SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, 6 May 2027
More details coming soon!
Celebrate Innovation and Sustainability!
Join us at the BPA Sustainable Solutions Symposium in Rotorua on Thursday, 14 May 2026 — a full day of innovative ideas, practical solutions, and high-impact connections. Building on the sell-out success of our 2025 inaugural event, this year’s symposium will showcase how businesses are transforming untapped resources into sustainable, profitable opportunities.
Join industry leaders, business owners and researchers to find out more about how the BPA can help innovative businesses create value, increase productivity, generate export revenue and create environmental and social benefits for New Zealanders.
Click here to see highlights from our inaugural symposium in Nelson earlier this year.
Click here to see the media release about the May 2026 event.
Why Attend?
- Learn from success stories – hear how BPA-supported businesses are turning low-value biological resources into profitable, sustainable products.
- Get expert insights – access BPA’s network of R&D leaders and specialists in project management, IP, funding, and partnerships.
- Join an interactive workshop – take part in expert-led sessions with actionable tools and fresh perspectives.
- Expand your network – make valuable connections with industry leaders, researchers and innovators shaping New Zealand’s sustainable future.
Featured Speakers
Inspirational success stories of New Zealand businesses and students collaborating with the BPA and its research partners, including in-person addresses from:
What the symposium will provide
- Hands-on, expert led interactive workshop focused on unlocking new value for Aotearoa New Zealand’s fibre sector.
- Information and insight about R&D expertise and examples of best practice from our research alliance, including Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao and Callaghan Innovation Biotechnologies Group.
- Opportunities to inspire and connect potential partners through networking opportunities throughout the day.
Event Agenda
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8.00am | Registration and Coffee |
| 8:30am | Welcome Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu Introduction to the BPA Nicky Solomon, General Manager, BPA Max Kennedy, Board Chair, BPA |
| 9:00am | Opening Address Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology |
| 9:30am | Sector Update: The Future of New Zealand’s Bioeconomy Mark Piper, Transition CEO, Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao |
| 10.00am | Morning Tea |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10.30am | BPA Case Studies AgriSea (Clare Bradley) Baking Industry Research Trust (Tania Watson) Massey University (Jerome Chua) KiwiLeather Innovations (Shelley Houston) Ārepa (Angus Brown) |
| 12:15pm | Panel Discussion |
| 1.00pm | Lunch |
| 2.00pm | Interactive Workshop on the Future of Fibre Aotearoa Initiative Facilitated by Jacinta FitzGerald, CE of Fashion and Textiles NZ and Kelly McClean, Programme Lead, Future of Fibre Aotearoa See description below. |
| 4.00pm | Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks |
| 4.15pm | Networking Drinks & Nibbles |
| 5.30pm | Event Ends |
Tickets & Registration
Tickets are $125, with spaces limited to just 150 participants. Special student price of $75
There is a wait list for last-minute tickets. Please email Kate Dobbin on info@bioresourceprocessing.co.nz if you wish to attend the symposium.
Register NowAccommodation Information
We’re pleased to share a special accommodation discount for symposium delegates at Rydges Rotorua. Click the button below for more information.
More infoWorkshop Summary
This workshop will share early Future of Fibre Aotearoa ecosystem-mapping insights: What does our current fibre landscape look like? How do our fibre material flows connect with other parts of Aotearoa’s bioeconomy, from food and agriculture to waste, circularity and materials innovation? And what possibilities open up when we treat fibre as a strategic, high-value resource for New Zealand?
Future of Fibre Aotearoa is a multi-year initiative focused on unlocking value across NZ’s fibre ecosystem, from farm to finished product, identifying opportunities to position fibre as a flagship of NZ’s high-value economy through innovation, design, and locally embedded systems. The pilot is led by Mindful Fashion New Zealand and supported by Agmardt.
Facilitated by Jacinta FitzGerald, CE of Fashion and Textiles NZ and Kelly McClean, Programme Lead, Future of Fibre Aotearoa
Workshop Facilitators
Jacinta FitzGerald, CE of Fashion and Textiles NZ
With more than 25 years’ experience across design, sustainability and circular economy innovation in the clothing and textile industry, Jacinta works at the intersection of industry, government and research to build a future-fit, thriving industry ecosystem for Aotearoa.
Kelly McClean, Programme Lead, Future of Fibre Aotearoa
Over the past 12 years, she has led innovation and sustainability projects across a range of sectors including textiles, agriculture, manufacturing, FMCG, packaging, and infrastructure. As co-founder of social enterprise CommonKind, she champions community-led design and collaboration within New Zealand’s fibre and textile value chain.
Discover Rotorua
The Sustainable Solutions Symposium will be held at the Rydges Hotel, centrally located in Rotorua with easy access to the lakefront, restaurants, and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders.
For those flying in, Rotorua Regional Airport is a convenient 15-minute drive from the venue. Taxis, rideshares, and car hire services are readily available at the airport. You can find more information on transport options and directions via the RotoruaNZ website – www.rotoruanz.com
Rotorua is also home to BPA’s partner organisation, Scion, whose award-winning campus is well worth a visit. A display of Scion’s innovative work can be found in its striking timber-designed lobby, and there is a wonderful café onsite.
Accommodation
There are a range of accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets within close proximity to the symposium venue.
Stay onsite for maximum convenience. Rydges offers comfortable rooms and modern conference facilities, with amenities such as a gym, pool, and on-site dining. See above for a special accommodation discount.
Discover a haven of subtle chic and sophistication in the heart of Rotorua. A short walk from the venue, this boutique hotel offers contemporary style with a touch of luxury, ideal for those looking for a relaxing stay.
The Distinction Hotel in Rotorua is only 1640 feet from the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. This 4-star hotel offers 3 restaurants, a bar, heated spa pools and a fitness center. Free car parking and free Wi-Fi access are provided.
Click below for further accommodation suggestions
AccommodationExtend Your Stay in Rotorua – Explore and Recharge
Renowned for its geothermal wonders, vibrant Māori culture, and outdoor adventure, Rotorua offers a truly unique experience. Relax in natural hot springs, explore native forests by foot or mountain bike, or take in the region’s rich history and artistry.
Whether you’re keen to unwind after the symposium or extend your stay to experience more of Aotearoa, Rotorua is the ideal place to do so.
For more inspiration on what to see and do in Rotorua, visit RotoruaNZ
Click below for further information on activities in Rotorua
Activities
Contact Us
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