AuSAE - A Large changing of the guard for Marine Farming Association

A Large changing of the guard for Marine Farming Association

21 Sep 2016 2:52 PM | Deleted user

After 16 years as president of the Marine Farming Association, industry pioneer Rob Pooley has stepped down.

Replacing Nelson-based Mr Pooley is 38 year-old Jonathan Large, a second-generation mussel grower from Marlborough.

Pooley has also been made a life member of the top of the south Marine Farming Association and will remain on the MFA executive.

Pooley started as a marine farmer 40 years ago, encouraged by government and local authorities to get the industry started in the Marlborough Sounds.

"We'd fly up to Wellington on noisy old Bristol Freighters to talk to Government and fly back late at night before driving back to the Sounds," he told the MFA annual general meeting in Blenheim last week.

As owner of Marine Farming Solutions Pooley has enjoyed a lifelong association with the seafood industry - particularly with the lobster and New Zealand Greenshell Mussel industries.

While based in Nelson these days Pooley lived at Elaine Bay in Pelorus Sound for many years where he based his company.

He first served on the Marine Farming Association executive in the mid-1980s and returned as President in 2000.

Reflecting on his time at the top, Pooley was quick to praise the 'many palms on my back' that have supported him and held a positive outlook for the future.

"Our industry has come a long way and still has a huge potential. It's time for some next generation leadership to ensure marine farming can continue to deliver for the top of the south and for New Zealand," he said.

Aquaculture NZ chairman Bruce Hearn said Pooley 'had made a major contribution to this industry', while MFA executive member Bob Nicolle praised him for his passionate advocacy for marine farming.

Large said Mr Pooley had given him his start in the industry and left big shoes to fill and was pleased the retiring president will continue to provide support as a member of the MFA executive.

Mr Pooley has also been recently recognised by the New Zealand oyster industry and was a finalist in the inaugural Seafood Stars awards which were announced this week..

He was also full of praise for the incoming president who was elected unopposed by his peers.

"To be fair there were no surprises and he is a very fitting replacement," Pooley said.

Going forward, Poley said the key issues for the industry were security of tenure for marine farmers as well as maintaining good relationships with local councils.

"As pioneers we were invited to set up an industry and we were encouraged by government both local and regional," he said.

"We did that and we did a pretty good job and we now find ourselves under siege a little."

This article was originally sourced from Stuff and was written by Time O'Connell.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia