New Zealand’s kelp forests are disappearing at an alarming rate due to overfishing, disease, sedimentation, and ocean warming. Kina (sea urchins) have multiplied unchecked due to fewer natural predators, overgrazing the kelp and transforming forests into barren areas. 

Kina removal is a vital step in helping kelp forests recover, allowing them to once again provide critical habitats, sequester carbon dioxide, protect coastlines, improve water quality, and support coastal communities.

Our KinaKrete products utilise discarded kina shells from kina barrens as aggregate and sand replacements, providing a unique aesthetic.

We are currently engaging with early customers and collaborators across several sectors, including design, public infrastructure, and environmental restoration. Current projects explore applications such as coasters, outdoor seating, sculptures, foundation pads, pavers, and decorative panels.

Our sister organisation, KelpHelpers, is dedicated to regenerating Aotearoa’s marine ecosystems by eliminating kina barrens and restoring vital kelp forests. 2.5% of our income is earmarked to fund kelp forest restoration efforts, addressing the challenge of kina barrens along our coastlines. Waste shells are then utilised in KinaKrete.