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2026 Seafood Stars Awards

Nominations for the 2026 Seafood Stars awards are now open.

Click here to nomiate an individual or organisation 


Since 2016, the Seafood New Zealand Conference has celebrated the outstanding people behind Aotearoa New Zealand’s seafood industry. Now in their 11th year, the awards feature five categories recognising excellence across the sector.

1. Young Achiever Award

This award is presented to a person, 35 years of age or under, who has demonstrated that he or she has made a positive difference to the seafood industry, and has the potential to continue to develop as an effective and respected seafood industry leader or role model.

2. Life Membership Award

(Maximum of two awarded per year)

This award is presented to a person who:

  • Has worked in the seafood industry for a minimum of 15 years, and
  • Has made a substantial positive impact on the seafood industry, and
  • Has been a highly effective and respected seafood industry member.

3. Telling Our Story Award

This award is presented to a person or organisation that is proactively sharing their story with the public of New Zealand and showcasing:

  • The work they are doing to fish sustainably, or
  • The work they are doing to reduce their impact on the environment or protected species, or
  • The outstanding product they are harvesting, or
  • The benefits of a career in the seafood sector.

4. WISA Champions of Women in Seafood Award

This award is presented to a person who:

  • Has made a positive difference or impact on the seafood industry, or
  • Is a champion for positive change for diversity in our workforce through leadership, dedication and visibility, and
  • Is respected by industry colleagues.

5. Future Adaptation Award

This award is presented to the entity or individual that has adapted their fishing or processing practices to:

  • Improve environmental performance and contribute to a lower carbon footprint
  • Minimise waste and make better use of resources
  • Enhance outcomes for the marine environment
  • Support the protection of marine wildlife and protected species

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 24 April 2026. Judging will take place by Friday 1 May 2026, with winners announced at the Seafood Conference in Wellington.