Seafood industry bodies Seafood New Zealand and the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen (Federation) will be co-hosting their annual conferences in 2026, at Tākina in Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington, with the Seafood New Zealand conference on May 26 and 27 and the Federation conference on May 28 and 29.
Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek says she's excited about the opportunities that come from joining up the two long-standing events, with Seafood New Zealand bringing its event forward to match with the Federation's usual King's Birthday weekend timing.
"With 2026 being an election year, we're looking forward to co-hosting our respective conferences side by side in the Capital. This supercharges the access of our members to each other as well as to government Ministers and opposition spokespeople."
"We're pulling together an action-packed programme covering everything from policy and science to innovation and beyond. We'll also be celebrating 40 years of the Quota Management System, which has helped New Zealand achieve the second-highest levels of sustainable fish stocks worldwide. And of course, there will be time to connect with colleagues and savour the best of our kaimoana."
Federation President Doug Saunders-Loder says Wellington is the perfect central location for hosting fishers, maritime company representatives and conference speakers from around the country.
"By gathering in the Capital, Ministers and MPs of all parties can meet a cross-section of the sector, from passionate independent fishers to directors of larger companies and all the other maritime businesses that make our $2.2-billion export industry possible.
"It's a good opportunity for fishers to attend the Seafood New Zealand day and get that national and international perspective, and also meet with the heads of seafood companies and the regulator. I also want Seafood New Zealand's delegates to stay and attend our conference day to really engage with how policy decisions impact those who put in the hard yards every day on the water."
Despite teaming up for 2026, both Futschek and Saunders-Loder stress each organisation's unique character is not changing.
Seafood New Zealand's presentation of the Seafood Stars Awards and much-anticipated Seafood Showcase will wind up the programme on 27 May, while the Federation's hallmark fish n' chip dinner and charity auction, and awarding of the prestigious Electronic Navigation Shield and Sunderland Marine Young Fisher of the Year Award, will follow its sessions on 28 May.
