A Ngāti Awa whānau has brought an opportunity to the plate in purchasing the Ōhiwa Oyster Farm.
For Wini Geddes, it’s a “dream from growing up around the area when we were collecting her kaimoana”.
Wini Geddes and her whānau at Tio Ōhiwa oyster farm. Photo: Supplied
Wini and her husband Simon Geddes spoke to Country Life and explained how Tio Ōhiwa, as it is now known, is believed to be the only 100 percent Māori-owned oyster farm.
But for the pair who run the training programme Tāne Mahuta, the purchase of the farm is also a crucial piece to the puzzle.
“We have five aquaculture placements and tried around the country to place a cadet into another business and didn’t get any joy,” Wini said.
“We get the wrong people and make it right, for our young people who just don’t get the opportunity otherwise to work.”
Since acquiring the business last month, 13 new jobs have been created, including five aquaculture cadets.
The small fish and chip shop caravan hugs the bank of Ōhiwa Harbour, a short drive from Ōhope in Eastern Bay of Plenty.
The food is renowned, with 2000 oysters shucked fresh each day from the four farms that sit in the harbour behind.
Oysters are shucked daily and soon run out by lunchtime. Photo: Supplied
Wini said it was emotional for her and many others when the business venture was blessed with karakia.
“It’s bringing it back to the hands of Ngāti Awa which was our traditional seafood basket. I remember as a young girl camping out at Ōhiwa and harvesting mussels and fish.
"It’s really about that and bringing it back to let our young people enjoy what we enjoyed.”
The Geddes whānau are conscious of the environment the oysters grow in. They are consciously monitoring the water quality and oysters with the help of the Ministry for Primary Industries.
However, Simon said oysters were lucky in that they were a filter.
“They’re not a polluter, they actually enhance the quality of the water.”
Simon also shared a tip - if anyone was keen on some freshly shucked oysters that can sell by lunchtime.
“If they want to get some raw oysters, make sure they ring the shop. They’ll set the oysters aside for them, you just have to make sure you show up on time.
"That’s a good little tip.”
Thirteen new jobs have been created since Wini and her whānau took over the business last month. Photo: Supplied
