Careers
Work in paradise. Sustainably farm the world’s best seafood. Protect our waterways. Feed the future.
It takes a team of 3,000 to produce our Greenshell mussels, King salmon and Pacific oysters. We’re driving vessels, scuba diving around farms and nurturing our animals in some of the most stunning regions of our country – and there’s unlimited opportunities ahead.
The world can’t get enough of our sustainably farmed seafood, and to meet the demand the industry is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Help unlock this opportunity for New Zealand, in a range of permanent and seasonal roles, in areas such as boat crews, on-water animal husbandry, engineering yards, dive teams, hatcheries, research labs, and seafood processing facilities.
For more information about training and job opportunities across Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South), you can also visit the Marine Farming Association website.
Opportunity Grows Here also provides more information about the range of aquaculture positions available throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Explore Careers
Whether you are looking to join the aquaculture industry straight from secondary school or begin your career post-tertiary study, there are numerous opportunities available.
Click on the brochure to the left to meet some of our tertiary graduates and learn about their career journeys within our industry.
The brochure to the right shows you the wide range and diversity of roles available within this exciting and growing industry of farming world-class seafood.
For more information, please contact:
Kirsten Norfield (Aquaculture NZ - Workforce Implementation Lead):
Scholarships
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https://www.nmit.ac.nz/study/apply/fees-costs-and-financing/scholarships/
New Zealand King Salmon Aquaculture or Business Scholarship - applications close 4pm on 28 February 2025.
New Zealand King Salmon Aquaculture Scholarship - applications close 4pm on 28 February 2025.
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Open now for 2025 study. Applicants must prove they are of Māori descent and are enrolled in, and have been accepted into, a tertiary institution which offers Kaimoana enhancement programmes or studies.
Meet some of our graduates
Annie Fleming’s love of numbers has paved the way for a fulfilling career in the New Zealand aquaculture industry. Read more about her journey here.
“I really encourage people to focus on their strengths and passions, because pursuing what you love will ultimately lead to a rewarding career”
Daria Bell knew from a young age that she wanted a career that would benefit her region. Read more about her journey here.
“I chose aquaculture with the purpose of preserving kaimoana. My goal is to ensure that seafood remains accessible for future generations.”
Sean Pennells, Hatchery Technician at Sanford Ltd, switched from studying zoology to aquaculture after a university field trip to a salmon farm. Read more about his journey here.
“I had a huge environmental drive during my high school and university years that ultimately encouraged me into aquaculture - and now that I’m working in the industry, it really keeps me grounded.”
Emma Whiteman, Farm Technician at Moana, enrolled in a marine academy training programme during her final two years of school and this sparked her deep affection for the ocean, ultimately motivating her to pursue a Degree in Aquaculture. Read more about her journey here.
“I’ve always loved the ocean, and being able to explore this passion while at school helped me realise I wanted to turn it into a career.”
Our aquaculture workforce action plan
The success of our industry depends on its people. The ongoing critical labour shortages across aquaculture are affecting business continuity, productivity, and are a real barrier to future growth. In partnership with aquaculture businesses and Government, we have developed a strategy and workforce action plan. This plan sets out the priority actions we need to advance together to address our immediate workforce challenges and develop a skilled, qualified, and diverse workforce to support the sustainable growth of aquaculture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
