This week we reached an important milestone for our Bay Packers business – the recruitment of a General Manager with decades of experience within the seafood industry.

Te Arawa Fisheries Partner, Joe Kouwenhoven officially took the reins at Bay Packers today with a focus on supporting its future growth, leading it into a strategic position with flow-on benefits for Te Arawa Fisheries Group.

Te Arawa Fisheries Chief Executive, Chris Karamea Insley says the appointment of a seasoned operator like Mr Kouwenhoven enables the business to expand and thrive in the export area.

“We’ve long seen the value in our Bay Packers asset and now, with an experienced and dedicated general manager, we’ll be able to enhance our industry connections and tap into new markets.”

“Working alongside Te Arawa Fisheries’ Operations Manager, Anthony Palmer, the duo have extensive domestic and international credentials. This will enable us to transform Bay Packers from solely being a fish processing business, open doors to supply chains, and ultimately create wealth for our people and employment opportunities.”

Meet Joe Kouwenhoven

Kia ora koutou, 

I’ve been involved in the seafood industry since I was six years old and, in a sense I have now returned ‘home’ to Bay Packers. 

In the late 80’s I worked at the Mount Fish Markets, next door to the Bay Packers site, and spent many hours at Bay Packers talking ‘shop’ with the previous owners, gaining invaluable insight into the organisation and industry.

A decade later, I opened my own seafood factory in early 2000 where I smoked fish and processed mussels right up until the factory’s sale in November 2019. Since then I have worked with other suppliers to process product, and have expanded my business in China, Southeast Asia, Norway, and the USA. 

Thirty years after I was last working in the Mount, I’m happy to be back, leading this innovative seafood business, and working with an exceptional group of individuals in this proud 100% Māori owned business.   

I look forward to updating you as our mahi progresses. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

Joe Kouwenhoven.