“We’re Just Getting Started,” says Brook McRae after promising early trials to combat Caulerpa.

As trials of the Rehabitat Treatment Chamber progress across key coastal sites, Commercial Dive Specialists (CDS) Managing Director Brook McRae says the team is energised, the technology is performing well, and there’s real hope in the fight against invasive Caulerpa.

“We’re seeing very encouraging results from the trials so far,” says McRae. “Rehabitat is working exactly as intended—targeting and treating Caulerpa effectively, without impacting the surrounding marine environment. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this innovation doing its job, and our team is feeling really optimistic about what’s ahead.”

Rehabitat is a New Zealand-designed solution developed by CDS with funding and strategic support from MPI as part of the Government’s $10 million investment in new tools and technologies to combat the spread of exotic Caulerpa.

McRae says the role MPI has played in backing innovation cannot be overstated. “We’re grateful for MPI’s support—not just financially, but in terms of their long-term vision and willingness to get behind science-led, practical solutions. They’ve recognised that this is a complex problem that requires community involvement, and they’re enabling people to try bold ideas that could genuinely make a difference.”

Rehabitat uses a sealed underwater chamber and a safe, low-concentration chlorine treatment to remove Caulerpa in a fully contained system—aligned with global best practice and designed to minimise environmental impact. The chlorine is extracted and removed post-treatment, leaving minimal residue in the ocean.

McRae also highlights the crucial role of Iwi and community involvement in the project. “The response from local communities has been amazing. Their deep connection to the moana, their local knowledge, and their willingness to roll up their sleeves and work alongside us—it’s been a huge part of the project’s success.”

His message to the public is simple: don’t lose hope.

“There’s a lot of fear about what Caulerpa could mean for our marine environment. But this mahi is showing that we have tools, we have momentum, and we’re not backing down. Rehabitat is proving itself. We’re just getting started—and we believe we can make a real impact.”

As the trials continue and the technology is refined, CDS remains committed to collaboration—with scientists, community leaders, and government—to bring marine innovation to life beneath the surface.

“We’re just getting started,” McRae says. “And we believe the best is yet to come.”