Will Evans
“It’s growing fast and there’s so much opportunity. Aquaculture feels like the future.”
Aquaculture Farm Supervisor Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Science, University of Otago
Growing up, Will was your typical Kiwi kid - rugby mad and never far from the ocean. If he wasn’t on the rugby field, he was out on the water in the Hauraki Gulf, fishing with his dad or surfing.
“Dad started taking me out on the boat from as early as I can remember, so I’ve always had a strong connection to the sea,” Will recalls, “As soon as I was old enough, I got my dive tickets.”
Towards the end of his schooling at Westlake Boys High School, it was Outdoor Marine Education that really stood out for Will. Classes were packed with hands-on experiences including sailing trips, dive training, and even earning a Day Skippers ticket.
“That class really sparked something in me,” he says. “I remember thinking, I want to do something in the marine space.”
Winning a Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship helped set things in motion, and once he came across the Marine Science programme in Dunedin, with its top-notch facilities, he knew that was where he wanted to be.
Will majored in Marine Science, finding himself more and more drawn towards aquaculture.
“I was just blown away by the concept of farming on water, how it works, how it’s evolving, and especially the sustainability side of it,” he says.
Will landed a summer internship with Clevedon Coast Oysters and after finishing his degree in November last year, he headed straight back to Clevedon.
No two days look the same for Will, which is one of the things he loves most about the job. The mix of hands-on farming and office work keeps things interesting.
“Some days I’m out on the water the whole time, other days I’m writing a report for council,” he says, “I love it because I get to be outside, close to the sea, doing physical work with a great team, and I also get to apply what I learned at university. It’s a win-win.”
For young people considering a career in aquaculture, Will’s advice is simple.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Will says, “It’s one of those industries you don’t really hear much about growing up but it’s growing fast and there’s so many opportunities. Aquaculture feels like the future.”