Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Open Day
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Open Day
A Look Behind the Scenes - Mikayla Wells (Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Environmental Manager)
There’s something truly meaningful about opening your doors and welcoming others in—not just to showcase what you do, but to share the passion behind it and the way it all comes together. On Saturday, 31st May, we had the joy of doing exactly that. Our Twizel site hosted a fully booked Open Day in collaboration with the Mackenzie Basin Catchment Collective—an environmental group led by local farmers who represent the diverse catchments across our district.
From the moment our guests arrived, there was a buzz of curiosity and enthusiasm. The day began with a series of presentations designed to shed light on the world of salmon farming. We explored the principles of sustainable aquaculture, shared insights into our environmental monitoring programs, and welcomed our feed partners from Skretting to deliver a deep dive into what goes into nourishing our salmon. The conversations that followed were thoughtful and engaging—proof that people are genuinely interested in where their food comes from and how it’s produced.
While the presentations were underway, our team was working hard preparing a spread of tasting platters and a BBQ that showcased the quality and flavour of our product. It was more than just lunch—it was a chance for guests to experience the results of our farming philosophy in the most delicious way possible.
After the meal, we headed down the road for a guided tour of our Ruataniwha farm. For many, this was the highlight of the day. Walking through the site, seeing the rafts up close, and learning about the daily operations gave our visitors a new appreciation for the complexity and care involved in salmon farming. It’s one thing to hear about what we do—it’s another to see it in action.
This Open Day wrapped up a busy stretch of community engagement for our team. In the lead up to our Open Day we hosted a couple of other groups with a keen interest in aquaculture and environmental sustainability. Across these visits, nearly 100 people had the opportunity to step onto our rafts, explore our facilities, and engage directly with our team. And engage they did. Between us, we fielded just about every question imaginable—about hatcheries, feed, fish health, sales, export markets and everything in between. These conversations were wide-ranging, insightful, and often surprising, reflecting a genuine desire to understand the full picture of what we do.
One theme that consistently emerged was the importance of environmental protection. Visitors wanted to know how we safeguard our waterways, how we monitor our impact, and what we’re doing to ensure the long-term health of the Mackenzie Basin. These are the kinds of questions we welcome. They reflect a shared value—and they give us the chance to show that our commitment to sustainability isn’t just talk. It’s backed by science, data, and a deep respect for the environment we operate in.
We know that aquaculture can be misunderstood. That’s why transparency matters. By opening our doors, we’re not just showcasing our operations—we’re building trust. We’re replacing assumptions with understanding and creating space for meaningful conversations.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Guests left with a deeper appreciation for the work we do and the care we take. And none of it would have been possible without the incredible effort of our team. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success. If you missed out this time, don’t worry—there will be more opportunities to visit in the future. Until then, thank you for being part of our journey.
