From sewage to cosmetics: Land-grown seaweed operation gets different owner and change of focus

The Post newspaper, 28 March 2025

An Auckland environmental consultancy and impact investor has purchased a Bay of Plenty regional council-owned, land-based seaweed farm to produce high-end health and cosmetic products for local and international markets.

Auckland-based Envirostrat bought seaweed farming business Aqua Curo from majority Bay of Plenty Council-owned Quayside Holdings for an undisclosed six-figure sum in January.

The Bay of Plenty regional council owns 91% of Quayside Holdings.

Aqua Curo was designed to bring seaweed’s cleaning properties into wastewater treatment, but Envirostrat chief executive Dr Nigel Bradly said the company was shifting Aqua Curo’s focus to produce seaweed for high-end health and cosmetic products.

Read the full article in The Post newspaper.