Insights from 2025 ANZSA seaweed summit with Huna Hough

Fresh from the ANZSA Seaweed Summit 2025, Huna Hough talks us through some of the highlights for this year’s themed event: From Niche to Noticed: Building the Value Chain for our Seaweed Economy.

Huna:
I attended the ANZSA Seaweed Summit with the rest of the Greenwave Aotearoa team, and being new to the seaweed space, it was great to meet the people behind much of the work I’ve followed and researched over the past year. I also met others doing exciting projects I hadn’t yet discovered.

There were many highlights from the day, but I particularly enjoyed hearing Dan Crossett from the Cawthron Institute share his work on species-specific optimal growing substrates. His success growing seaweed on both twine and mussel shells could have some really interesting implications for reef restoration in Aotearoa.

I also loved hearing MSc student Juliet Linzmeier speak about her project optimising hatchery protocols for Ecklonia radiata, which is very relevant to my work.

Q: Tell us about others you knew there and how your work might cross over into theirs.

Huna:
It was great to reconnect with friends I met through my studies — Alex Finlay from NZ Kelp, and Maia Baillie from the Waiheke Marine Project. Between our roles, we have a great blend of conservation, commercialisation, and innovation.

It’s always special to share passions with friends while also having connections with other young people in the industry to exchange ideas with. I see a lot of potential for Greenwave Aotearoa and ORA to work alongside the Waiheke Marine Project on kelp restoration around Waiheke in future.

Q: How do you feel about the future of seaweed as a young person now working in the industry?

Huna:
Seaweed aquaculture in New Zealand has significant potential — not just because of our unique seaweed species, but because of the people.

After listening to the student talks and seeing their work, I can’t help but feel excited about contributing to this industry and working alongside such driven and innovative people.

These events are also fantastic for young professionals like me to connect with and learn from those who have been driving the industry forward. They’re a real wealth of knowledge.

Q: What have you enjoyed about your past year?

Huna:
This past year has been full of learning, and I’m grateful for the diverse range of new experiences and skills I’ve developed along the way.

It’s incredibly rewarding to work in a role that excites me and aligns with both my personal and professional interests. I’m also lucky to work alongside a passionate team who always take the time to support my learning. They’re great role models!

Q: What are some exciting developments in seaweed here in New Zealand?

Huna:
Lyn Wise from the University of Otago presented on the application of seaweed polysaccharides in tissue engineering, using seaweed as a sustainable alternative to chemical protocols. This use for native seaweed is incredible and distinct from many of the other fast-developing applications.

I’m also watching with interest the proposed regulatory changes around Undaria pinnatifida and how potential farming could impact both new product opportunities and the status of wild Undaria populations.