Bay Packers, located in Mount Maunganui, is a Māori-owned fisheries business that has set its sights on the future, new Chairman Chris Karamea Insley, says.

The business, owned by iwi and Moana NZ, offers specialised fish processing capabilities and is strategically positioned in Mount Maunganui to connect with industry domestically, as well as internationally via the deep-water port and Tauranga airport.

Bay Packers has spent the past two months installing a world-class management team, led by the new General Manager, Joe Kouwenhouven, who brings more than 30 years of international fisheries experience and extensive international connections.

Kitted out with all the necessary IT platforms and systems, significant work has gone into streamlining management systems with a strong focus on building a workplace culture that nurtures the health and wellbeing of all staff and personnel.

These organisational changes have been a vital component of positioning Bay Packers to succeed in a post-COVID global trading environment.

The Governance Board also has a new look, with industry leaders bringing invaluable knowledge, connections, and commercial acumen, supported by a seasoned Chief Financial Officer who is tracking the performance of every aspect of the business.

Among the changes, Stan Urwin (Ngāti Ranginui) has made the decision to stand down from the Board as Chairman and Director.

“Stan has been a strong advocate and supporter of our Māori fisheries business and I know he sees a positive future for the business and all of the staff,” Mr Insley says.

“While the operating environment remains challenging, both domestically and internationally, the changes we have made at the governance and management levels position the business well for the future.”