WoAA scholarship winners announced
Two emerging leaders in New Zealand’s aquaculture sector, Kim Kubala and Isha Sharma, have been awarded Women in Aquaculture Aotearoa (WoAA) leadership scholarships sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand (AQNZ).
The scholarships are for It’s All About YOU, a leadership development programme delivered by AWDT (Agri-Women’s Development Trust).
The two‑day foundation programme is designed for women at the start, or in the early stages, of their leadership journey. It focuses on building self‑awareness, confidence, and strong leadership foundations that participants can apply in their workplaces and communities.
There were nearly 30 applications from women across New Zealand for the two scholarships. This strong level of interest highlights both the depth of talent in the sector and the demand for leadership development opportunities for women.
AQNZ congratulates Kim and Isha on their achievement and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make within their workplaces and across the aquaculture sector.
Supporting leadership development is an important part of building a strong, inclusive, and future‑focused aquaculture industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kim Kubala
Kim works as an Aquaculture Operations Specialist at MacLab. Her role involves coordinating mussel harvesting operations and working closely with contractors, yard staff, and the MacLab factory to ensure mussels are harvested and delivered at the right time, in the right quantity, and to the required quality standards.
Kim’s role is a mix of time on the water, checking mussel condition and spat, and time in the office planning operations and managing logistics.
She applied for the scholarship because she is passionate about continuing to grow within the aquaculture industry and developing her leadership skills.
“Being awarded this scholarship means a lot to me,” Kim says. “It’s an incredible opportunity to invest in my personal and professional development and build the confidence and skills to contribute even more to my workplace and the wider aquaculture community.”
Isha Sharma
As an Early Life Stage Supervisor, Isha oversees the growth of fish from the egg stage through to about 11 grams, witnessing each stage of metamorphosis with great care.
She sees these fish as her ‘babies’—each one requiring detailed monitoring of temperature, oxygen levels, and the right environmental conditions to ensure their healthy development.
Her role blends scientific precision with genuine dedication.
Although she works closely with fish every day, Isha also has constant interaction with people—sharing ideas, guiding teams, and managing various challenges.
She says the scholarship programme will help her develop her skills further, and she views it as a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Kim Kubala - Aquaculture Operations Specialist at MacLab
Isha Sharma - Early Life Stage Supervisor at New Zealand King Salmon