Mikayla Bennett
Environmental Manager - Mt Cook Alpine Salmon
Driven by curiosity and connection
A naturally inquisitive nature and a strong thirst for learning have shaped Mikayla Bennett’s career from the outset.
With a mind that instinctively looks for connections between systems, people and the environment, Mikayla has built a career in aquaculture by saying yes to new challenges and following where her curiosity leads.
Growing up in Ashburton, Mikayla was drawn to marine science early on. She moved to Tauranga to study marine biology, completing a Diploma in Marine Science through Bay of Plenty Polytechnic before transferring to Waikato University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science.
“The polytechnic programme was very hands‑on, which really suited me,” she says. “There was lots of practical work, including dive certifications, and it helped turn theory into real‑world understanding.”
After finishing her studies in 2015 and completing a summer research role with Christchurch City Council, Mikayla headed south to Twizel to work for Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. Her first role was as an Aquaculture Farmer.
“At the time I was torn between shellfish and finfish,” she says. “I thought I’d give salmon a year on the farm and see how it went. I figured I could always go back to study later.”
That year quickly turned into a career. Mikayla became involved across multiple parts of the operation — feeding smolt, helping on different farms, working in the hatchery — and found herself constantly learning.
“I just kept getting pulled into new areas,” she says. “There was always something else to understand.”
Her willingness to take on responsibility saw her appointed Hatchery Manager at just 24. With no formal leadership training, she learned quickly on the job.
“It was very much, ‘we need someone, you’re responsible,’” she says. “But I’ve always been up for a challenge.”
As her understanding deepened, Mikayla became increasingly interested in how production and environmental science intersected. She stepped into a broad role covering environmental monitoring, compliance, production analysis, feed models and growth data.
“I’ve always been a systems person,” she says. “How the environment affects feeding, and how feeding affects the environment — my head naturally works that way. I like the big picture, but I also like being in the detail.”
Today, Mikayla is Environmental Manager for Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, leading a team of aquaculture scientists based in Twizel. Her work varies by season and can include field sampling, data analysis, consents, compliance and sustainability planning and management
She has also seen significant change for women in aquaculture.
“When I first started, I was the only woman on the farm,” she says. “Now women are everywhere. The career path is much more open, and I see a lot of women taking initiative.”
Looking ahead, Mikayla is excited by how much potential the industry still holds. “No matter what direction we take, I’m always learning,” she says. “There’s always new information coming in. It’s really interesting, and I love it.”
For Mikayla, that constant learning — and the challenge of balancing environmental care with production — is what keeps her motivated.
“When I first started, I was the only woman on the farm. Now women are everywhere. The career path is much more open, and I see a lot of women taking initiative.”