Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister of Science, Innovation & Technology, will deliver the opening address at the second annual Sustainable Solutions Symposium, taking place in Rotorua next Thursday, 14 May 2026.
Hosted by the Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA), the symposium will focus on waste-to-wealth solutions and circular bioeconomy innovation, bringing together R&D specialists, industry leaders, government agencies, start-ups, incubators, seed funders and students to explore cutting-edge solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
As an alliance, the BPA provides access to the combined world-class science capabilities and technical facilities of the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, Callaghan Biotechnologies Innovation, as well as universities and other research providers.
Mark Piper, transition CEO of the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, is a keynote speaker at the event, delivering a sector update on the future of New Zealand’s bioeconomy.
Dr Nicky Solomon, general manager of the BPA, says, “The symposium provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the impact that the BPA has made through its contribution to an enormous range of innovative industry projects, and highlights that our waste to value goal resonates significantly with both industry and the science sector”.
A range of innovative businesses and organisations who have partnered with the BPA will showcase their journeys, highlighting how the input and expertise of the BPA network has contributed to their achievements and success.
Presenters at the 2026 symposium include:
- Clare Bradley, CEO of AgriSea, which recently launched the world’s first commercial seaweed nanocellulose biorefinery in Paeroa
- Angus Brown, founder of Ārepa, who will discuss the discovery, isolation and scale-up of bioactives from blackcurrant waste.
- Tania Watson, research liaison at the Baking Industry Research Trust, on making thermoplastic polymers from bread waste.
- Shelley Houston, co-founder of KiwiLeather Innovations Founding Director of KiwiLeather Innovations, a company which is transforming waste Kiwi fruit into a high-performance, bio-based leather alternative.
- Jerome Chua, a master’s graduate of Massey University, who has developed an award-winning development of the long-line sea sausage using crayfish waste.
The afternoon will feature an interactive workshop on the Future of Fibre Aotearoa initiative, facilitated by Jacinta FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Fashion and Textiles NZ and Kelly McClean, Co-founder of Commonkind.
Event details:
What: Sustainable Solutions Symposium 2026
When: Thursday 14 May, 2026
Where: Rydges Hotel, Rotorua
Website: https://bpa-sss.co.nz/ (for further information about the event, including speakers, registration and ticketing)
About the Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA)
The BPA is a national collaboration that connects New Zealand businesses and universities with leading scientists and technical experts from the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Callaghan Innovation, universities and other research providers to transform low-value biological resources into high-value products. The BPA is supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
For more information, visit www.bioresourceprocessing.co.nz
Media contact:
Kate Dobbin, info@bioresourceprocessing.co.nz
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