Seafood Sustainability Awards finalists 2020

Finalists for the New Zealand Seafood Sustainability Awards were announced on 25 February.

The inaugural awards aims to recognise and celebrate those throughout the industry, tangata, whenua, and communities who demonstrate outstanding dedication and innovation towards the sustainability of New Zealand seafood sector.

“Everyone has a part to play in ensuring the sustainability of New Zealand’s kaimoana. These awards are a chance to recognise the innovation, commitment and excellence of a group of people from across the community who are leading the way,” said deputy director-general of Fisheries New Zealand, Dan Bolger.

The finalists were selected by an independent judging panel that included representatives from commercial, recreational, and customary fisheries sectors as well as aquaculture and environmental NGOs. “The finalists are shining examples of those throughout tangata whenua, industry, and communities who contribute to the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s seafood sector and ensure that our oceans are resilient, healthy and bountiful for future generations,” said Bolger.

Judging panel chair and WWF-New Zealand chief executive, Livia Esterhazy, says the finalists represent an exciting and diverse range of individuals, teams, businesses, research organisations, iwi, schools, and communities who contribute to the long-term health and sustainable use of our moana.

“Every single life in Aotearoa is connected to our ocean. In fact, we all depend on a healthy ocean for our survival. So a sustainable seafood sector is essential. “The quality of the entrants has made it a challenge for the judging panel to select the finalists. We are inspired by the calibre of people who are putting in the hard mahi to ensure we can protect, restore, and sustain our ocean. “We congratulate all of the finalists announced, and commend every entrant for their dedication to the sustainability of New Zealand’s seafood sector,” said Esterhazy.

NZ Seafood Sustainability Award finalists 2020

Operational Innovation Award

• CRA8 Rock Lobster Industry Association Inc
• Precision Seafood Harvesting
• Richard Wells – Resource Wise

The Lee-Fish Limited Award for Market Innovation and Value Added

• Awatoru Enterprises Ltd
• Better Fishing
• Gravity Fishing
• The New Zealand King Salmon Co Ltd

Kaitiakitanga Award

• CRA8 Rock Lobster Industry Association Inc
• Aaron McCloy – Papa Taiao Earthcare
• Richard Wells – Resource Wise
• Scott and Sue Tindale

Emerging Leader Award

• Josh Wyber – High Country Salmon
• Maegen Blom – Mills Bay Mussels
• Nate Smith – Gravity Fishing

The finalists of the Supreme Sustainability Award and Minister of Fisheries’ Award are confidential.

All award winners were to be announced at the awards’ dinner in Wellington on 18 March 2020 but due to the heightened concern of COVID-19 and further restrictions on large gatherings, the dinner has been postponed indefinitely.

Photos supplied by MPI on behalf of the finalists