WoAA scholarship winners announced

Two emerging leaders in New Zealand’s aquaculture sector, Kim Kubala and Faamuli (Mu) Paongo, 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 Mu 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.”

Faamuli (Mu) Paongo

Mu currently works at Moana as a Process Worker. Through her work, Mu has developed a strong appreciation for teamwork, responsibility, and supporting others in a fast‑paced production environment.

She applied for the It’s All About YOU Leadership Programme scholarship because she wants to grow both personally and professionally. For her, leadership is about service, encouragement, and creating a positive environment where people can succeed.

“This programme is an opportunity to develop my leadership skills, build confidence, and learn how to become a better role model for my family, my colleagues, and my community,” Mu says.

Mu sees the leadership scholarship as an important step in her personal growth journey and an opportunity to bring valuable skills back to her workplace and community.

Kim Kubala - Aquaculture Operations Specialist at MacLab

Faamuli (Mu) Paongo - Process Worker at Moana