For weeks, we’ve shared updates about our 2025 Seafood Conference – highlighting the speakers and sessions you won’t want to miss. But there’s one essential element we haven’t stressed enough: the power of conference to unite people across the seafood industry, here in New Zealand and globally too.
In many ways, our industry is more united than ever.
Earlier this year, with the proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act, we saw over 300 submissions in support of the changes – very likely a record for our industry. This was no accident. It was due to people and organisations in our sector raising their voices, encouraging others, and rallying behind a shared vision. Remember when Storm Stanley, Chair of the Pāua Industry Council, wrote in The Update about what those amendments meant for the pāua industry? That’s the kind of unity we need – and it’s happening.
We’ve also witnessed collaboration in action with the successful pilot Area 2 trawl survey – a project that wouldn’t have been possible without the combined efforts of fishers, scientists, and government. Read more about this in our Winter magazine.
Another standout example of collaboration is the bait sausage initiative – a practical, science-driven solution to a real-world problem. This was the result of partnership between fishers, researchers, and business. We’re excited to have Jerome Chua, a masters student from Massey University, speaking about the bait sausage during our Smart Seafood Solutions session. Among others, he’ll be joined by Lowri Pryce, CEO of OceanWatch Australia; Brett Bensiman, Director of recreational group Fish Mainland; and Lara Stewart, General Manager Business Development at Fishserve.
These stories of collaboration show how much we can achieve together – but unity isn’t automatic. It takes effort. We’re all busy; fishing doesn’t run 9 to 5 – it’s 24/7. While collaboration can occasionally be spontaneous, most of the time it requires intention: time, commitment, and open conversation.
That’s exactly what the annual Seafood Conference is for. It’s the one time we all come together – businesses, fishers, scientists, government officials, media and more. For anyone new to the sector, it’s also a great introduction to the world of New Zealand fisheries. You’ll hear a range of perspectives, learn more about the innovation and science happening right now and meet the people driving the industry forward.
The various sessions promise to provide real food for thought – for example, the Fisheries New Zealand panel where Seafood New Zealand’s Chief Executive Lisa Futschek will facilitate a conversation around how the Ministry for Primary Industries can support the achievement of doubling seafood exports by 2035.
Equally important as the sessions are the breaks – the conversations over a cup of coffee, a beer, or some lunch. They’re a chance to put faces to names, catch up on what’s happening in other parts of the sector, and have the kinds of conversations that don’t always fit into formal sessions. It’s often in these relaxed moments that useful connections are made, and new ideas take shape.
While there are many signs of unity across the sector, it’s important to recognise we’re not the only ones joining forces. Those who oppose our industry are also becoming more unified and more vocal. That’s why it’s critical that we continue to speak up, share the facts, and tell our side of the story – because our story matters.
At the conference, you’ll hear from respected broadcaster Mary Lambie, who has some great advice on how to get our stories out there. She’ll also support a panel of industry voices who are already stepping up to share their experiences with the public. The more united we are in telling our stories, the better we can help New Zealanders understand the realities of our industry – how we operate, innovate, and care for our marine environment here in Aotearoa.
If you haven’t registered for our conference yet, it takes place 6 and 7 August in Whakatū Nelson, now’s the time. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation, to learn, and to explore ways we can shape a future that works for us, for our oceans, our businesses, and the majority of Kiwis who rely on us to put sustainable seafood on their plates.
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