Marlborough / Kaikōura
Travel east from the epicentre of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry to the cray and pāua fisheries of Kaikōura. We are currently searching for Navigators to help out in this region. If you’re interested to learn more about the role, please contact us using the form below.
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Local Navigators
Mike Holland
Marlborough - Te Tauihi-o-te-waka
I live in Renwick, Marlborough and work from Havelock South. I have worked in marine farming for more than 35 years.
I was brought up on a farm in South Otago and left school at 14 to learn the trade of shearing sheep. In 1988 I decided to let go of my farming dreams and start my mussel industry career as a deck hand on a mussel boat based out of Havelock. A year later I sat my Skipper’s Ticket and ended up skippering a mussel harvester through to 2007 when I was offered a job ashore as operations manager at Clearwater Mussels - a role I’m passionate about to this day. I wear a lot of different hats to support 12 vessels and 80 staff.
In 2011 I was named Marine Farmer of the Year by the Marine Farming Association (MFA) - a tremendous honour for me and my family. I continue to be actively involved in several industry associations and bodies, acting as a voice for the marine farming industry.
I am fully aware of aquaculture’s significant contribution to regional economic growth and to the seafood sector as a whole. And I am also no stranger to the challenges and hardships people in the industry may face.
I know firsthand how things can easily tip over and become overwhelming, and that’s when people might need a bit of help to cope. I look forward to giving something back to the industry I’m so proud to be a part of. FirstMate navigators are here to enable a mental well-being check-in and to provide some comfort to help you deal with whatever might be troubling you.
Hailey McCauley
Marlborough - Havelock - Te Tauihi-o-te-waka
I split my time between two homes: one in Renwick and the other in the scenic outer Pelorus Sound. My hometown of Havelock, where I grew up and currently work, serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Pelorus Sound.
Growing up, my father worked as a deckhand and skipper in both the mussel and fishing industries. I was regularly out on the water with him, and later, my husband also worked in the mussel industry while our children were young.
Currently, I work as the vessel repairs and maintenance planner for Sanford fleet 6, overseeing 12 vessels in Havelock and Golden Bay. I'm also fulfilling my dream of becoming a skipper myself, working towards my SRL and gaining sea time on the crop sourcing vessels.
Through my experiences in both work and home life, I understand the challenges of the industry and recognise the different ways in which we all cope with them. Sometimes, all it takes is a listening ear and understanding.
I'm proud to be volunteering as a FirstMate Navigator. I'm here to offer support and a friendly ear on the other line to anyone in need. Feel free to reach out anytime - I'm here to help!
Call 0800 ADRIFT for support any day between 7am and 10pm or email info@firstmate.org.nz to access the support you need. We also have a growing library of free resources available for you to access on our website.
