This week, Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek reflects on her first visit to the Chatham Islands.
My first trip to the Chatham Islands was a warm and memorable experience, made all the more striking by the brisk winter climate. We flew into the island's newly opened airport, and left just as the community was gearing up for the signing of the Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Deed of Settlement. What stood out immediately, was the strength of the community, the pride in place, and the deep connection between the islands and the commercial fishing industry that sustains them.
The visit coincided with the Festival of Science, which brought together scientists, researchers and technical experts from across the country. It was an ideal opportunity to hear firsthand about the research underway in this unique part of Aotearoa New Zealand. Those conversations added depth to the trip and reinforced how essential good science is to the future of the Chathams' marine environment.
Commercial fishing is the backbone of the Chatham Islands economy. The sector faces many of the same challenges seen elsewhere in New Zealand – regulatory complexity, workforce pressures and the need for ongoing investment in innovation – but with an added layer of difficulty: freight costs. Getting product to market, whether domestically or internationally, is significantly more expensive from the Chathams, and that reality shapes every part of the value chain according to Jeff and Ces Clarke, who've fished CRA 6 for around 40 years.
During the visit we toured the Moana New Zealand processing plant, met with fishers, divers, quota owners, LFRs, and spoke with innovators across the sector, including Delwyn Tuanui on sustainability and innovation, Gary Cameron on the pāua fishery, and Megan Lanauze-King from the Chatham Island Finfish Association. Megan gave us valuable insight into the blue cod fishery, including how fishers sex their catch and observe a voluntary six-week spawning closure, even knowing results won't show for six or seven years.
What shone through with everyone we met was passion, dedication and absolute determination. The people of the Chathams are committed to ensuring the fishing industry continues to sustain their economy and their way of life. Many spoke about wanting a thriving community that encouraged their young people to return home after tertiary study.
One of the highlights of the trip was an unexpected lunch generously hosted by John and Bridget Preece, joined by Tākuta Ferris, MP for Te Tai Tonga. Acclaimed chef Kaai Silbery prepared an extraordinary meal showcasing the islands' renowned kaimoana: blue cod, rock lobster, pāua and kina as well as a delectable dessert with honey from the endemic tarahinau tree.
The lunch also provided an important moment to discuss biosecurity concerns on the island. The Chathams remain one of the few places in the world free from varroa bee mite and American foulbrood. The introduction of either would be devastating for the islands' growing honey industry. Protecting that status is a priority for locals, and their vigilance reflects the same stewardship mindset seen across their fisheries.
We also hosted Beers & Ideas at The Hub, which drew more than 50 attendees, our best-attended outreach event to date. It was a valuable chance to highlight the role of Seafood New Zealand and share updates on our current initiatives with a highly engaged local audience. The evening prompted interesting conversations, punctuated by an unexpected bottom-trawl heckler visiting the island, a reminder that even in the most remote parts of the country, fisheries issues spark passionate debate.
The Chathams left a deep impression: a community that is resilient, proud and forward-looking. Their challenges are real, but so is their resolve. Thanks to the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Mark Geytenbeek and Steve Ham for their guidance throughout the trip and showing us the incredible rugged beauty of the island as well as sharing vital intel.
The fishing industry remains central to the islands' identity and prosperity, and it was a privilege to spend time with people who care so deeply about both.
