Talley's confirms closure of Westport fish processing factory

Thursday, 30 April 2026

Talley's has confirmed it will close its Westport fish processing factory, with 92 jobs affected.

Talley’s Seafood Limited chief executive Tony Hazlett said it was “consolidating” its Westport fish processing operations and all affected staff would be offered other jobs.

The last day for processing at the site would be May 15. It made the decision after formal consultation with staff.

Talley’s has been processing fish in Westport since the 1970s.

It has been a tough year for Buller as Westport’s only airline announced it would abandon the route in May without more Government funding.

Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) announced in March it was disestablishing 40 roles and putting its mine near Westport into “care and maintenance”, citing sustained weakness in global markets and ongoing uncertainty arising from events in the Middle East.

Hazlett said the Westport site would continue to operate for vessel unloads, weigh in, chiller, and logistics functions.

A spokesperson was unable to confirm how many jobs would remain in Westport, citing seasonality and demand fluctuations.

Hazlett said the decision followed a strategic review of Talley’s Seafood processing network aimed at productivity and efficiency improvements across its operations.

“These gains have been supported by ongoing investment in technology and innovation, ensuring Talley’s remains efficient and competitive. As a result, the company can process its full volume of fish through its two larger facilities located in Motueka and Timaru.”

Affected staff would be offered employment opportunities, including some for roles that will remain in Westport.

“The company is working closely with employees to support their transition, including opportunities across its Motueka, Blenheim, Canterbury, Timaru and Greymouth sites, as well as at sea on factory vessels,” he said.

Additional support would include CV assistance, job search and training opportunities, wellbeing services, and some assistance with relocation and accommodation where possible.

“Our Westport team have made a significant contribution to Talley’s Seafood over many years. This is a difficult decision, but it reflects how our business has evolved and how we need to operate into the future.”

Operations at Talley’s Seafood other fish processing sites were unaffected, he said.

“Talley’s Seafood remains a strong and stable business committed to New Zealand’s seafood industry and its people.”

Buller district mayor Chris Russell said it was difficult news for Westport and for the wider Buller District.

“My first thoughts are with the Talley’s staff and their families who are directly affected. These are local people, and the impact of a decision like this is felt well beyond the workplace,” he said.

“Talley’s has indicated that fish will continue to be received over the wharf, so there will still be activity connected to the port. However, the loss of local processing is significant for Westport and for the people connected to it.”

He said Buller had faced difficult economic changes before and he and the council would work, along with Government and industry, to support people, communities to ensure the long-term resilience of the district.

Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne said it was a tough outcome for Westport.

“While it’s positive that Talley’s is offering alternative roles, the loss of processing jobs locally will still be felt across the community. Our thoughts are with the workers and families affected.”

He said seafood processing contributed more than $9 million to the Buller economy but the impact went well beyond that, supporting local businesses, contractors and services.

“It also comes at a time when Buller is already dealing with a number of economic pressures, which makes this particularly challenging.”

However, he said opportunities were emerging and recent Stats NZ data showed the West Coast had the strongest employment growth in the country over the year to March, with around 380 new jobs, up 2.5%, compared to a national increase of just 0.3%.

“A big part of this growth has been in the minerals sector. We’re seeing a growing pipeline of activity, particularly around Reefton, where gold projects are creating new roles and attracting investment,” he said.

Promoting Buller Inc chairperson Jessie Creedmore said the community’s immediate priority was working together to support the workers, families and businesses impacted by Talley's closure.

“Looking ahead, no single industry will offset what we've lost with Westland Mineral Sands and Talley's. Buller's path forward is about diversification; which includes leveraging the conservation land that defines our district to grow nature-based jobs and tourism, while also building community resilience around the fundamentals like food and energy,” she said.