Summer Norgate
“Because it’s fairly new compared to other primary sectors, there’s so much room for innovation, creativity, and learning new skills – and people in the industry have really supported me with that.”
Analyst for Ministry of Primary Industries Bachelor of Science, University of Otago
Master of Science (Research) with first class honours, University of Waikato
Over six years, Summer Norgate has built an impressive career in aquaculture—one that began with what she calls the “coolest paper” she took at university.
“I really had no idea what I wanted to do when I was studying sciences,” she says. “I majored in ecology and minored in marine science, and along the way I did a paper in aquaculture, which I really liked.”
It was two years after completing her bachelor’s degree that Summer landed her first aquaculture role, joining the Cawthron Institute as an Oyster Technician.
“I didn’t know anything about growing oysters in a hatchery, so it was a solid year of learning from very knowledgeable people at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park in Nelson.”
Eager to move into research, Summer joined the Te Huata Mussels research programme, part of developing a commercial mussel spat hatchery in Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty. During her three years with Te Huata, she also completed her Master of Science degree.
Having worked in both commercial and research environments, Summer still wanted to broaden her understanding of the sector, so she moved to the Ministry for Primary Industries, joining the regulatory team.
“I process applications for land-based fish-farm licences and for marine farm applications, we assess how a new farm might affect commercial, customary and recreational fishing sectors.”
Summer loves the diversity of aquaculture and the people who work within it.
“Because it’s fairly new compared to other primary sectors, there’s so much room for innovation, creativity, and learning new skills – and people in the industry have really supported me with that.”
She encourages anyone curious about the sector to explore its many pathways.
“I know that whatever path I take; research, commercial, or regulatory, my cup will be full—there is so much to learn—and no part of the industry is out of bounds if you want to go there.”
“When you simultaneously care about the environment and growing the economy, aquaculture is a cool industry to be involved in—I’m really proud to be part of it.”