Seaweed pioneer working with innovative farmers
AgriSea NZ feels lucky to be able to work with the country’s most innovative farmers, says Clare Bradley, business and development manager.
Hudson's professional background spans rugby, agribusiness and international technology companies, but he says his understanding of farming has been central to every step.
After school, Hudson moved to Christchurch to join the Crusaders Academy and played club rugby while living on local farms.
“That was my first real introduction to farming life,” he says. “It gave me an appreciation for how practical farmers are and how closely decisions are tied to value.”
A professional rugby career followed, including time with the New Zealand Sevens and playing overseas, before illness cut his playing days short and forced a rethink.
“Walking away from rugby was tough, but it also made me step back and look at what I was good at outside of sport,” Hudson says.
That next phase included roles with Organic Direct and McFall Fuel, where Craig worked closely with farmers and rural contractors across the country. He says those conversations helped shape his approach to business.
“Farmers don’t have time for fluff. If something doesn’t stack up, they’ll tell you,” he says.
“That taught me to focus on practical outcomes, long-term thinking and building trust.”
After several years in the UK with Xero, Hudson returned to New Zealand as the Managing Director and has now taken up the role of Chief Growth Officer at AgriSea NZ, a Paeroa-based company developing seaweed-derived products for use across agriculture and other sectors.
In his new role, Hudson says he is focused on identifying growth opportunities and supporting the export of AgriSea’s intellectual property into international markets. The company’s research and development work is supported through a partnership with BSI – Scion Group
“For me, this role brings together everything I’ve learned — from farming communities, technology and innovation through to scaling local businesses globally.
“AgriSea is grounded in agriculture, but it’s also looking outward, which is an exciting place to be.”
Hudson says staying connected to rural New Zealand remains important.
“The best ideas still need to work on the ground. That’s something farmers are very clear about, and it’s a mindset I bring with me every day.”
