HAVELOCK MUSSEL FARMING & PROCESSING

LARGE PRISTINE DEEPWATER SOUNDS, WITH A CONSTANT TIDAL FLOW OF WATER PROVIDE IDEAL GROWING CONDITIONS FOR GREENSHELL MUSSELS.

Our largest area of farms are located in and around the beautiful Pelorus Sound in the Marlborough Sounds.

As one of the largest integrated farming, harvesting and processing operations, we operate an extensive range of vessels to seed, reseed, maintain and harvest our Greenshell Mussel farms. Computer monitoring of rainfall and regular water testing ensure only the highest quality mussels are processed here.

The plant has the capacity to run two nine hour shifts per day for 11 months of the year. The plant incorporates the latest half shell processing technology, which includes automated opening technology patented by Sanford. The plant processes between 14,000 and 18,500 mt per year, the majority of which is produced as frozen half shell destined for export.

skills at 11:15am.

A demonstration of whole fish filleting and sashimi with NZ King Salmon will be showcased at 12:20am prior to renowned celebrity chef Simon Gault entertaining the public at 12:30pm. In addition to judging the Chef Cooking Competitions, Simon will also be hosting private cooking classes.

Other exciting new initiatives include an R18 VIP area, with complimentary seafood lunch, private bar, shade and seating. Near the main stage, the GoMedia Mussel Opening Competition takes place at 11:15.

Always a crowd favourite, it is a fantastic opportunity to witness some of the industry’s guns at work vying for the championship title, before the Guinness World Record attempt kicks off at 2pm.

Over forty artisan food, beverage and craft stalls will be on hand to provide food and www.aimex.co.nz refreshments, and plenty of shade and shelter will be provided to ensure the event can take place regardless of the weather.

Based in Port Nelson, Aimex Service Group has a wide range of specialist machinery, 1300 square meters of workshop space and exploys over 100 staff and additional contractors.

Proud to support the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival We've got you covered!

“The local school will open up their field for self-contained campers who wish to stay overnight and there are two campgrounds available withing ten minutes of the venue. For those who can’t stay, buses are available from Blenheim, Picton and Nelson to take visitors to and from the festival.”

“For those wanting to make the most of the occasion there is an amazing Twilight Seafood Cruise available on the Friday evening, and the opportunity to unwind from the previous days festival events on the Sunday, during a Bird Watching Cruise into the Marlborough Sounds with E-Ko Tours.”

The Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival has donated over $300,000 to the local community over the years and look forward to doing so again this year.

“We want to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, some of whom have been on board since the beginning. Their support has been essential to the success of the festival, and we are grateful for their continued support. It is the same with the stallholders. The festival is a big day on the calendar for them, and we want to thank them for their ongoing support.”

Green Initative

We are excited to announce that we are introducing reusable cups at our festival and are able to offer these souvenir cups to you for a small donation of $2 thanks to sponsors First Mate. All proceeds from the reusable cup donation will go towards supporting the flood response efforts following the recent Cyclone Gabrielle. We hope that you will join us in our efforts to make a positive impact on the environment while supporting a good cause.

ARE YOU KEEN TO ATTEND THE FESTIVAL FOR FREE?!

Come and volunteer with us!

Any age + ability welcome (U16 must have a parent supervisor). All volunteers will receive a briefing/training AND receive free entry into the festival, morning and afternoon shifts available.

We have opportunities for groups who would like to fundraise as well, for groups of 10 or more.

If this sounds like you, then message us or email

We have volunteer shifts available: · Box Office · Entry · Reusable Cup Station P.S Must have a can-do attitude and winning smile

Left Branch Cider

PROUD