TAGS: Paakiwaha Wini Geddes, Ohiwa Oyster Farm, Ohope,
Gideon Porter
The Ngāti Awa whānau which bought an iconic Ōhope oyster farm in June has wasted no time developing their new asset.
Co-owner Wini Geddes says they’ve increased staff from four to 14 and plan to at least double production to 2 million oysters over the next year.
They’ve invested in a new harvesting barge and one for their new Tio Ohiwa Cruises venture.
“And it’s sitting in the harbour and its like its own billboard if you like, moored out there. The name of the waka is Kōtiti – like kōtiti haere you know – and the previous owner’s wahine named it Kōtiti, and I promised them we’d keep the name,” she says.
Wini Geddes says they need seven more rangatahi to help crew the cruise barge, and more workers for the oyster farm on Ohiwa Harbour – which is still only at 10 percent of its capacity.
