This is the final Update for the year and the message comes straight from our Chief Executive, Lisa Futschek.
It's hard to believe we've (almost) reached the end of my first full calendar year as Chief Executive of Seafood New Zealand - and what a year it has been.
A major focus throughout 2025 has been strengthening our connection with you, our members, and the wider sector. Over the past year, our Chair Greg Gent and I - often supported by staff and other Directors - have spent a fair bit of time in the regions meeting with local government, commercial fishers, industry partners and other ocean users such as recreational fishers. These visits have been incredibly valuable. We always leave feeling inspired by the passion and commitment of the people we meet, while also taking on board the frustrations and challenges you have. Importantly, we're making sure these insights are carried forward and used to inform our work.
Our commitment to regional engagement will continue into 2026. We're already planning further visits, beginning with the West Coast at the end of January.
This year has also reinforced how important it is to speak clearly and confidently about who we are as a sector. There continues to be a significant amount of misinformation about how we fish and what we stand for. Just yesterday, our Principal Policy Manager - Inshore, Tamar Wells, spoke with The Herald to outline our position on some of the proposed amendments to fishing regulations. While the formal consultation has now closed, misinformation continues to circulate.
Encouragingly, media outlets are increasingly coming directly to us for comment, and we genuinely appreciate this. Wherever possible, we say yes - usually the only exception is when matters are before the courts. Achieving balance in media reporting is an ongoing focus for us.
We know that, particularly with an election year ahead of us, the commercial fishing conversation is likely to become louder. In response, we're stepping up our storytelling efforts. We will continue our engagement with politicians across all parties, sharing the true story of our sector - one built on sustainability, science, innovation and passionate Kiwis delivering high-quality, low-carbon protein.
You'll likely remember that back in February (it really does feel like a lifetime ago), our sector came together to stand alongside the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries as he announced proposed changes to the Fisheries Act - the most significant set of reforms we've seen in decades. I want to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to make a submission in support of these common-sense proposals. We saw a record number of submissions from industry.
While this consultation moved us a step closer to seeing these changes become reality, there is still a way to go. We expect the draft Bill to be introduced to the House around March 2026, followed by another round of consultation. Once again, we'll be encouraging strong participation from across the sector.
We are currently working on our Year in Review, summarising the work undertaken by the Seafood New Zealand team over the past 12 months. Keep an eye out for it in the first quarter of 2026. In it we'll be sharing with you a range of successes from throughout 2025.
Finally, at the heart of everything we do are our people.
I'm delighted to officially welcome Nirupa George, our new Director of Communications and Engagement. Nirupa joins us at an important time, and we're thrilled to have her energy, expertise and leadership.
I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the entire Seafood New Zealand team and our Seafood New Zealand Board. Their professionalism, commitment and hard work throughout the year underpin everything we have achieved, and I'm incredibly grateful for their support and dedication.
And I want to thank you. Together as industry participants, fishers, partners, and collaborators, you've been the driving force behind our progress and ongoing ability for our sector to provide delicious kaimoana to New Zealanders and consumers around the world. We can be proud of all that we do. I'm genuinely excited about what's to come in the year ahead.
Wishing you all a Meri Kirihimete, and for those fishing through, may the weather be idyllic and your catches plentiful.
This is the last The Update for 2025. The first The Update for 2026 will land in your inboxes on Friday 26 January.
The Seafood New Zealand office will be shut for the holidays from midday 24 December 2025 through to Monday 5 January 2026.
