Where you will find us
FirstMate is a nationwide organisation, but to ensure our services are relevant to local fishers and aquaculture farmers we have divided the country into thirteen regions, with their respective fishing communities, ports and/or aquaculture locations. You’re not bound by these regions though - we’re happy to put you in touch with any of our Navigators, particularly if a Navigator from another region has knowledge that you think would be useful to you.
Our communities
Far North - Te Tai Tokerau
Up in the winterless north, many fishers catch New Zealand snapper by longlining and other methods. We are currently searching for another Navigator to join Cindy in helping those in this region – talk to her directly or contact us using the form below to find out more about the role.
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau
Significant harbours and the abundant Hauraki Gulf surround our largest city. We are currently searching for another Navigator to join Gavin and help out in this region. If you’re interested to learn more about the role, please contact us using the form below.
Whitianga - Whitianga-a-Kupe / Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi / Coromandel - Te Tara-o-Te-Ika-a-Māui
The breadbasket of New Zealand is home to many aquaculture famers and inshore fishers. Dallas and Mark have a wide range of experience and skills to offer in helping you find the support or advice you need.
West Coast North Island
Home of the West Coast snapper, trevally and terakihi fisheries, and fishers who are brave enough to work this challenging coastline from Kāpiti to Kāwhia. We are currently searching for Navigators to help out in this region. If you’re interested to learn more about the role, please contact us using the form below.
Napier - Ahuriri / Gisborne - Tairāwhiti
Fishers head out of these historic ports to significant snapper, flounder, and gurnard fishing grounds. Rick and Dave have decades of relevant experience between them and are well-placed to help you find the support or advice you need.
Wellington - Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wairarapa
The closest commercial fishery to our nation’s capital includes the rugged Cook Strait fishery. We are currently searching for another Navigator to join Hone in helping those in this region – talk to him directly or contact us using the form below to find out more about the role.
Marlborough / Kaikōura
Travel east from the epicentre of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry to the cray and pāua fisheries of Kaikoura. We are currently searching for another Navigator to join Mike in helping those in this region. If you’re interested to learn more about the role, please contact us using the form below.
Canterbury - Waitahi / Timaru - Te Tihi-o-Maru
Many multi-generational fishing whānau ply these waters, which are home to the Akaroa cod and elephant fish. We are currently searching for another Navigator to join Brendan in helping those in this region – talk to him directly or contact us using the form below to find out more about the role.
Nelson - Whakatū / Tasman - Te Tai-o-Aorere
New Zealand’s largest fishing port and a region with significant inshore, deepwater and aquaculture activity. Between them, Glenn, Leanne and Amba have a wealth of experience that you can draw on to help with anything that’s bothering you.
Otago - Otakou
This historic fishing fleet is supported by the Port Chalmers Fishermen’s Co-operative Society and delivers great tasting lemon sole. We are currently searching for another Navigator to join Glenn in helping those in this region – talk to him directly or contact us using the form below to find out more about the role.
Chatham Islands - Wharekauri | Rēkohu and Pitt Islands - Rangiaotea | Rangiauria
Straddling the Roaring Forties, these are islands with significant traditions and plentiful pāua, blue cod and cray fisheries. The team of island-based Navigators, who are well-connected to a wide range of support services, are ready to provide you with any help or advice you need.
West Coast South Island - Te Tai Poutini
Fishing and fishers are the lifeblood of this wild and beautiful region. We are currently searching for Navigators to help out in this region. If you’re interested to learn more about the role, please contact us using the form below.
Southland - Murihiku / Riverton - Aparima / Fiordland
A region that is world-renowned for its oyster, blue cod and cray fisheries. Pat and Richard have decades of relevant experience between them and are well-placed to help you find the support or advice you need.
My passion is in ‘the people’. Those out there doing the job night and day and in all weathers and under constant pressures. It is essential that we are here to provide continued support to those hardworking NZers and their whanau”
- Doug Saunders-Loder, FirstMate Trustee
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.
