Whānau MattersGabrielle and Simon (Si) live with their four daughters in a remote bay in the Marlborough Sounds. Si works long days as a mussel Farmer and Gabrielle home-schools the kids. The aquaculture industry has been a large part of their life - but as you would expect, it’s not always smooth sailing.
Stay On Course
FirstMate New Zealand supports the health and wellbeing of people across the commercial seafood sector. Our goal is to offer fishers and businesses the guidance, direction and support they need to better navigate the pressures and complexities that come with the job.
Call 0800 ADRIFT (0800 237 438)
for support or advice
Stay On Course
Working at sea can be very challenging – mentally, physically, legally and financially. And as things continue to change, it’s vital that people in the industry – and their whānau –
have the support they need to adjust and thrive.
Call 0800 ADRIFT (0800 237 438)
for support or advice
FirstMate: Proud Winners of the ACC Workplace and Wellbeing Award at the 2024 Seafood Stars Awards
At FirstMate, we are here to help. We:
Offer three free counselling sessions for you, or your family
Offer group and family counselling services
Can support you and help you understand the complexities of regulatory compliance like:
Health and Safety
MOSS
Fisheries Act
and through any compliance action by providing a support person
Can assist you to connect with the services/support that you specifically need, and we will be at your side throughout the process
Can connect with our Health Navigator who can assist with navigating the health system and your personal health
Make a donation
Your donation goes directly to helping the seafood community improve their wellbeing. Email donate@firstmate.org.nz to discuss ways you can support our work, from sponsoring an event or initiative to making a one-off or ongoing donation.
Contact us
Call 0800 ADRIFT for support any day between 7am and 10pm or email info@firstmate.org.nz to access the support you need. We also have a growing library of free resources available for you to access on our website.
“The support was instant. As soon as I rang them someone was in touch. It really felt like they were supporting you”
“FirstMate had the understanding and kindness to talk to people on the boat and help them…The kindness and help they gave the boat was bloody good”
“Just the checking in is really nice. Especially for a male. I know it’s good to talk about it [mental health], but it’s not easy to find that person to talk to about it”
FirstMate in action
Click on the images below to watch the video.
Diving into the Fishing IndustryAfter getting bored of building, Marlborough-based Tim Barnett began working as a contract diver and spends big, long – but rewarding – days working in an industry he loves. Now, he’s the boss, and the juggle to keep everyone happy means a whole lot more stress, so he’s had to find ways to cope.
Meet the Fishers: Port Chalmers Crew Show How It’s DoneThe first community event supported by FirstMate was held at Careys Bay wharf in November 2021. Organised by the Port Chalmers Fishermen’s Co-operative Society and proud local commercial inshore fishers who gave up time at sea to help with this important event, including FirstMate Navigator Glenn Robinson.
Weathering the Storm: The Impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on the NZ Seafood IndustryThis video explores the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on New Zealand's seafood industry, with firsthand accounts from fishers on the disruptions and lasting effects. Discover the challenges faced by fishing communities and learn about the resources developed by FirstMate to support them during tough times.
