Nine To Noon Maegen Blom: Winning with mussels
Nov 19, 2025
Maegen Blom, Operations Manager at Mills Bay Mussels and a rising star in New Zealand aquaculture, shares her journey from a dairy farm to the world of mussel farming. She discusses the family's adventurous move to Marlborough Sounds and their decision to diversify into mussels. Maegen highlights her passion for food marketing, the creation of a tasting room, and her role in promoting the nutritional benefits of mussels. As a young leader, she emphasizes the importance of building networks like Young Fish to support peers in the industry.
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From Dairy Farm To Polaris Sound
- Maegen moved at 15 from a Southland dairy farm to a boat-access property in the Marlborough Sounds and embraced life on the water.
- The family shift exposed her to mussel farming and new adventures that shaped her career path.
Yearlong Family Backpacking OE
- Maegen and her family spent a year backpacking across Asia, the Americas, Canada and Europe when she was young.
- That OE strengthened family bonds and influenced their adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit.
Follow The Supply-Chain Passion
- Focus on the part of the supply chain that excites you; Maegen chose post-harvest sales, marketing and distribution.
- Study complementary skills like agribusiness and food marketing to add value to family operations.