The last three years have been no easier for New Zealand Native Fisheries than they have been for any other oyster farming company, but the Rangaunu Harbour farm owned and operated by Scotty Murray and his family has another problem - thieves.
Mr Murray, who established the farm 17 years ago, said the stealing had started almost as soon as the first oysters were big enough to eat, but the problem had escalated over the last few years. And he had had enough.
"This has got to stop," he said last week.
"I've had a gutsful. I've never worried too much about the odd bucket of oysters going, but this is getting ridiculous. When they start stealing your gear and smashing things - stuff them. I won't be turning a blind eye any more. It's over. Anyone who wants to steal from us now should know that they will be seen. They're going to have to be very careful.
"Obviously some people see us as an easy target, but we won't be any more. We're going to have to keep this place under surveillance. We just can't afford to let this go on."