Aquaculture Collaboration A First At NZ Ag Show In Christchurch

Aquaculture farming is set to make a splash at this year's NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch, 15–17 November. For the first time in its 160-year history, The Show will feature a dedicated Aquaculture Tent, showcasing the finest ocean farmers from New Zealand.

Show stalwart Akaroa Salmon, who has showcased its locally grown King Salmon from Banks Peninsula for many years, has joined forces with Aquaculture New Zealand and two other industry leaders, Mills Bay Mussels, and Marlborough Oysters, to create a dedicated space that will allow visitors to savour a range of New Zealand’s finest seafood.

The inclusion of an Aquaculture Tent adds a new flavour to The Show.

Nik Mavromatis, Marketing Manager for Akaroa Salmon, says the exciting addition aligns with the growing importance of aquaculture in New Zealand's agricultural landscape and its contribution to the country's culinary excellence.

Highlights of the Aquaculture Tent at the NZ Agricultural Show 2023:

Akaroa Salmon: Known for its premium quality King Salmon, Akaroa Salmon will be at the heart of the Aquaculture Tent. Akaroa Salmon has partnered with popular local food truck Fishy Fishy to bring their famous King Salmon Tacos and Smoked Salmon Poke Bowls made with Canterbury Quinoa.

Mills Bay Mussels: Renowned for their plump, flavourful mussels, Mills Bay Mussels will be a delectable addition to the tent. Visitors can indulge in these succulent delicacies, experiencing the distinct flavours of New Zealand's coastal waters.

Marlborough Oysters: The revered Marlborough Oysters will provide a true taste of the sea with their briny, delicate oysters. Freshly shucked, these oysters are a must try for Show week visitors.

Visitors to the Aquaculture Tent will not only have the opportunity to savour these oceanic delights but also gain insights into sustainable aquaculture practices. The team from Aquaculture NZ will be there as well, showing how NZ aquaculture farmers are committed to preserving the marine ecosystem while providing exceptional seafood to New Zealand and the world. YoungFish, a new initiative supporting young people into the seafood industry will also be on site.

“Last year’s Show Day was a record for us with visitors of all ages keen to taste our salmon,” Mavromatis, says.

“But we felt that our ocean farmers were missing in the broader narrative around NZ farming. So, I made a couple of phone calls to ask some of our favourite producers to join us, and it all quickly came together. For us, it’s only a 500-metre trip from our factory in Wigram but I’m really thrilled to have Mills Bay Mussels and Marlborough Oysters committing to make it down here. Aquaculture NZ has also come on board to showcase the industry as a whole and we will all be together in one tent.

The NZ Ag Show team have been really supportive, and I think it shows the diversity of the farming that we have here in New Zealand - so it’s a pleasure to bring it out for Kiwis to taste. I’m also paral to a freshly shucked oyster so be great to have them next to where I’ll be standing ”, says Mavromatis.

“We’re proud farmers too, only our farms are in the beautiful waters around New Zealand. Our products are delicious and nutritious, so we can’t wait to share our story directly with Cantabs and the many out of towners visiting The Show”, said Gary Hooper, CEO of Aquaculture NZ.

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