Andrew Selby - Q&A
Andrew Selby (left), with Don Collier and Callum McCallum
As managing director of OP Columbia, Andrew Selby oversees one of the industry’s largest processing operations.
Q)You originally studied valuation and property management - how did you come to work in the aquaculture industry?
A)I worked for 18 months in Auckland as a valuer after spending five years in the meat industry. I did a cadetship where I worked in every department right through the beef and lamb processing spectrum including working on the chain and in head office. The sales and exporting side of the business really appealed to me and I went on to work at L & B Taspac for seven years, focusing on the live lobster trade. I started with OPC in 2002 as Sales and Marketing manager and in 2008 became managing director.
Q)What does OPC stand for?
A) In the late ‘70s there were two fishing companies left in town. One was Ocean Products and they purchased Columbia Fisheries and became known as OP Columbia, or OPC for short. We started processing mussels in the early 80s and then shortly after I arrived in 2002, the quota species were sold off and we became 100 per cent focused on aquaculture. We recognised that Greenshell mussels are a sustainable, healthy product, that’re environmentally friendly, unique to New Zealand and have a huge future.
Q)What does the future look like for OPC?
A)We’re currently targeting 9-10,000 tonnes per season but we’re ambitious and have plans to grow our processing capacity. We have shareholdings with companies that own marine farms and we are actively buying developed and undeveloped water space with a view to increasing supply, and we’ve got land available to expand the factory as the extra volume comes on line.
Q) Do you have any plans to expand beyond the Coromandel region?
A) Our planning is focused on Coromandel because of the strong growth opportunities it offers the industry. We believe that here is where the industry’s head-room is. It is the country’s second largest marine farming region and its mussel production is expected to double over the next 20 years with new space and improved productivity. At present, Coromandel mussel farmers produce around 30,000 tonnes, roughly a third of the total industry’s production, from 1480 hectares of developed space. Production is forecast to reach 60,000 tonnes by 2035 as an additional 920 hectares of approved space in Wilson’s Bay and the Western Firth are developed. This will make the region’s mussel industry comparable in size to Marlborough’s and represents a tremendous sustainable growth opportunity for the industry and local community.
Q)What challenges need to be overcome to realise that growth for the region?
A)We will require significant infrastructure development to manage the increased production, with the current focus on wharfing. The existing Sugarloaf Wharf is already close to maximum capacity and requires a major upgrade to cope with the growing numbers of boats and trucks. The Coromandel Marine Farmers Association has been working with the local council for the past few years to develop a plan and funding model that works for all parties and progress is being made. In the meantime, it remains an impediment to growth. A reliable spat supply also needs to be secured to ensure that current and future needs are met. In recent years we’ve experienced spat shortages and we need to better understand the contributing factors that affect spat fall, invest in new hatchery capabilities and look for alternative collection sites to reduce reliance on the Ninety Mile Beach. A major issue of concern to our industry surrounds tenure and the uncertainty around consent renewals and a proposed coastal occupancy charge. To protect established farms and encourage new investment, industry needs a clear, enabling framework to bring regulatory certainty. I would like to see the Government take the lead role and pass down central policy so that we have consistency through the regions.
Q) How important is it to grow markets as well as production?
A) It’s vitally important. The more people consuming our products and recognising the benefits and attributes of Greenshell™ mussels the better for all. But moving forward, it is essential to maintain focus on value and profitability. There is no point in growing more product if it doesn’t increase our returns. In the coming decades, demand for aquaculture protein will grow and we, as an industry, need to be careful that we grow in balance with it. I’d like to see as much cooperation and collaboration around production and markets as possible so that everyone benefits.
Q) What benefits will the growth bring to the wider community?
A) Growth will be a boost for everyone. The downstream benefits are evident and there will be a massive width of benefits to the region and beyond. Aquaculture is already a significant industry embedded into the life blood of the local economy and community. Future growth will only create more jobs and support other local business. We’re very mindful of the part we play in the local community and with Iwi. OPC is the largest employer in Whitianga, with 180-190 employed at the peak of the season. We’re putting around $4 million in wages directly into the local community very year and we also make it a point to use as many local businesses and services as we can. The industry is hugely important for our town – as you can see it really benefits when we’re in production and it really feels it when we’re not.
Q) The public perceptions research conducted for the Ministry for Primary Industries showed that the Coromandel enjoyed the strongest level of support of all farming regions – why do you think that is?
A) Mainly I think it’s because aquaculture is such an important part of the community and it’s something that locals can be proud of. The industry is such a large employer in the region, there are many families that rely on aquaculture in one way or another. And each person working in the industry, sees first-hand how it works which naturally improves understanding and support.
