MacLab partners with iwi and industry pioneers

MacLab has developed new valuable partnerships with iwi and key industry players to support its ambitious growth plans as a nutraceutical business.

The latest partnerships are with Maara Moana, the Pooley family, and Marine Farm Management.

MacLab financial controller Gary Rountree says the company has embraced partnership models since embarking on a new strategy for supply which commenced in 2017. The first arrangement was with Jim Goulding and his family. Jim was one of the early mussel farmers in the industry and has served on various boards including the Marine Farming Association (MFA). The second arrangement was the establishment of Maclab Tasman – a joint venture between Maclab and Tasman Bay Aquaculture Limited (Stoney and Rondy Bourke). Maclab Tasman has successfully mastered the art of farming mussels in the challenging environment of Tasman Bay and is now spearheading Maclab’s growth in Golden Bay.

“We are now building on our strategy with iwi and other partners to secure an increasing supply of quality greenshell mussels. We want to work with the best people to maintain our operational excellence in aquaculture farming in order to supply mussel powder to the expanding nutraceutical sector.”

Among its newer partnerships, MacLab has entered into an agreement to develop 100 hectares of greenshell mussel farms on water space consents in Golden Bay owned by iwi consortium Maara Moana. Its shareholders are each of the Te Tauihu iwi – Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Toa, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kuia, Te Ātiawa, and Ngāti Rarua.
As consent conditions are satisfied, MacLab will progressively develop and operate the farms on behalf of Maara Moana.

MacLab is now extending its partnership arrangements to include another pioneering family. Rob Pooley has a long and distinguished career including having long served on the Marine Farming Association (MFA) executive including 16 years as President.

Rob’s son Simon also brings an impressive record as a skilled mussel farmer and manager, as documented last year on Country Calendar; he carries on the family legacy.

“This partnership sees MacLab securing a substantial parcel of greenshell mussel farms in the Marlborough Sounds and Golden Bay from the Pooley-owned company Just Mussels Ltd. Simon Pooley will also provide marine farming services to MacLab in the Marlborough Sounds. “

Marine Farm Management Ltd (MFML) provides services primarily to the marine farming operations in Golden Bay. MFML’s owner, Jonathan Large, has 20 years experience in the mussel industry and took over from Rob Pooley as MFA President in 2016.

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PROUD SPONSOR OF

Aquaculture Yard Supervisor - Full Time

Company: MacLab NZ
Location: Nelson / Tasman
Duration: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time

MacLab (NZ) leads the way in the nutraceutical market. We use sustainable practices to farm mussels in the Top of the South for processing at our modern factory into high-value oil products that are exported globally.

Aquaculture is a thriving industry with an exciting future. As part of this growth, we are investing in innovation, technology and capacity.

Our culture provides a great place to work where our people are valued, work is enjoyable and rewarding.

We are seeking someone to join our team to work in our aquaculture division primarily based at our Tahunanui site.

As we ramp up our operations, we are seeking an enthusiastic person to supervise and lead operations in our Aquaculture yards.

As our Aquaculture Yard Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly. You’ll lead and coordinate land-based support services at MacLab’s aquaculture yards, including the manufacture of floats, rope reconditioning, and the storage and coordination of marine farm equipment to support marine farming operations.

We are looking for a person who is:

  • Keen to learn new skills and has a good level of physical fitness;
  • An excellent communicator;
  • Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team;
  • Reliable with good work ethics;
  • Self-motivated with a ‘can do’ attitude;
  • A team player with a positive attitude;
  • NZ resident or have a valid NZ work visa;
  • Able to travel between yards.

 

About you:

    • You hold a full Driver’s license;
    • You have previous supervisory experience (preferred);
    • You are Forklift certified (preferred).

 

Why work for us?

  • Attractive remuneration;
  • Great working conditions with a focus on health and safety;
  • Excellent on-going training provided;
  • Variety of work within a friendly team;
  • Opportunity to learn new skills and progress in your career.

 

If you are keen to be a valued team member of a successful company, please submit your application and CV online or email your CV and Cover Letter to jobs@maclab.co.nz with “Aquaculture Yard” as a reference in the subject line.

Find the job description on the link: https://www.maclab.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Maclab-Aquaculture-Yard-Supervisor-PD-15.12.25.pdf

Applications close on 28th January.

Factory Work

Location: Nelson / Tasman

Job Type: Full Time

Duration: Permanent

Division: Factory

MacLab leads the way in the nutraceutical market. We use sustainable practices to farm mussels in the top of the South for processing into high value products at our modern factory in Tahunanui. Our culture provides a great place to work where our people are valued, work is enjoyable and rewarding. As we ramp up our operations, we are seeking enthusiastic people to join our team in our Nelson factory.

We’re Looking for People Who Are:

  • Keen to learn new skills;
  • Have a good level of physical fitness;
  • Reliable with good work ethics;
  • Team players with a positive attitude;
  • NZ resident or have a valid NZ work visa;

 

We operate 24/7 with 3 shifts per day and offer flexibility around days and hours worked. Both permanent / fixed term and full-time / part-time positions are available.

Why Work for Us?

  • Attractive remuneration;
  • Great working conditions with a focus on health and safety;
  • Excellent on-going training provided;
  • Variety of work within a friendly team;
  • Excellent career opportunity.

 

If you are keen to be a valued team member of a successful company, please submit your application online or email to jobs@maclab.co.nz with Factory Work as a reference.