06:30 Wednesday 11 December 2024
Iwi-owned Moana New Zealand and Port Nicholson Fisheries celebrates the official opening of their latest facility the Wellington Kaimoana Hub in Porirua, Wellington today.
The Wellington Kaimoana Hub marks Moana New Zealand and Port Nicholson Fisheries third joint kaimoana processing venture—and includes a multi-use, seafood processing factory with export capability built to meet growing demand for premium kaimoana from Aotearoa. The Hub is the largest facility for Port Nicholson Fisheries and Moana’s second largest facility. It ensures premium seafood such as tāmure (snapper), puru puru (blue cod), kōura (lobster), and pāua tūwā (wild abalone) can reach international markets reliably.
Moana Board Chair Rachel Taulelei says, “We are so very proud to officially open the Wellington Kaimoana Hub—I’m pleased our Iwi owners and visitors can share in the excitement today. The investment by Moana and Port Nicholson Fisheries of $16.5 million was made with our people’s future in commercial fisheries in mind. Not only does it create operational efficiencies across the businesses to support current capacity, but it is also a reflection of the strength of our relationships with each other, and our commitment to regional communities in Aotearoa. It’s an incredible space, and I’m so pleased to see our Moana and Port Nicholson Fisheries kaimahi settling into our new Hub.”
Port Nicholson Fisheries Board Chair Mark Ngata says, “Port Nicholson Fisheries and Moana New Zealand have much to be proud of today with the official opening of the Wellington Kaimoana Hub. At Port Nicholson Fisheries, we see the consolidation of our Wellington operations as a continuous testament to kotahitanga and living true to our shared values of kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, manaakitanga and whakatipuranga.”
CEO Moana New Zealand Steve Tarrant says the Hub is proof of Moana’s long-term commitment not only to the region, but to Iwi. “We operate in an entirely unique business model as the only pan-Iwi owned business. Working with local and regional fishers, businesses, and communities whilst investing in infrastructure ensures we continue to add value for our Iwi owners. In 2023, Moana New Zealand acquired all of Sanford Limited’s North Island inshore annual catch entitlements (ACE), which has seen the company increase our total allowable commercial catch by 50%. The Wellington Kaimoana Hub is intended to support the increased volume of fish we now process, which is significant. I want to thank all of the Moana New Zealand and Port Nicholson Fisheries kaimahi who have been directly involved in delivering this impressive facility.”
CEO Port Nicholson Fisheries Grant Absalom says, “Today marks an important milestone in our kōura business with the establishment of Port Nicholson Fisheries’ largest export facility in the motu. We look to each other’s success as we embed our work within the Wellington region. I want to thank all those who contributed to the design and construction of the Wellington Kaimoana Hub: Commercial Property Specialists, Maycroft, DGI Architecture, and Collab Engineers.”
ENDS
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About Moana New Zealand
Iwi are the true guardians of the world’s most pristine and sustainably managed fisheries. Moana New Zealand is the largest Iwi-owned seafood business in Aotearoa. It has a deep sense of responsibility to all people, respect for kaimoana and kai ora, and is dedicated to the wellbeing of future generations. It connects the world to the taste and magic of New Zealand’s best kaimoana.
About Port Nicholson Fisheries
Port Nicholson Fisheries is New Zealand’s largest iwi-owned exporter of lobster with 18 iwi as limited partners and another 13 iwi as members of ICP. All net profits generated by Port Nicholson Fisheries are returned to the company’s iwi partners enabling them to better help the communities they serve right across Aotearoa.
For additional information please contact
May Tien, Communications Manager, Moana New Zealand
Mobile 027 880 4522
Email may.tien@moana.co.nz