About us
Established in 1964, New Zealand Eel Processing Co. was acquired by Southfish Limited in 2002. Our journey has been one of growth and dedication to providing the best eel products from New Zealand’s pristine environment.
Vision, Mission, Values
Our vision is to be the leading provider of high-quality eel products, driven by a commitment to sustainability, quality, and excellence.
Our mission is to deliver the finest eel products while preserving the natural habitats and supporting the communities involved in our operations.
The name “Waituna” holds deep significance for us, reflecting New Zealand’s rich heritage and the connection between our natural environment and culture.
Derived from the Māori words “wai,” meaning stream, creek, or river, and “tuna,” referring to various species of eel, Waituna embodies the essence of our land and traditions. This name not only highlights our respect for the natural world but also symbolises the pride we take in our products and our commitment to honouring our multicultural heritage.
It serves as a powerful representation of our brand’s values and the pride we have in our culture.
The origin of “Waituna”
Wai
Noun - stream, creek, river.
Tuna
Noun - eel of various species, including the longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and shortfin eel (Anguilla australis).
Our People
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who are passionate about what they do. From our experienced management team to our skilled operational staff, every member of our team plays a crucial role in our success.
Facilities
Our state-of-the-art facilities in Te Kauwhata and Lakeside ensure the highest standards of processing and quality control, enabling us to deliver exceptional products to our customers worldwide.
Global Logistics
New Zealand Eel operates a seamless global logistics network, ensuring that our products reach markets around the world in optimal condition. From the pristine waters of New Zealand to your table, our logistics process is designed for efficiency and reliability.
Thank you for considering New Zealand Eel as your trusted source for premium eel products. Our commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that you receive the best from the pristine waters of New Zealand.
Our History
New Zealand Eel Processing Co. Limited (NZ Eel) has a rich history that dates back to 1964 when it was founded by the Tecklenburg Family in the Waikato province. Initially focused on the Wild Eel Fishery in the North Island, NZ Eel has grown significantly over the years. In the early 2000s, the introduction of the Quota Management System in the Freshwater Eel Industry allowed the company to secure proprietary rights to the fishery. By actively acquiring Shortfin and Longfin Quota Shares, NZ Eel became the largest individual quota owner in the North Island.
In 2020, NZ Eel expanded further by acquiring Levin Eel Trading's assets, strengthening its position in the eel industry. This growth continued in 2022 with the acquisition of Mossburn Enterprises Limited's assets, including significant South Island Quota Shares and a processing premise at Lakeside, Canterbury. Today, as a fully owned subsidiary of Southfish Limited, NZ Eel prides itself on being New Zealand’s largest integrated exporter of sustainably caught freshwater eels, operating nationwide with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
