Thriving on the water at Big Glory Bay
Originally from Dunedin, Debra Murphy’s working life began far from the water. At just 15, she started an apprenticeship sewing leather for Doc Martens, before moving into a highly specialised role making wigs for people with alopecia — mainly for children, so they could return to school with confidence.
She spent 29 years in the industry, until the business was sold and she thought it was time to move on.
At the same time, Debra’s husband — a builder — was also looking for a change. At her encouragement, he applied for a role on the harvest at Sanfords’ Big Glory Bay near Stewart Island, where King salmon are ocean-farmed.
“He’d never been on a fish farm before, but he loved it,” Debra says.
It wasn’t long before Debra followed, also starting out in harvest. “We both did the same shift at the start, although he was the harvest supervisor.”
Three years on, Debra can’t imagine doing anything else. She brings energy, adaptability, and a genuine love of outdoor work to one of New Zealand’s most unique farming environments.
She quickly proved she was “not a person to sit still.” From harvest, she moved into farm work, then net cleaning — learning to operate automated cleaning machines, in-pen cleaning equipment, cranes, and feed delivery systems.
“I like to learn. That’s my thing.”
Debra also gained her Rule 35 licence so she could drive boats, steadily building the skills and confidence that led her into a leadership role.
Now a shift supervisor herself, Debra oversees a rotating seven-on, seven-off roster. Her days start at 7am, coordinating harvest, feeding, transfers, grading, maintenance, and barge logistics. With four diesel-powered barges operating in the bay, organisation is critical.
“It depends on what’s happening on the farm — no two days are the same. You have to be prepared, think on your feet, and be aware on the water.”
The work is physically demanding, something Debra embraces, and she’s realistic about the conditions too.
“You have to be really fit and strong. I’ve kept fit all my life — doing karate and wrestling — and you need that out there.”
“You have to be hardy as you’re outside in the rain and wind. But I absolutely love it — I could never go back to an inside job.”
She says life on the barge has its own rewards: “It’s just you and your colleagues. People you work with become your best friends.”
For Debra, aquaculture is more than a job. It’s a challenge she meets head-on — and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“No two days are the same. You have to be prepared, think on your feet, and be aware on the water.”