It’s the first day of the new fishing year, and with a new year comes a new resolution. Earlier this week, we released our 2026 Election Manifesto – Working Together for Sustainable Seafood – setting out what we want the next Government to commit to and progress.
We also surveyed members on the political and policy issues they wanted Seafood New Zealand to prioritise. That feedback has helped shape the final document and the areas we will focus on in our engagement with political parties and MPs.
The manifesto is built around four priorities:
Our policy asks include making greater use of modern fisheries management tools and real-time data, taking a more coordinated approach to marine spatial planning, strengthening international market access, investing in seafood science and innovation, and ensuring workforce and immigration settings support the sector.
A particularly key proposal is the development of a National Seafood Strategy, jointly developed by Government, Māori and industry, to provide a shared long-term direction for the sector beyond individual electoral cycles.
Importantly, the document also sets out what the commercial fishing industry is prepared to contribute.
These commitments include investing in fishing innovation, supporting restoration of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, exploring how seafood can make a greater contribution to community wellbeing and food security, and strengthening collaboration between commercial, recreational, charter and customary fishing interests.
As we draw even closer to the election, we expect to see the major parties releasing fisheries policies. We are continuing to work and engage with all parties on ensuring their policies and positions are informed by science and take into account the realities of our industry.
