Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc
1 September 2006
Mussel Farm Update
Research on growing mussels at the site commenced in 2003.
A 150m backbone mussel line was installed and seeded in January 2005. This line has shown that it is technically
feasible to establish and maintain longlines and grow shellfish in the exposed conditions of Hawke Bay. The mussels have
grown well and are expected to come into condition in the next couple of months.
As $NZ returns from mussels have been depressed in the last few years, Cawthron Institute have been carrying out growth
trials on two other shellfish species. With one of these species, there appears to be few technical issues, with the
other, if the technical challenges can be mastered then the economics seem quite promising.
The main focus for the immediate future is to continue to develop a cost effective mussel growing and harvesting system.
Harvesting of the 1st line will occur in the next 2 months said Iwi Chairman - Ngahiwi Tomoana on behalf of Ngati
Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, which has 40% shareholdings.
Ends