Seafood New Zealand
1. Business / Trading Name:
• Seafood New Zealand Limited (commonly known as Seafood New Zealand). It is the national industry body representing New Zealand’s commercial seafood sector.
2. Company Number:
• 8587808 (current registration as Seafood New Zealand Limited, effective 31 January 2023). Note: An earlier entity by the same name (Company No. 3897821, registered 2 July 2012) was amalgamated into the current company.
3. NZBN (New Zealand Business Number):
• 9429051091729 (for Seafood New Zealand Limited, as registered in 2023).
4. Entity Type:
• New Zealand Limited Company (industry-owned, non-profit company). Seafood New Zealand operates as an industry association (non-profit), despite the “Limited” company structure.
5. Business Classification:
• Industry association and advocacy for the commercial seafood sector (fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing). It functions as a peak body coordinating policy, marketing, and representation for seafood industry interests.
6. Industry Category:
• Commercial Fishing and Seafood Industry (wild-catch fisheries and aquaculture). Seafood New Zealand represents deepwater and inshore fishing companies primarily, and collaborates with aquaculture and other seafood sector groups.
7. Year Founded:
• 2012. (Seafood New Zealand was established in late 2012 as the new public face of the industry, succeeding the former Seafood Industry Council.) The current company structure was re-founded in 2023 via amalgamation of sector entities.
8. Addresses:
• Head Office: Level 12, 7WQ, 7 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
• Postal: PO Box 297, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
• Additional Location: Level 12, 36 Kitchener Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (former Deepwater Group office, now part of Seafood NZ’s presence post-amalgamation).
9. Website URL:
• Main Site:
https://www.seafood.co.nz
.
10. LinkedIn URL:
• https://nz.linkedin.com/company/seafood-new-zealand (LinkedIn profile of Seafood New Zealand).
11. Company Hub NZ URL:
• https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429051091729
12. NZ Companies Office URL:
13. Social Media URLs:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeafoodNZ/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seafoodnz/?hl=en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NZSeafoodIndustry
(Note: No official Twitter account identified; primary social media presence is on Facebook and Instagram.)
14. Ultimate Holding Company:
• None (no single holding company). Seafood New Zealand is an industry-owned entity. Originally, the former Seafood Industry Council (SeaFIC) acted as a holding entity, but it was merged into Seafood NZ in 2013. In 2022–23, Seafood NZ further amalgamated its major sector subsidiaries into a single company.
15. Key Shareholders:
• 100% of the shares are shared between the following:
Anthony Edward HAZLETT
Craig Alan LAWSON
Stephen Barry TARRANT
Geoffrey Michael BURGESS
Gregory William GENT
Graeme Lee HASTILOW
Annabelle Jane SCAIFE
Paul William TURNBULL
16. Leadership:
• Independent Chair: Greg Gent (appointed August 2023) – a veteran agribusiness leader, brought in to provide independent governance.
• Chief Executive: Lisa Futschek (appointed mid-2024) – a former diplomat and trade official, now leading Seafood NZ. She succeeded Dr. Jeremy Helson (CEO 2020–2024) and Tim Pankhurst (CEO 2013–2020).
• Notable Board Members: The board includes sector representatives: e.g. Tony Hazlett (Talley’s Group CEO – deepwater sector rep), Annabel Scaife (Sealord Group public affairs manager – deepwater rep), Craig Lawson and Steve Tarrant (inshore fisheries reps), and Graeme Hastilow (Māori fisheries rep). (These representatives ensure each major sector’s interests are reflected in governance.)
• Approximately 20–25 staff (the LinkedIn profile lists “11-50 employees”). Staff are based mainly in Wellington, with some in regional roles. Teams cover policy advocacy, science liaison, communications, sector coordination and administration. The organisation’s structure includes a Deepwater Council and an Inshore Council (internal committees for those sectors), with dedicated managers (e.g., Manager Deepwater Services). Key personnel include policy analysts, science advisors, communications managers, and liaison officers for each sector (deepwater, inshore, rock lobster, paua, etc.).
18. Staff That Have Held Previous Government Roles:
• Dr. Jeremy Helson – former Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) fisheries manager (10 years at MPI), later CEO of Fisheries Inshore NZ, then Seafood NZ CEO.
• Lisa Futschek – former senior New Zealand diplomat and trade official (ex-New Zealand Embassy Deputy Head of Mission; ex-GM at Education NZ), now CEO.
• Craig Ellison – served as Executive Chair of Seafood NZ (2017–2023) ; previously Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana (the Māori Fisheries Commission) and member of governmental working groups (bridging government and industry).
• Consultants: The organisation has also engaged former government officials as lobbyists – e.g. former Cabinet Minister Clayton Cosgrove has acted on Seafood NZ’s behalf in meetings with ministers (not a staff member, but a notable revolving-door case).
19. Past Employees:
• Tim Pankhurst – Chief Executive 2013–2020. A former newspaper editor, he was recruited to improve industry communications and public image. After retiring as CEO, he became editor of Seafood NZ Magazine.
• Dr. Jeremy Helson – CEO 2020–2024, previously a board member and inshore sector CEO. He led the organisation through a period of regulatory reform and then moved to an international fisheries consultancy in 2024.
• Craig Ellison – Executive Chair (part-time executive role) 2017–2023, oversaw the implementation of the industry Code of Conduct. Stepped down when independent Chair was appointed in 2023.
• Other: Owen Symmans (CEO of the predecessor Seafood Industry Council until 2013) and various policy managers who have since moved to roles in government or other industries.
20. Clients:
• Not applicable in a traditional sense. Seafood New Zealand does not serve “clients” commercially; rather, its members (and the wider seafood industry) are its stakeholders. Its members/affiliates include commercial fishing companies, quota owner collectives, and sector organisations (as listed under shareholders). Seafood NZ’s purpose is to represent these industry members’ interests rather than to sell services to external clients.
21. Industries/Sectors Represented:
• Wild-Capture Fisheries – representing deepwater (offshore) fisheries such as hoki, orange roughy, squid, etc., and inshore fisheries (coastal finfish like snapper, tarakihi, gurnard, etc.).
• Aquaculture – works closely with Aquaculture NZ on farmed species (mussels, salmon, oysters), although aquaculture maintains its own organisation.
• Shellfish and Crustaceans – collaborates with the Paua (abalone) and Rock Lobster industry councils for those specific sectors.
• Seafood Processing & Export – the entire seafood supply chain, including processing/export companies, as the industry’s ~$2 billion export trade is a core focus.
• Māori Fisheries – includes representation of Māori-owned fishing enterprises and Treaty settlement quota interests, integrated via board representation.
In sum, Seafood NZ covers the commercial seafood industry in New Zealand, across wild fishing and marine farming, uniting multiple sector groups under one umbrella.
22. Publicly Disclosed Engagements:
• Parliamentary Submissions – Seafood NZ routinely submits to government consultations and parliamentary select committees on fishing, environmental and trade matters. For example, it has lodged submissions on the Fisheries Amendment Bills, marine protection proposals, and regional coastal plans. (E.g., in late 2023 it submitted on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill and Hauraki Gulf trawl restrictions.) These submissions are publicly available on its website.
• Ministerial Meetings – Seafood NZ representatives meet with ministers and officials (often behind closed doors). Some are disclosed via ministerial diaries. For instance, in July 2023 Seafood NZ (accompanied by former MP Clayton Cosgrove) met with the Immigration Minister to discuss industry workforce needs. The organisation also holds regular roundtables with MPI (Fisheries New Zealand) officials on policy and regulatory issues.
• Select Committee Appearances – Officials from Seafood NZ or its sector groups have appeared before Parliamentary committees (e.g. Primary Production Committee) to give evidence on fisheries legislation (noted in Hansard records and committee reports).
• Consultations and Working Groups – It participates in government-industry working groups (for example, on fisheries management reforms, biodiversity strategy, trade negotiations impacting seafood). The chair has noted involvement in an APEC Fisheries Working Group initiative, and Seafood NZ was engaged in Fisheries Act reform consultations launched by government in 2020.
23. Affiliations:
• Deepwater Group – Formerly a standalone company representing deepwater quota owners, now merged into Seafood NZ (as the Deepwater Council). Still works closely with MPI in co-managing deepwater fisheries (e.g. MSC certifications).
• Fisheries Inshore New Zealand (FINZ) – Industry body for inshore fishing companies (snapper, tarakihi, etc.), now amalgamated into Seafood NZ as the Inshore Council. Continues to advocate for inshore quota owners within the Seafood NZ framework.
• Aquaculture New Zealand – The aquaculture industry association (for marine farming) is an affiliate; Seafood NZ “works closely” with it but Aquaculture NZ remains separate. They coordinate on shared interests (e.g. biosecurity, market access) but aquaculture issues are primarily handled by Aquaculture NZ’s team.
• Te Ohu Kaimoana & Māori Fisheries – Seafood NZ maintains ties with Te Ohu Kaimoana (the Māori Fisheries Trust) and Māori-owned fishing companies. A Māori representative sits on the Seafood NZ board, reflecting this affiliation. This ensures alignment with the Māori quota allocation framework established under the Treaty fisheries settlement.
• NZ Rock Lobster Industry Council (NZ RLIC) – Affiliated; Seafood NZ collaborates with the Rock Lobster Council on policy and research issues (the lobster council notes formal collaboration with Seafood NZ).
• Pāua (Abalone) Industry Council – Affiliated in a similar manner.
• Seafood Standards Council (SSC) – A joint industry-government body for seafood product standards; it is officially a committee of Seafood NZ in partnership with MPI. Ensures food safety and quality standards are met across the industry.
• FishServe (Commercial Fisheries Services Ltd) – A wholly-owned subsidiary (now effectively under Seafood NZ) that provides administrative services for NZ’s quota management system on behalf of government and industry. While technically a separate entity, it functions under the Seafood NZ umbrella and its governance.
• Seafood Innovations Ltd (SIL) – A research joint venture co-funded by industry and MBIE, formerly a subsidiary of Seafood NZ. It invests in seafood R&D projects to add value and improve practices. (SIL is 50:50 funded by Seafood NZ and government).
• International & Cross-Sector: Seafood NZ is a member of BusinessNZ’s network of industry associations and liaises with international seafood bodies (e.g. it often engages with the Global Seafood Alliance and Seafood Industry Australia on common issues).
(Overall, Seafood NZ serves as the umbrella linking these affiliated entities, ensuring a unified industry voice where possible.)
24. Sponsorships / Collaborations:
• Government Partnerships: Collaborates with MPI on programs like the Seafood Standards Council (food safety) and fisheries management initiatives (observer programs, research projects). Also worked with MBIE on the Precision Seafood Harvesting project – an innovation in trawl technology co-funded by industry – via its members Sanford, Moana, Sealord (Seafood NZ promoted this as an industry success in innovation).
• Community/Education: Supports educational outreach such as the Marine Stewardship Talks in schools and vocational training through entities like Seafood Training Organisation (PITO) – Seafood NZ has been involved in workforce development planning with Govt (as noted in a strategy “Growing ocean people”).
• Environmental Collaboration: Partners with the Department of Conservation on National Plans of Action for Seabirds and Sharks (Seafood NZ sits on advisory groups to mitigate bycatch). It has also engaged with Predator Free NZ and others on marine protection discussions (though often to negotiate acceptable outcomes for industry).
• Sponsorships: Seafood NZ and member companies sponsor awards at the annual seafood conference (e.g. Seafood Stars Awards recognising excellence in the industry). They have also sponsored industry events like trade expos and local seafood festivals. For example, Seafood NZ backed the “Outstanding Food Producer Awards – Seafood category” (highlighted on its LinkedIn updates).
• Media and PR: Collaborated with broadcasters on positive coverage (e.g. sponsoring TV segments about seafood sustainability). It also worked jointly with NZ Trade & Enterprise on international marketing campaigns (promoting NZ seafood abroad).
25. Events (held or organised by this organisation):
• Annual New Zealand Seafood Industry Conference – Flagship event organised by Seafood NZ each year. Brings together industry leaders, scientists, and policymakers to discuss trends and challenges. For instance, the 2023 conference was held at Te Papa, Wellington, and included a technical day and awards night. In 2024, the conference was hosted in Nelson, reflecting a regional outreach focus.
• Seafood Industry Awards (Seafood Stars) – Presented at the conference, recognising contributions in innovation, sustainability, and young leadership (often sponsored by member companies like Talley’s).
• “The Update” Weekly Newsletter – While not a physical event, this regular bulletin (authored by the CEO or Chair) is a key public-facing output, often launched with media statements on Fridays. It sometimes doubles as an event when taken on the road (e.g. the CEO doing a “roadshow” to port towns and reporting back in The Update).
• Seafood Saturday – A public event initiated in Nelson in recent years to engage the community (celebrating local seafood, with open boat tours, cooking demos, etc.). Greg Gent referenced a “Seafood Saturday” in Nelson as a success for public engagement.
• Stakeholder Workshops – Seafood NZ hosts workshops with fishers and quota owners on specific issues (for example, in 2018–19 it ran “The Promise” roadshow meetings at ports around the country to promote the new Code of Conduct).
• Collaborative Forums – It convenes multi-stakeholder meetings such as the annual Seafood Sector Consultative Committee with MPI, and participates in NZ’s Primary Industries Summit events alongside groups like DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb NZ.
26. Political Donations:
• Seafood New Zealand Incorporated itself has not been reported as a donor to political parties or candidates (as a non-profit industry body, it generally pursues influence via lobbying rather than direct donations). A search of NZ Electoral Commission records shows no donations declared under the name Seafood New Zealand.
• Industry Member Donations: However, prominent companies and individuals from within Seafood NZ’s membership have made significant political donations which have raised questions of influence. Notably, the Talley family (owners of Talley’s Group, a major fishing company heavily involved in Seafood NZ) donated at least NZ$27,000 through the NZ First Foundation and directly to NZ First politicians around 2017. This included $10k to then-Minister Shane Jones and others. Those donations were not initially transparent (the NZ First Foundation treated industry contributions as “foundation” gifts, later revealed in the media), prompting concern from watchdogs that “the seafood industry had influence on government decisions” via undisclosed funding.
• Additionally, in 2017 Talley’s gave $40k spread across major party candidates (National and Labour) to curry broad political goodwill. Sealord and Moana Ltd (another industry stakeholder) have generally not publicly donated to parties, but have engaged via other means. The pattern suggests that while Seafood NZ as an entity stays apolitical in donations, its key stakeholders have used donations to bolster relationships with political figures, an issue highlighted in media and by environmental NGOs.
• Disclosure: No direct political donations from Seafood NZ are recorded in official databases up to 2023. The influence is more via lobbying and industry-wide efforts than through the organisation’s own funds.
27. Controversies:
• Allegations of Under-reporting & Fish Dumping – The seafood industry was rocked by revelations in 2016 that some commercial fishers were illegally discarding fish at sea and that MPI had under-prosecuted such offences. Seafood NZ (under Tim Pankhurst’s leadership) faced heavy public criticism, and in response the organisation launched a PR campaign (“Our Promise”) in 2017 to rebuild trust. Critics argued the industry’s self-policing had failed; even Seafood NZ’s own chair at the time admitted “we had some distance to go” on compliance. This controversy spurred the Code of Conduct (see Ethical section) and ongoing debates about installing cameras on boats.
• Lobbying against Camera Transparency – Seafood NZ and its members have repeatedly been accused of obstructing the rollout of on-board cameras to monitor bycatch. In 2019, companies including Talley’s and Sealord (with implicit support from Seafood NZ) wrote to the Fisheries Minister opposing compulsory cameras. Subsequently, the government delayed and scaled back the camera program. Environmental groups like Greenpeace accused Seafood NZ of “ghost lobbying” via friendly politicians (NZ First party members) to stall these measures. As of 2024, the new government was again reconsidering the camera program after industry meetings, raising public alarm about backtracking on transparency. This issue has generated controversy over industry influence at the potential expense of sustainability.
• NZ First Influence Scandal – During 2019–2020 it emerged that the NZ First party (in government at the time) had received secret donations from fishing interests. Russel Norman of Greenpeace cited this as a conflict, noting Shane Jones (then Fisheries Minister) openly told a Seafood NZ conference that he and his party leader were “incredibly pro-industry” and urging the industry to see them as allies. The perception that Seafood NZ’s constituents “bought” political support via undeclared donations was a significant controversy, contributing to a broader investigation of the NZ First Foundation’s finances.
• Environmental Criticism – Seafood NZ has often sparred with environmental NGOs. It was accused of “integrity washing” – claiming sustainability while lobbying to weaken protections. For example, in 2020–2021, it opposed the proposed Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary (citing Treaty/fishing rights) and negotiated reductions in new marine protected areas. It also opposed a Greenpeace petition for “30% marine protection by 2030”, with Seafood NZ’s submission arguing it would unjustifiably lock up fishing areas. These stances have been controversial, painting Seafood NZ as anti-conservation in the eyes of environmentalists.
• Industry Code of Conduct – Cynicism: While the 2017 Code of Conduct (“The Promise”) was lauded by industry, skeptics called it a PR exercise after years of bad behavior. In 2018, Seafood NZ’s own scorecard rated the industry a “C” grade on prosecutions and noted a culture shift was still needed. NGOs remain watchful that the Code lacks enforcement teeth. Any backsliding (e.g., incidents of illegal shark finning or habitat damage by fishing) invites criticism that Seafood NZ isn’t doing enough to rein in its members.
• Covid-19 Response – There was minor controversy over whether large fishing companies and industry bodies should have taken the government’s COVID wage subsidies. Some in the media questioned if seafood firms (which largely kept exporting) truly needed taxpayer support. (Seafood NZ itself did not feature in wage subsidy fraud cases or major criticism, though it did advocate for support to keep crews and processing staff employed.)
• Overall, Seafood NZ often finds itself at the center of public debates on fisheries, facing controversy whenever economic interests and sustainability/climate issues clash.
28. Other Information of Note:
• Formation via Industry Restructure: Seafood New Zealand was established as a result of a major restructure in 2012. The previous peak body, the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council (SeaFIC), had struggled with internal conflicts. Seafood NZ was created to “represent the whole seafood industry” with a new board, while allowing distinct sector groups more autonomy. SeaFIC initially remained as a holding company, but by 2013 Seafood NZ took over fully. This context explains Seafood NZ’s mandate and the presence of strong sector entities under its umbrella.
• Amalgamation in 2023: In November 2022, Seafood NZ announced an amalgamation proposal to merge with Fisheries Inshore NZ and Deepwater Group. This took effect in early 2023, simplifying the corporate structure by creating one unified company (Seafood New Zealand Ltd) encompassing those sectors. The merger was aimed at greater efficiency and “one voice” advocacy. As a result, FINZ and DWG ceased as separate legal entities and now operate as councils or divisions within Seafood NZ.
• Financial Model: The organisation is funded by levies and membership fees. A Fishing Industry Commodity Levy (under the Commodity Levies Act) provides much of the budget – fishing quota owners pay levies on their catch to fund industry-good services. For example, a compulsory levy on rock lobster catches funds the Rock Lobster Council and contributes to Seafood NZ’s collective efforts. Seafood NZ’s financial statements (when it was an incorporated entity) indicated multi-million dollar revenue, largely reinvested in research, advocacy, and communication on behalf of industry. It also earns income via its subsidiaries (FishServe contracts, etc.).
• Communications & Media: Seafood NZ publishes Seafood Magazine (a quarterly industry magazine) and the aforementioned Update newsletter. The tone of these publications is often defensive of the industry. In recent years, Seafood NZ has ramped up social media and video content to improve public perceptions (#keepingkaimoanacool is a tagline used on Facebook). The CEO and Chair frequently pen opinion pieces in mainstream media to counter criticisms (for example, rebutting claims of unsustainability). This media strategy is part of what some call “reputation management” for an industry often under scrutiny.
• Recognition: Seafood NZ emphasizes the industry’s economic importance – ~$1.8 to $2b in annual exports and 16,500 jobs. It has campaigned to have commercial fishing recognised as an essential industry (especially during COVID and border closures, it lobbied successfully to classify fishing crews as essential workers to enter NZ). The organisation prides itself on initiatives like precision harvesting technology and reductions in seabird bycatch, often citing these as outcomes of industry collaboration and innovation.
• Integrity Measures: In response to criticism, Seafood NZ introduced a formal Code of Conduct (2017) that all member companies ostensibly adhere to. It includes pledges on environmental responsibility, transparency, and zero tolerance for illegal activity. The industry’s performance is self-reviewed annually at the conference. While not legally binding, this was a notable attempt at self-regulation.
• Relationship with Recreational Sector: Seafood NZ’s stance often contrasts with recreational fishing lobby groups (like LegaSea). There’s a history of tension: rec fishers accuse commercial interests of depleting shared fish stocks, while Seafood NZ contends that quota management is robust. The two sides occasionally collaborate (e.g., on measures to rebuild certain fish stocks), but more often they present opposing submissions to government. This dynamic is an important backdrop to NZ fisheries policy debates (essentially commercial vs recreational interests).
29. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme:
• Data Not Found. There is no public record of “Seafood New Zealand Ltd” claiming the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy in 2020–21 under that name. The wage subsidy register mainly lists individual companies (some member companies like Sanford and Moana did receive subsidies for their workforce during lockdowns). Seafood NZ as an industry body likely continued operations remotely and was funded by levies which remained in place. If any support was received (e.g., for its small staff), it has not been highlighted in media or official reports. (By contrast, Seafood NZ focused on helping member businesses access government support rather than claiming it itself.)
Sources:
[8] SeafoodSource – New public face of NZ seafood industry (1 Oct 2012) – Announcement of Seafood NZ’s formation and its relationship to SeaFIC.
[13] NZ Gazette – Notice of Amalgamation Proposal (28 Feb 2013) – Details of SeaFIC and Seafood NZ amalgamation plans.
[53] NZ Gazette – Public Notice of Amalgamation (7 Nov 2022) – Proposal to amalgamate Seafood NZ Ltd with Fisheries Inshore NZ Ltd and Deepwater Group Ltd into a new Seafood NZ Ltd (effective 2023).
[15] NZ Business Directory (nzwao.com) – Seafood New Zealand Limited – Company registration details (Company No. 8587808, NZBN 9429051091729, registered 31 Jan 2023, address etc.).
[6] Seafood New Zealand – Contact Information (website footer) – Provides current physical address (Wellington), PO Box, and social media links.
[17] Seafood New Zealand – About Seafood New Zealand (website) – Describes industry contributions ($2b exports, 16,500 jobs) and Seafood NZ’s primary focus on deepwater/inshore fisheries while working with other sectors.
[18] Seafood New Zealand – Board and Sector Representatives (website) – Lists current board members by role (Independent Chair Greg Gent; Deepwater reps Geoff Burgess, Tony Hazlett, Annabel Scaife; Inshore reps Craig Lawson, Steve Tarrant; Māori rep Graeme Hastilow; etc.).
[24] seafoodindustry.co.nz – Industry Organisations (2019) – Explains SeaFIC shareholding by Commercial Stakeholder Organisations (CSOs) and lists examples (Aquaculture NZ, Area2 Inshore Co., Bluff Oyster Co., Challenger companies, Deepwater Group, etc.).
[19] Seafood NZ (website) – Our Sector Entities & Subsidiaries – Descriptions of Aquaculture NZ, NZ Rock Lobster Council, Paua Industry Council, and subsidiaries FishServe and Seafood Innovations Ltd.
[31] SeafoodSource – Seafood New Zealand names new chief executive (23 March 2020) – Article announcing Jeremy Helson as new CEO, with quotes about his MPI (10 years) and Fisheries Inshore (6 years) experience, and noting Tim Pankhurst’s retirement after 7 years as CEO and move to magazine editor. Also references the ongoing “Promise” roadshow in 2020.
[30] Scoop News – Seafood industry judged against its Code of Conduct (2 Aug 2018) – Press release (likely from industry or NZ First Party) summarizing Craig Ellison’s report at the 2018 conference: mentions 2017 “Promise” and Code of Conduct, Ellison’s remarks that industry got a C on prosecutions but is improving, etc..
[57] RNZ News (In Depth) – Concerns over secret fisheries donations to NZ First Foundation (10 March 2020) – Investigative report by RNZ’s Guyon Espiner detailing Talley’s donations: notes Talley’s gave $10k to Shane Jones, $10k to another NZ First MP, and $27k to NZ First Foundation (undeclared); Russel Norman’s letter to PM highlighting Jones’ “ghost fishing minister” comment at Seafood NZ’s 2019 conference and NZ First blocking fisheries review panel; Shane Jones’ history as ex-chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana and openly pro-industry stance.
[32] Seafood NZ (website) – Fisheries Reform Consultation (circa 2020) – Encourages fishers to engage with proposed Fisheries Act amendments. Highlights proposals like multi-year TAC decisions, onboard camera footage OIA exemption, and allowing return of some quota species to sea if cameras/observers present. States these changes “could be very beneficial” and “we all need to speak up”.
[40] RNZ News – Rollout of cameras on fishing boats under review (19 Feb 2024) – News report on Minister Shane Jones meeting industry execs and MPI about future of cameras, with Jones saying industry has “discordant views” on cameras, not ruling out overhauling the program. Greenpeace response included saying there’s been “every excuse under the sun” to delay cameras and implying if nothing to hide, nothing to fear.
[45] Beehive.govt.nz – Hon Andrew Little Ministerial Diary – July 2023 (PDF) – Diary entries showing “Meeting with Seafood New Zealand representatives; Hon Clayton Cosgrove, Cosgrove and Partners; MBIE officials – Portfolio: Immigration” on 13 July 2023. Demonstrates Seafood NZ engaging a former minister as consultant to lobby the sitting minister.
[42] Leadership NZ (leadership.ac.nz) – Tony Hazlett profile – Notes Tony Hazlett is CEO of Talley’s Group (was GM of Deep Sea division etc.) and his role at Talley’s, confirming his identity as Talley’s executive, which correlates to his board role at Seafood NZ as deepwater rep.
[35] Facebook (Greenpeace NZ page) – Shane Jones trial by TikTok claim (post referencing Q+A 2020) – Indicates Shane Jones (then Minister) claimed public criticism was “trial by TikTok,” aligning with industry attempts to downplay leaked footage issues.
[46] LegaSea (legasea.co.nz) – The Fisheries Reform Scam! (campaign page, 2025) – LegaSea’s view that Shane Jones’ proposed Fisheries Act changes are effectively handing control to quota owners, calling it a “fatal weakening” to allow more fish to be caught, etc.. This highlights criticism of industry influence in policy proposals.
[67] LinkedIn – Seafood New Zealand company page – Provides additional data: Company size 11-50, Type nonprofit, Founded 2012, Mission statement, and locations (Wellington HQ, also lists 36 Kitchener St Auckland). Confirms some structured data and founding year.
[71] Seafood NZ News – Seafood New Zealand announces new CEO (14 May 2024) – Press release announcing Lisa Futschek as CEO, describing her as an “experienced diplomat and business leader,” listing former roles (Education NZ GM International, NZ Embassy in Berlin Deputy Head, etc.) and Greg Gent’s quote noting her diplomacy background and previous involvement in fisheries negotiations (APEC Fisheries Working Group). Also notes Jeremy Helson is moving to a new role in Australia.
[22] seafoodindustry.co.nz – Industry Organisations (Nov 2019) – Describes SeaFIC structure and CSOs in detail, indicating how industry representation was organised before Seafood NZ’s full takeover.
[29] Seafood NZ (website) – Seafood industry judged against its Code of Conduct (likely same content as Scoop piece) – It specifically says “In 2017 the industry made a Promise…and developed a six-point Code of Conduct”. Confirms timeline and content of the Promise campaign.
[28] SEQEL Partners (exec recruitment firm) – Seafood NZ appoints Greg Gent as Chair (press release Jul/Aug 2023) – likely where Greg Gent’s appointment is noted.
Each of these sources provides evidence supporting claims in the report.
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz