Seafood New Zealand CEO Makes First Visit to Chatham Islands: Commercial Fishing Underpins Island Economy, Blue Cod Fishers Take Voluntary Six-Week Closure

Seafood New Zealand CEO Lisa Futschek made her first visit to the Chatham Islands in August 2026, with an account of the visit published by the association on August 21. During the visit, the delegation flew into the island's newly opened airport, and as they left the local community was preparing to sign the Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri settlement deed.

The visit coincided with a local science festival, which brought together scientists, researchers and technical experts from across New Zealand. Futschek said these exchanges gave her direct insight into the research being carried out in this unique part of New Zealand.

Commercial fishing is the backbone of the Chatham Islands economy. According to the association's account, the industry faces challenges similar to those elsewhere in New Zealand—complex regulation, workforce pressures and the need for continued investment in innovation—but with an added layer of difficulty: transport costs. Geoff Clark and Seth Clark have fished in the CRA 6 fishery for about 40 years, and they say that whether for domestic or international markets, the cost of getting product off the Chatham Islands is significantly higher, a reality that shapes every link in the value chain.

During the visit, the delegation toured the Moana New Zealand processing plant and met with fishers, divers, quota holders and LFRs, as well as industry innovators including Delwyn Tuanui, who is responsible for sustainability and innovation, Gary Cameron, who is responsible for the abalone fishery, and Megan Ranauze-King of the Chatham Island Finfish Association. Megan described the blue cod fishery, including how fishers identify the sex of their catch and how they observe a voluntary six-week closure during the spawning season—even knowing that results will take six to seven years to show.

According to the association's account, everyone they met showed warmth, commitment and determination. The people of the Chatham Islands are dedicated to ensuring fishing continues to support their economy and way of life, and many spoke of wanting to build a thriving community that encourages young people to return home after completing higher education.

One of the highlights of the visit was a lunch generously hosted by John Preece and Bridget Preece, attended by Te Tai Tonga MP Takuta Ferris. Renowned chef Kai Silbery prepared a meal showcasing the area's famous seafood, including blue cod, rock lobster, abalone and kina, as well as a dessert made with honey from the locally unique tarahinau tree.

The lunch also became an important occasion to discuss biosecurity concerns on the island. The Chatham Islands remain one of the few places in the world free of varroa mite and American foulbrood, and the introduction of either would have a devastating impact on the local honey industry that is now growing. Protecting this status is a priority for locals.

The delegation also held a "Beers & Ideas" event at The Hub, attracting more than 50 people—the association's most well-attended outreach event to date. The event covered the role of Seafood New Zealand and shared updates on current initiatives, and also saw an unexpected appearance by an opponent of bottom trawling.

The association said Mark Gatenbeck and Steve Ham of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) provided guidance throughout the trip and shared important information about the island's rugged landscape.