Page 52 - 2020-ETEC-eBook

OPOTIKI PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Ōpōtiki’s Primary Industries

AGRICULTURE
The mild climate and high sunshine hours gives Ōpōtiki it’s own micro climate and the
area is well suited to a wide variety of farming. Dairying has been the stand-out for the
last 50years. Dry stock farming, beef and now days to a lesser extent sheep and deer also
contribute to the area’s economy.
AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture offers huge potential for the economy of the Ōpōtiki District. The local
Ōpōtiki tribe Whakatōhea has always had a relationship with the sea and has been a
driving force behind the development of “Open Ocean Mussels” which is a consortium
of Whakatōhea and local Ōpōtiki investors. Exciting times last year when a small initial
harvest was made of Green Lipped Mussels. These proved to be of excellent quality.
Moving on to this year a much larger crop is at present being harvested yielding a top
quality mussel. The development of the farm is ongoing with only 130 hectares of the
3,800 hectares being utilized at present. Although Mussels are on top of the present
agenda, the license held covers a variety of other seafoods which will systematically be
investigated. The future of the Ōpōtiki District Councils Harbour Development project,
is a vital ingredient in the development of the Mussel Farm. This would allow associated
processing of the shellfish to be based in Ōpōtiki. The Aquaculture venture and the
associated Harbour undertaking has had great support both at local and regional level and
is fundamental to the future well being of the Ōpōtiki District.

Open Ocean’s Mussel boat the Northern Quest at work off the coast.
FORESTRY
There is large tracts of land planted in exotic forest, mainly pine in the Ōpōtiki District.
Harvesting and replanting has been ongoing for some years. Many logging trucks may be
encountered heading for the ports.
HORTICULTURE
Horticulture is well established here as a
major industry, particularly Kiwifruit. With
ever increasing plantings over 14 million
trays are expected. The fruit growing
industry is serviced by three packhouse
coolstore complexes. With constant
expansion, full time employment figures
have lifted markedly in recent years and
balloon out to 1200 plus during harvesting
and packing. Some avocados blocks are
spread around the district with smaller
plantings of tamarillos, passionfruit,feijoas
and some nuts with some lifestyle blocks
52 growing a wide range of produce. Kiwifruit packing line – Photo by Brian Young