Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū, with the support of Te Puni Kōkiri, is researching the viability of farming seaweed, to provide employment opportunities and career pathways for its whānau. This research will inform the Rūnanga’s exploration of other commercial ventures like developing a kina farm. The Rūnanga views seaweed as a sustainable resource worthy of protection, as it is a natural filter and it decreases nutrient levels in the moana.