Fletcher Tabuteau
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development
23 August 2019 MEDIA STATEMENT
PGF supports artificial intelligence and high end food development in Top of the South
The Top of the South is set to benefit from Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) support for initiatives that include the
establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Institute and a Food Factory for start-up food producers, Parliamentary
Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced in Nelson today.
The investments totalling over $4.5 million are:
• Nelson Artificial Intelligence Institute Limited (NAII) $3.4 million loan
• The Food Factory (Picot Productions Ltd) $778,000
• Economic development project delivery (Nelson District Council and Marlborough District Council) $400,000
“Artificial Intelligence is on the cusp of a global revolution and I am pleased the PGF has recognised the economic and
social opportunities the Artificial Intelligence Institute will bring to the Top of the South region and New Zealand as
a whole,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.
“The Institute will focus initially on using artificial intelligence in the aquaculture industry in a region where 70
per cent of the country’s aquaculture industry is located and where untapped potential remains.
“The term ‘artificial intelligence’ is simply the use of mathematical tools that enable discoveries and decisions to be
made quickly and easily when there are large datasets that are impossible to manually analyse.
“The proposal is a mix of commercial activity, with a strong education focus involving the Nelson-Marlborough Institute
of Technology, and over time, the Institute will expand into different sectors and across the country.”
Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash says aquaculture could play a much bigger role in our primary sector if it is supported
to respond to trends and forces shaping our future.
“In the face of change, the Coalition Government is pursuing opportunities to strengthen our market position, to
innovate, and to operate more sustainably. Aquaculture is already a success story and with a strong programme of
innovation and co-investment with industry we can build on our premium high value products. Artificial intelligence has
the potential to drive real improvements in monitoring, real-time information and data analysis to help to better manage
farms,” Mr Nash said.
“I am really excited the PGF is also supporting the construction of the Food Factory, an initiative spearheaded by Picot
Productions Ltd, which produces Pic’s Peanut Butter,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.
“The Top of the South region is known for its high value horticulture products, as well as artisan products such as
cider, cheeses, olive oil and baked goods. The Food Factory will provide start up food companies with a collaborative
environment to develop new food products.
“The finished project involves a series of enclosed, fully equipped, commercial kitchens to enable aspiring food and
beverage entrepreneurs to test their product’s concept, potential scalability and marketing in a supported environment.
Advice and support will also be on hand, along with market opportunities and exposure to visitors and the tourist
market.
“The PGF has also provided $400,000 funding over two years to help grow the region’s other planned economic development
projects. This funding is consistent with the PGF’s commitment to support regions in the country with their regional
economic development capability.
“These PGF investments announced today will build on the great strides the Top of the South region is already making and
I’m proud that the PGF is maximising on the boundless opportunities in the region to be enjoyed by generations to come,”
Fletcher Tabuteau said.
ends