A new independent report has put a $2.45 billion value on commercial fishing’s contribution to the New Zealand economy and shown just how far that reach extends into communities.
The report, The economic contribution of commercial fishing 2025, was commissioned by Seafood New Zealand to build a clearer picture of the people, businesses and activity connected to wild-capture commercial fishing and seafood processing. It found the sector directly employs more than 6,200 people in New Zealand. Add in suppliers, retailers and household spending, and that rises to more than 14,500 jobs and $6.4 billion across the wider economy.
The regional story is equally strong. Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough remain the most reliant on commercial fishing and seafood processing, with around 2,000 FTEs directly employed and more than 4,500 jobs supported. That’s over 6% of the region’s GDP. Significant contributions also come from Canterbury, Auckland, the West Coast and Southland.
Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek says the numbers confirm what the industry has long known: its contribution goes well beyond the boats.
“The seafood industry has always been important to New Zealand’s economic success, especially in the regions. This new research shows the scale of the contribution the industry makes, both in terms of economic activity and the number of people it employs.”
The report lands amid strong public interest in fisheries management. Good decisions need good information, and shouldn’t force a choice between environmental, economic and social outcomes. Sustainable fisheries underpin healthy oceans, local food supply, regional economies, livelihoods, the Māori economy and coastal communities.
Seafood New Zealand is taking the findings straight to politicians and key stakeholders, with briefings on offer where useful, so the industry’s economic and regional contribution sits alongside the environmental and scientific evidence already informing fisheries decisions.
You’ll also see it across our social channels with posts focusing on the headline numbers, the regional story, export value, jobs supported and what it means for keeping local seafood on New Zealanders’ plates.
