Marine ecologist professor Kura Paul-Burke (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Pūkeko, Irish) has made her career combining mātauranga Māori and marine science knowledge systems to restore marine taonga species. In September 2025, Paul-Burke received both the the Tangata Kaitiaki Award and the Seafood New Zealand-sponsored Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award. She sat down […]
At the time of writing in March 2026, the conflict in the Middle East has meant challenges for businesses, including those of you in the fishing industry, particularly with the rapid increases in fuel prices. – By Dan Bolger | Deputy Director General, Fisheries New Zealand As we continue to navigate these impacts, I encourage you […]
With growing public attention on ocean health and fishing practices, Seafood New Zealand says there is in fact strong common ground on what matters most – healthy oceans, abundant fish stocks, and thriving marine ecosystems. “While swimming the length of the North Island’s east coast is a noble personal feat by Jono Ridler, discussion on […]
Over the past year, Seafood New Zealand has been working hard for Aotearoa New Zealand’s seafood industry. This 2025 Year in Review, our second-annual equivalent of an annual report, not only reflects our successes and achievements over past 12 months but also includes some essential data points. 2025 Seafood New Zealand Year in Review To request a printed copy or […]
Seafood New Zealand is encouraging a balanced, evidence-based conversation around the Fisheries Amendment Bill which was released last week. “We welcome healthy debate, but it needs to be informed by facts and evidence. Selective soundbites that only tell part of the story are counterproductive,” says Lisa Futschek CEO of Seafood New Zealand. “There have been […]
Seafood New Zealand welcomes the introduction of the Fisheries Amendment Bill as a practical update that will help keep New Zealand’s fisheries management system responsive, science-based and environmentally robust. Chief Executive Lisa Futschek said New Zealand already has one of the most highly regarded fisheries management regimes, and the legislation that supports it must continue […]
New Zealand’s seafood sector is beginning to feel the ripple effects of the latest conflict in the Middle East, with disrupted shipping routes and rapidly rising fuel costs creating significant challenges for exporters. Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek says the instability in the region is creating uncertainty across the entire supply chain. “Unfortunately, […]
Off the coast of Hawke’s Bay, the Springs Box closure agreement between local commercial and recreational fishers is celebrating its 10th anniversary – the tin anniversary, for anyone keeping track of those milestones. Springs Box may appear to be an unassuming 230 square kilometres of ocean east of Napier Port, but the area is where […]
Seafood New Zealand says it welcomes yesterday’s High Court decision which underscores the importance of evidence-based decision making when restricting fishing to protect endangered wildlife. The Environmental Law Initiative’s application for a judicial review was declined with the Court upholding the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries’ emergency ban on commercial setnet fishing around the Otago […]
Seafood New Zealand’s Janine Gray caught up with Tauranga local and Seine Fish Ltd. owner-operator Chris Harvey to talk about fishing, family and life on the water. It didn’t take long to see that for Chris and the extended Harvey family fishing isn’t just a job, it’s a family legacy, and they love it. “I love every day […]
