Rachel Taulelei, Kono CEO.
Kono, the Māori-owned top 100 New Zealand food and drinks company based at the top of the South Island, has acquired Ngāi Tahu Seafood’s greenshell mussel assets. The assets include two purpose-built marine farming vessels and associated aquaculture equipment, the right to lease 15 marine farms in Marlborough Sounds, Tasman Bay, Golden Bay and Collingwood, as well as access to spat-catching areas.
“Our mussel growing and processing business is strong,” says Rachel Taulelei, Kono CEO. “The purchase and lease of additional marine farming assets from Ngāi Tahu provides us with increased certainty of supply, which means we have an even better foundation from which to plan for future growth.”
“Having more water space to supplement our existing farms gives us alternate harvest areas, which helps us manage our risk overall. Our purchase of these assets and lease of related water space is positive for the ongoing growth of the Marlborough region and beyond. We are already one of the largest employers in the top of the South Island, and our expanded business will continue to provide employment opportunities and support for the local economy,” Taulelei says.
“Greenshell™ mussels are one of the most sustainable seafood products in the world. Kaitiakitanga, taking care of the environment, is at the core of everything that we do. Our land and water are indivisible, they have to be well for our people to be well. Love for the land and respect for the sea is paramount.
“We have already started this season of mussel processing on a positive note and the deal with Ngāi Tahu gives us a huge boost for this season and beyond,” Taulelei says.
