Open Ocean - Whakatōhea Mussels Ōpōtiki Ltd

12/06/2026

Have you seen our floats up close before?

Our mussel floats play an import role with the set up of our Open Ocean marine farm longlines.

If you see a float washed up on the beach or shore, you can give our team a call and we’ll come to pick it up: 07 315 5230

Thank you for your support.

09/06/2026

This week we're shining the spotlight on Debbie White, our Finance Manager here at Whakatōhea Mussels.

Debbie joined the team two years ago and has become an integral part of our business. As a Chartered Accountant Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge, attention to detail, and a calm approach to everything she does.

One of the things Debbie enjoys most about working at Whakatōhea Mussels is being part of a close-knit team. She values the strong relationships across the business and enjoys the variety that comes with working in a busy and dynamic environment where no two days are quite the same.

When she's not at work, Debbie leads a very active lifestyle. She is an accomplished master rower and rowing coach, spending many hours on the water helping others develop their skills while continuing to challenge herself. Family is also a huge part of Debbie's life, and she loves spending quality time with her four children.

Looking ahead, Debbie is already setting her sights on her next big challenge. She is currently training for an incredible hiking adventure through Patagonia next year with a group of her girlfriends, a goal that reflects her determination, sense of adventure, and love of the outdoors.

We're incredibly fortunate to have Debbie as part of the Whakatōhea Mussels whānau. Her professionalism, dedication, and positive attitude make a real difference every day.

Thanks for everything you do, Debbie!

05/06/2026

Meet Baz, our Vessel and Fleet Engineer at Whakatōhea Mussels.

29/05/2026

Flash back Friday to the Pakihi Kura doing what it does best, absolutely thriving out there!

28/05/2026

Out on the moana taking care of one of the most important parts of the job - reseeding our marine farm!

Timing is everything when it comes to setting up for next year’s harvest season, and this size seed will turn into big, fat mussels ready for harvest in around 9-12 months.

A huge amount of planning, teamwork, and hard mahi goes into every stage of the farming process.

Our marine crew carefully place the seed back onto the lines, giving them the best start to grow into quality mussels over time.

Pretty awesome to see it all happening out on the water and knowing we’re helping grow the future of our farm.

Big thanks to our marine team for the mahi they put in every single day - rain, shine, early mornings and all!

27/05/2026

Meet Charles Adams!

Charles has been a valued member of the Whakatōhea Mussels team for the past one and a half years and is currently part of our In Process Hygiene Team.

Charles enjoys the early morning starts, productive shifts, the great lunches, and the awesome people he gets to work alongside each day.

During his time with Whakatōhea Mussels, Charles achieved a major personal goal by earning his restricted licence through the Eastbay REAP Class 1 Driver Licensing Programme. He has since purchased his dream car, something he is incredibly proud of.

Charles has also completed a New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Seafood) (Level 2), continuing to build his skills and knowledge within the aquaculture industry.

Outside of work, Charles takes great pride in helping care for his nan and sister. Charles is well known around the workplace for his generous nature, especially when it comes to shouting ice creams for the team!

He is very grateful for the opportunities Whakatōhea Mussels has given him and looks forward to continuing to grow with the company.

Charles - we’re proud to have you as part of our team!

20/05/2026

Kia ora, I’m Arlyce.

I joined Whakatōhea Mussels looking for steady mahi and a positive working environment. Since starting, I’ve really enjoyed being part of a hardworking team that works together to achieve our production goals.

I love that my job is fast-paced and challenges me every day. It has taught me the importance of communication, consistency, and staying focused under pressure. Since joining the team, my confidence and leadership skills have grown significantly.

Before working here, I completed the Te Ara Tau Careers and Pathways course through Te Tāwharau o te Whakatōhea. Through this programme, I was fortunate to be sponsored to attend Outward Bound New Zealand, which was an incredible experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my whānau, playing sport, focusing on my personal development, and growing in my faith.

At the moment, I’m working towards purchasing my first car and pursuing my goal of being selected to play rugby for the Bay of Plenty Rugby. I currently play for the Ōpōtiki Sports Club.

20/05/2026

14/05/2026

Supporting Our People, Strengthening Our Workplace

Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, because we believe that when our people thrive, our whole organisation thrives. Our People & Capability Team plays a key role in making this happen every day.

With people at the centre of everything we do, Cheryllea Schwass, People & Capability Manager, leads the team in creating a workplace where our whānau feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow together.

Supporting this vision is Sandy Barnes-Lack, Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor, who is passionate about ensuring every person goes “Home Safe & Healthy Every Day”.

As Payroll & Business Services Administrator, Trish Cronin plays a vital role in ensuring our people are paid accurately and on time, while also providing essential business support across the organisation.

We’re also excited to welcome Carrie-ann Callaghan, HR & HSW Coordinator, the newest member of the team, further strengthening our HR and Health, Safety & Wellbeing capability across the business.

Together, this team supports our people across HR, Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Payroll, and Training.

Whether it’s onboarding new team members, supporting leaders, driving safety initiatives, managing payroll, or delivering learning and development opportunities, this team works alongside our people to help them feel supported, empowered, and equipped to perform at their best.

We’re proud to recognise the important work our People & Capability Team does every day.

13/05/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Robert Edwards MNZM on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Māori Development from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

This prestigious honour recognises Robert’s lifelong commitment to the leadership and governance of Whakatōhea, his unwavering advocacy for te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, and his decades of service to the wider Ōpōtiki community.

In his early 90s, Robert continues to be a respected and active leader within our iwi. His vision, wisdom and determination have helped shape the future of Whakatōhea, including playing a key role in establishing the Whakatōhea Fisheries Trust and helping unlock new opportunities for his people.

Robert is also an integral part of the Whakatōhea Mussels whānau. His guidance, support and leadership have been instrumental in helping turn the dream of creating meaningful employment and opportunity for our people into a reality.

From the farm gate to the floor of Parliament, Robert has always carried the aspirations of Whakatōhea with humility, strength and pride.

Congratulations, Robert, on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacy continues to inspire us all, and we are honoured to have you as part of the Whakatōhea Mussels team.

Te Tāwharau o te Whakatōhea