Hitting a major anniversary is always cause to look back and reflect on how far you’ve come. The ongoing existence of the QMS is one major reason why our fisheries management system is considered to be one of the best in the world (according to a United Nations ranking), and why such a high percentage of our stocks continue to be scientifically evaluated as being in good shape. These are proof points we as a country can be rightly proud of. 

But looking back 40 years – to 1986! – also affords us an opportunity to see how things have changed. Today we have so much more at our fingertips. Reporting has gone from paper to digital, with our on-board camera programme electronically monitoring 85% of our inshore finfish catch. Huge advances in AI have transformed data processing. 

But though there has been a lot of change, our commitment to sustainability, to transparency, and to caring for the health of the moana that we all rely on hasn't wavered. 

For our 2026 conference, Realising the Vision, we commissioned Seamus Marten of Between Two Beers to facilitate a series of interviews looking at the vision that led to the creation of the quota management system 40 years ago and exploring the future of sustainable fishing in New Zealand in an ever-changing world.