Racing for Restoration: Aotearoa Ocean Racing and Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa Join Forces to Improve Ocean Health and Resilience
- Luke Kuhn
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
An elite sailing team and a New Zealand-based charitable ocean trust have teamed up to inspire global marine restoration and multiply their impact.
Aotearoa Ocean Racing (AOR) was co-founded by skipper Conrad Colman who in 2016 became the first person to complete the Vendee Globe, the toughest test in sport – a non-stop solo race around the globe - without the assistance of fossil fuels (not running the engine), and Rowan Gyde a marine business strategist..
“Sailors are the eyes of the ocean – we see the changes long before they reach the headlines,” Colman said. “Partnering with ORA means we can help to turn that observation into action.”
AOR is preparing for the next edition of The Ocean Race which will return to Auckland in 2027. Plans are also afoot for ORA and AOR to combine forces with a futuristic and innovation presence at the upcoming Auckland Boat Show 5-8 March 2026.
ORA’s ventures – including ORA Reefs, Save Our Scallops and Greenwave Aotearoa – are actively restoring marine ecosystems in the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana using innovation, technology, supporting community and iwi led restoration, establishment of a seaweed supply chain, and rebuilding scallop supply and seabed health through a restorative aquaculture model.
ORA is led by the team at Auckland-based EnviroStrat. CEO Dr Nigel Bradly said the partnership with AOR shines a global spotlight on the potential for new blue economy ventures in New Zealand.
“Both parties are committed to accelerating restoration, scaling impact, and creating long-term pathways for healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities,” says Dr Bradly.
“ORA’s mission is to benefit communities through regenerative ocean farming that improves climate outcomes, marine biodiversity and water quality whilst creating economic and social impact for coastal communities.
“This includes exploring innovative finance mechanisms such as ‘nature credits’, similar in concept to carbon credits, which attract support from sustainable tourism providers and investors and enable scaling of restoration efforts.” Showcasing ORA throughout The Ocean Race 2027
AOR’s ambition goes beyond racing. Using its platform, the aim is to capture global attention, champion authentic sustainability, and showcase the urgent need for ocean action.
AOR’s global platform connects international audiences and potential supporters of New Zealand’s efforts to solve complex environmental problems with marine innovation and restoration.
“We believe this partnership provides invaluable opportunities for ORA’s charitable work in environmental restoration to be showcased at international sailing events including multiple international stopovers during The Ocean Race 2027Europe in Nice, theAOR’s Kiwi Marine Tech Symposiums in Lorient, and the Vendée Globe build-up,” said Dr Bradly.
About Aotearoa Ocean Racing
Aotearoa Ocean Racing is New Zealand’s campaign to develop world-class offshore sailing talent and technology. Representing the nation on the global stage through performance, purpose, and innovation.
Learn more about AOR’s innovation programme and The Ocean Race 2027 campaign
Visit: www.aotearoaocean.racing.
About ORA
ORA 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.
Visit: https://www.oranz.org/ Media Enquiries:
Press Contact Name: Rowan Gyde
KiwiFibre Press Contact Name: Alison Smith
