In 2022, with aging infrastructure and expiring leases, it was an opportune time to review the operations of Aotearoa Fisheries Wellington sites; Ika at Lorne Street and Pāua Kahurangi at Hania Street. Port Nicholson Fisheries were also needing to relocate so it made sense to investigate moving to a single site.

Their partnership has led to the construction of a new purpose built 4,500m2 land-based aquaculture facility in the old Mitsubishi plant in Porirua where kaimoana (koura/crayfish, paua tuwa/live paua and ika/wetfish) will be sustainably harvested and freighted to customers all over the world (Asia, North America and Europe).

For the construction of the facility, Maycroft partnered with DGI Architecture to bring this exciting new development to the region. Given the time constraints of the project for stakeholders, efficient project management was crucial. The success of this venture hinged on having an experienced and well-organised team in place to navigate challenges and ensure timely completion.

The project was not without its design challenges. There were critical high-cost items that required careful consideration and planning, including refrigeration design, tank/sump watertightness design, and power upgrades. The facility is spread over two levels: the ground floor includes the warehouse, refrigeration, nine live tanks, dock way, entrance way, office spaces, staffrooms, changing rooms, bathrooms, storage, and cleaning facilities. Administration, meeting rooms, additional office spaces, and more bathrooms are located on the first floor.

It was a dynamic project with many aspects needing co-ordination to ensure its success. We were very pleased with the results and proud to be part of a broader plan of sustainable fisheries practice and ongoing partnership of both commercial and cultural significance.

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