Six outstanding individuals and companies have been recognised across five award categories for their contributions to the commercial seafood industry at the 11th annual Seafood Stars Awards.
The awards were first established in 2016 and are presented each year at Seafood New Zealand's (SNZ) conference, this year themed Realising the Vision.
"A significant part of our conference programme this year was reflecting on the 40-year anniversary of New Zealand's Quota Management System, the QMS. It was a holistic look at how far we've come technologically, scientifically and administratively over the decades," Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek says.
"But many things since the QMS was founded have not changed. One of these is the vision itself: to sustainably catch fresh, healthy kaimoana in a system that ensures evidence-based decision-making, strong accountability and healthy fish populations for the future. And another is the dedication and love of the people who make realising this vision possible in the first place."
"So, it's a real privilege to present the Seafood Stars Awards this year, in recognition of this ongoing service," Ms Futschek says. "Many well-deserved congratulations to all winners and finalists."
Future Adaptation Award
Fishing company Moana New Zealand received the Future Adaptation Award for the development and delivery of their Responsible Fisher Workshops for their contract fishers, combining sustainability education, operational innovation, technology adoption and environmental stewardship. The workshops created a collaborative platform to engage with initiatives such as lighter fishing gear, onboard cameras and integrating electronic monitoring, and have supported fishers to adapt their practices with positive environmental results.
"The programme represents a proactive and future-focused approach to fisheries stewardship that lowers the environmental footprint of fishing operations and helps shape a more sustainable seafood industry for New Zealand," Ms Futschek says.
Finalists: Area 2 Survey Team and Sealord
Young Achiever Award
Operations manager at Leigh Fish Jake Dikstaal was chosen for the many tangible differences he's made to industry. Since joining Leigh Fish, Dikstaal has overseen the company's seabird mitigation efforts and contributed positively to scientific research initiatives, such as bottom longline snapper sampling and kingfish genetic studies. He is a respected member of many industry groups and boards, and an ongoing champion of the next generation entering the industry.
Ms Futschek says, "Jake's nominator cited his holistic perspective - of a scientist, a fisher and a leader - as a key reason they are one of this industry's emerging leaders, and we couldn't agree more."
Finalists: Joel and Renee Eagle-Mouat, and Ben Steele-Mortimer
WISA Champions of Women in Seafood Award
Winner Donna Wells (Ngāti Kahu) built a thriving quota brokerage business, Finestkind, from the ground up, at a time when independent fishers often had limited access to export markets and industry support. Through hard work, determination, and an ability to build trusted relationships across the sector, she grew Finestkind into a highly respected business that has supported fishers, quota owners, and seafood companies throughout New Zealand and Australia. A long-time advocate for the sector, Donna is a dedicated supporter of WISA and regional events that promote New Zealand seafood and women in the industry.
Finalists: Angela Russell and Carol Scott
Telling Our Story Award
Sealord captain Rex Chapman was awarded the Telling Our Story Award for his contributions as an industry spokesperson. Over the years, Rex has featured in television adverts, videos for the industry 'Promise' campaign and 'Faces of Fishing,' as well as Seafood magazine articles. Recently, he's stepped up as a respected and knowledgeable industry voice in local and national media stories, countering misinformation with clear explanations about commercial fishing and his natural passion for fishing.
"Of particular mention is Rex's extra efforts to present before the Primary Production Committee on the Fisheries Amendment Bill, to ensure the commercial fisher perspective was considered by MPs," says Ms Futschek.
Finalists: Nathan Harvey, Antony Hodgson, Toby Mills and Julian Arahanga, and Nathan Reid
Life Membership Award
Two Life Membership Awards were presented in 2026:
Dr Paul Breen is a marine scientist with a distinguished background in marine biology and ecology. Here in New Zealand his work has had a profound impact on rock lobster science and management, and he played a pivotal role in the introduction of management procedures, which have been critical to rebuilding and maintaining rock lobster stocks.
"Described as a 'rigorous and principled straight shooter,' Dr Breen's expert advice has been sought by the High Court, industry groups and colleagues. His contribution to development of stock assessments has contributed to New Zealand's approach being recognised internationally as world-best practice in a number of international reviews," says Ms Futschek.
Dr Pamela Mace has dedicated over 30 years to fisheries science, contributing to the scientific foundations of the Quota Management System in its early years. She's held senior roles both in New Zealand and abroad and is internationally recognised for advancing stock assessment science and harvest strategies, and essential system-wide frameworks such as the Harvest Strategy Standard, which help ensure our fisheries management system remains sustainable, transparent and accountable.
"At the 40-year milestone of the Quota Management System, it is therefore hugely fitting we present Dr Pamela Mace with a Life Membership Award," says Ms Futschek.
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