ABOUT IZZANOVA

Background When Johs. H. Giaever AS in 2003 reported that the only remaining fishing farm on Rolvsøya would be abolished,  a group among resident on the island established IzzaNova. The goal was to create new jobs on the island, in the first instance related to hunting, fishing and nature-based adventures. Lead in Johs. H. Giaever as was contacted and contract for the purchase of parts the fishing farm was signed.

What is IzzaNova today? IzzaNova has since its launch in 2004 gradually expanded its business. Share capital is by date Norwegian kr 745 000. In Tufjord the company owns four houses and three land areas (Kirkeneset, Tapperhaugen and Starholmene). The old post office and shop facilities are completely renovated and recreated to the Breeze pub and dining place with a new kitchen which is also used for small scale food production. The company also owns a large land area in Stoppelfjord.

Johs. H. Giaever A/S sold, in 2006, the rest of the fishing farm to Fjordlaks A/S in Ålesund, which quickly built an entirely new and state of the art facility in Tufjord. Because of the large changes in Tufjord, IzzaNova decided to establish a bridgehead in Valfjorden where the company is in possession of a property. Valfjorden is a favourable starting point for hunting and fishing, also a good starting point for trips to Stoppelfjord. In Valfjord IzzaNova, in 2010 built a molo with a floating quay.

 Rolvsøya has in recent years lacked a kindergarten. Måsøy Community has not been able to establish one, but has instead pushed for it to be established privately. On IzzaNovas general meeting in 2010 it was decided that the company should also operate a kindergarten. Point 3 of IzzaNovas Statute is now: "the company's business is to operate with accommodation, dining, and adventure turisme, a centre for children and young people, kindergarten, as well as environmental- and nature conservation oriented activities." 

Future businesses. On IzzaNovas annual meeting in 2009, it was decided  to develop a "nature Centre for children and young people" in Stoppelfjord. Here IzzaNova has applied for setting up turf huts for accommodation. This project is similar to what North Troms museum has realized in Kvænangen, based on historical and archaeological sources from the 15th, 16th and 17th century. From this it is made up two coastal Saami alleys (siida ´ is) on Nordstraumneset/Olgola and in Espenesbukta on Spildra. IzzaNovas turf huts in Stoppelfjord can be used both for basic accommodation, camp school and tourism. Target groups are the people of the municipality and the region, children, teachers and pupils from nursery and primary schools to colleges and University, people from different layers and associations and tourists of all kinds.

Oil business outside Rolvsøya is strongly increasing. Ca. 40 km west of the island, Eni Norge is building out the  Goliat field. Eni Norge has in this connection been IzzaNovas main sponsor. Many oil companies will in the coming years drill exploration wells in the area west and North of Rolvsøya. This will encrease the probability for accidents with unwanted oil spills. If an accident occurs, the winds and currents, with high probability, will drive oil into Rolvsøyas many fjord arms. If this happens IzzaNova is prepared to contribute with personnel/equipment and be an active local support with quick mobilization so that the consequences of an accident is least possible, especially for the rich bird life. 

On the far West in Kirkeneset Tufjord, a property that is part of the IzzaNova bought by Johs. H. Giaever AS, lies a well-preserved Church tuft with its cemetery and the stone fence around. The church burned down around 14th century. The legend says that Russian pirates came during a church service, that they robbed Church silver and set the Church in the fire. The pirates were later killed when people from Ingøy was notified and came to rescue. IzzaNova has plans to build a copy of the old church on the Hill south of the tuft and to established a small "utværs" Church museum here.