With New Zealanders heading to the polls on 7 November, commercial fishing is firmly on the political agenda.
From bottom trawling and marine protection to changes to the Quota Management System, the major political parties have put forward a range of proposals that could have significant implications for our industry.
The decisions made by the next Government will help determine the regulatory environment in which seafood businesses operate, the opportunities for future investment and innovation, and how New Zealand balances sustainable seafood production with marine conservation.
To help members navigate the various announcements, Seafood New Zealand has prepared a summary of the main political parties’ publicly stated fisheries policies and positions.
The document brings together the key proposals relevant to commercial fishing in one place, making it easier to understand what each party is proposing and where their approaches differ.
The summary is provided for information only and does not constitute an endorsement of any political party. It is accurate as of 29 October 2026.
The Election Catch: What’s on the Hook for Fishing? summary
