The Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, is set to receive investment from the new Regional Strategic Partnership Fund to develop a hatchery and research hub near Te Kaha. The project aims to accelerate the aquaculture industry in the Bay of Plenty, reducing the country's reliance on wild spat and enhancing the industry's supply chain and sustainability. The investment is also seen as a means to empower Māori to grow aquaculture in Aotearoa and improve Māori prosperity. The government plans to invest up to $6 million, with additional investment from iwi, hapu, and other investors. The goal is to establish up to five new hatcheries to achieve the Government’s Aquaculture Strategy of $3 billion in annual sales by 2035.