment.

Crayfish Culture

Crayfish are a natural predator of kina, and decades of declining crayfish populations have contributed to the spread of kina barrens across parts of the Hauraki Gulf. As fisheries closures help rebuild wild populations, ORA Reefs is testing the feasibility of crayfish aquaculture to accelerate ecosystem restoration while creating opportunities for regenerative aquaculture.

Blue Nature Credits

By developing a credit for the Hauraki Gulf’s restored reefs, ORA aims to unlock capital for continual regeneration, ensuring restoration efforts can be maintained and expanded over decades. This is a financial tool that's tailored to ocean conservation outcomes.

Do you share our vision to regenerate our oceans?

We want to hear from you.

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