Okains Bay
Past
Donne, Leanne, Beth and Greg Summerton — 1967
Our Founder
Okains Bay Seafood was founded by Greg Summerton based on the principles of sustainability, longevity, and innovation with a vision to maximise Māori fishery assets through inter-generational and sustainable growth.
Throughout his 35 years of experience operating as a deep-sea Captain, Greg has developed a deep knowledge and appreciation for the cultural, commercial, environmental and social imperatives of the New Zealand seafood industry.
Greg is also a Director on the board of Moana New Zealand and previously was a Director of Ngāi Tahu Seafood
Ocean voyaging is deeply entrenched in Greg’s DNA. Over a period of 3,000 years his ancestors courageously sailed double-hulled canoes throughout Polynesia, spreading west throughout the islands, finally settling in New Zealand around 1300AD.
Greg’s Māori ancestry can be traced all the way back to these courageous ocean voyagers.
The Great Migration
Whakapapa
Greg’s whakapapa traces back to Rākaihautū, Waitaha, and Ngāti Māmoe tribes. His Ngāi Tahu connection is also one of great importance to him and his whānau, and is evident in the potting techniques employed by Greg to this day.
Through the knowledge and tradition of his ancestors and those that have come before him, Greg is proud to continue the discipline of potting. This allows for the ethical harvest of fish from our waters while delivering a product of the highest quality.
Whakapapa translates from the Māori language as “to whom I belong and where I belong”.
Rākaihautū arrived in what is thought to be the first Māori canoe to land in New Zealand, and founded the Waitaha tribe. Hotumamoe founded the Ngāti Māmoe tribe. Paikea is said to have arrived on a whale.
All three tribal strands combine to make up Ngai Tahu – the principal tribe in the South Island of New Zealand
Whakapapa translates from the Māori language as “to whom I belong and where I belong”.
Rākaihautū arrived in what is thought to be the first Māori canoe to land in New Zealand, and founded the Waitaha tribe. Hotumamoe founded the Ngāti Māmoe tribe. Paikea is said to have arrived on a whale.
All three tribal strands combine to make up Ngai Tahu – the principal tribe in the South Island of New Zealand
As well as his company name, Okains Bay is also Greg’s spiritual home. Becoming cemented into Greg’s ancestry, when in 1840 European fisherman John Fleurty arrived in New Zealand, settled in Okains Bay, and married Merehaa. Okains Bay is situated 15km from Akaroa in Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, New Zealand
Greg's mother Rosalie Summerton, and brother Brent Summerton – 1967
Greg's father Sven Summerton, and brother Brent Summerton aboard the San Giovanni – 1989
One man and a dinghy
Greg started Okains Bay Seafood Company in a humble dinghy. Over the last three decades the boats have become larger and the technology more sophisticated. One thing has remained consistent – an unwavering dedication to catching a quality product using sustainable, ethical methods that respect the environment.
The company has since grown into a global market leader in sustainable, ethical fishing.