Learner Success at Whakatōhea Mussels (Ōpōtiki) Limited
30 March 2026
Congratulations to Piripi Kahotea-Rangikotua (Half Shell & Meat Production Manager) and Wharengaro Tapara-Kurei (Quality Assurance Manager) at Open Ocean Whakatōhea Mussels, for completing the full Seafood Processing training and qualification pathway.
L-R: Piripi Kahotea-Rangikotua (Half Shell & Meat Production Manager), Wharengaro Tapara-Kurei (Quality Assurance Manager), and Daniel Edmonds (Primary ITO Seafood Sector Manager)
We’re incredibly proud of the amount of work and time they’ve both put into their achievements, which have been completed over several seasons. Training has taken place on the job and in the workplace with expert seafood trainer Sharon Larsen and Primary ITO.
Their qualifications include:
- National Certificate in Seafood Processing (Level 2)
- NZ Apprenticeship in Seafood Processing – Fish & Fish Products (Level 3 & 4)
- HACCP Requirements Micro-Credential – Food Processing (Level 5)
Primary ITO Seafood Sector Manager, Daniel Edmonds, visited the site in February and March 2026 to assist with the Level 5 assessments and said “It’s been great working with Whare and Piripi. These two are focused, put in the mahi, and push themselves to excel in the company.”
Amelia Austin, Operations & Site Manager at Open Ocean Whakatōhea Mussels said: “Piripi and Whare both have critical roles within our production processing operations. They are strong leaders within the Open Ocean Whakatōhea Mussels management team. We are extremely proud of their achievements.”