The first day of the conference concluded with the federation’s annual charity auction to support the Shipwreck Welfare Trust, which provides immediate financial support to families affected by shipwrecks and mishaps at sea around the coast of New Zealand. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the auction raised a whopping $40,133.
During the auction, federation member and trailblazing quota broker Donna Wells was awarded the Electronic Navigation Shield Award. Made of 2,000-year-old kauri and nearly a metre long, the trophy is given to someone who has gone above and beyond to support and promote the federation.
Donna has over 30 years of experience championing women in the seafood industry and promoting small, independent fishers who catch the high-quality fish for her Nelson-based company, Finestkind Ltd.
“This award is special to me, given it comes from the heart of the industry and recognises years of working with, and for, our wonderful – and often challenging – seafood industry and the people in it,” Donna says.
All in all, it was a rewarding event that highlighted the energy and forward-looking goals of the federation’s membership.
“With a new up-andcoming crowd of passionate young fishers, I can’t wait to see what the next 70 years will bring,” Doug says.
