Our legacy spans decades, from pioneering mussel harvesting in the 80s, to the crayfish boom of the 60s, and even further back to the pre-European era of Māori settlement in Te Waipounamu. 

Our guiding principle is one of stewardship. The core of our mission revolves around the responsible care of our precious marine resources. This commitment permeates every aspect of our organisation, influencing our people, processes, and our vision for the future.

Operating out of the beautiful Pelorus Sounds in the top of the South Island, our team prides ourselves on our sustainable marine farming practices to ensure we protect our resources for now and for the future generations to come. We’re proud of this and our mission to create a culture of family values. 

Our team operate on a four day on and four day off working rotation, however this is no ordinary 9-5 job, when our mussel vessels are at sea it is all hands-on deck and the days can be long. We actively encourage that the team make the most of their 4 days off with their families, so they come back to work rested and ready.

“It is important to acknowledge that for every person that comes to work, there usually is a whole family waiting at home for them. So the family unit in a sense becomes part of the team. You don’t just have three or four guys on your boat, you’ve actually got a whole team in behind them too.“ – Simon Pooley

Nestled within the pristine waters of Elaine Bay, at the heart of Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere, lies Waimana Marine. This isn't just a company—it's a legacy, steeped in the rich history of New Zealand's South Island.
Drawing its name “Waimana” one of Grandfather Bill Pooley’s vessels, Waimana Marine stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Pooley family.
For over four decades, the Pooley family have cultivated a tradition of excellence that began with Simon's father, Rob, who ventured from North Canterbury to establish a humble, hands-on mussel farming endeavor in the early '80s.
Simon, a child of four when this journey began, was joined by his younger brother Jeremy at the age of two. Today, four decades later, Simon has taken the helm of this maritime legacy. Initially a meticulous family owned crop farming business alongside Father Rob Pooley, under Simon's stewardship, Waimana Marine is now a multifaceted operation. Diversifying their pursuits, they now operate as a third servicing, a third contract harvesting, and a third spat production entity, each area led with innovation and dedication.
With an annual harvest of approximately 4000 tons, and steadily expanding, Waimana Marine is sowing the seeds for the future. Yet our true harvest isn't just in mussels—it's in our people. They are the heart of Waimana Marine, nurturing aspirations alongside our growing business.
Waimana Marine embodies a story of tireless dedication to excellence, and the courage to forge new paths. Acknowledging our history, family, our people, and the sea that sustains us.

Join us on this journey, where tradition meets innovation and the legacy of the Pooley family.

A career with Waimana Marine will take you places. Our home base is in Elaine Bay, but this role will see you travel across the top of the South from Picton to Golden Bay. We are recruiting deckhands for our crew and encourage you to get in touch with us. 

Working at sea, in a physically challenging role is extremely rewarding but hard work. We are a family-owned organisation. You can work less than half the year for a full income with a 4 on 4 off schedule, offering an ideal work-life balance.

Simon Pooley

Director

Alistair Simmons

Operations Manager