The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research is a Crown owned research and consultancy company, established in 1992. NIWA are New Zealand's experts in finfish aquaculture.

In 2001, NIWA reviewed its own aquaculture research and development and the emerging trends overseas in aquaculture innovation, commercialisation and seafood markets. As a result of that review NIWA embarked on an aquaculture research programme focused on finfish, supported by capital investment in a state-of-the-art Research, Development and Technology facility at Bream Bay. Using this expertise, NIWA contributed to the detailed feasibility study for Horoirangi that confirmed the economic opportunity offered by new species finfish aquaculture.

NIWA's research and development has progressed to having two suitable species either ready or near ready for commercialization with industry.

"Given our rapid progress in finfish aquaculture, we have been very enthusiastic about Horoirangi from the outset. Having a collaborative approach where the different skills of R& D organisations are recognised and brought together for the benefit of the seafood sector is a major plus," says John Morgan, CEO, NIWA.

Established by the Thomas Cawthron Trust in 1919, the Cawthron Institiute exists to add value to New Zealand's environment business and community by providing research based advice, products and services. Cawthron are New Zealand's experts in shellfish aquaculture.

Cawthron's main aquaculture research and development focus, in partnership with industry, has been the development of Pacific Oyster and Greenshell Mussel (GSM™) – opening the country’s first commercial-scale oyster nursery at its Aquaculture Research and Technology Centre at Horoirangi last year.

The expansion of Cawthron's Aquaculture Research and Technology facility, is an integral part of the Horoirangi Centre for Seafood and Aquaculture Innovation.

"It will provide the perfect focal point to promote the co-operative innovative approach required to keep the New Zealand aquaculture industry abreast of our global competition," says Gillian Wratt, CEO, Cawthron Institute.

Plant & Food Research was formed in December 2008 through the merger of HortResearch and Crop & Food Research, with a clear, united purpose: to generate knowledge and intellectual property that promotes the innovative, efficient and sustainable use of primary plant and seafood-based resources to create value for New Zealand. Plant & Food are New Zealand's experts in fish harvesting and post harvesting handling of seafood.

Plant & Food scientists help to maximise the value of New Zealand's diverse fishery resources by working with seafood growers, harvesters, and processors to use 100% of the catch and to deliver the highest quality of seafood and health-promoting marine extracts to consumers.

"By co-locating New Zealand’s research organisations at Horoirangi, the aim is to enhance collaborative relationships between those researchers and industry, to foster research that advances and creates value for aquaculture and seafood businesses," says Peter Landon-Lane, CEO, Plant & Food Research.