RIF backs joint iwi mussel spat project

The Te Hiku Aquaculture Mussel Spat Project will be delivered by Akau, a special purpose vehicle formed by 4 iwi: Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu. Te Aupōuri Fisheries Management Limited will lead development of the nursery on behalf of the collective.

The project will help address the unpredictability of New Zealand's spat supply, which affects the mussel industry, a high-value food production and export sector that relies heavily on wild-caught spat. Mussel spat are microscopic baby mussels that are the essential seedstock for the aquaculture industry. 

The nursery will be developed in stages and ultimately include up to 150 mussel rope lines. The first stage will establish 90 lines, expected to produce around 700 tonnes of spat annually. By nurturing spat before they are transferred to farms around the country, the facility is expected to improve survival rates and strengthen supply for the wider industry.

The project is expected to deliver long-term returns for the iwi partners, create around 10 jobs during construction, and support 5 permanent roles once operational.

The iwi partners are contributing $1.3 million in co-funding.

The project is progressing through the Fast-track consenting process as part of the broader Muriwhenua Aquaculture application. Securing consent is a condition that must be met before any loan funding can be drawn down.