What’s on deck for Seafood Saturday on 9 March
Seafood Saturday is all set to bring a buzzy vibe to Whakatū Nelson. Brought to you by Seafood New Zealand, it’s a celebration of our world-leading seafood sector, our kaimoana and the kaimahi (workers) who deliver it to us from sea to table. Seafood New Zealand CEO Dr Jeremy Helson says Seafood Saturday is an exciting event that brings the local maritime sector together with seafood-loving communities.
“Seafood Saturday is a fun, interactive way to celebrate our kaimoana. The different species we catch locally are healthy and delicious, and the day is also an opportunity to shine a light on all the different ways the New Zealand seafood industry utilises blue tech innovations and supports our coastal communities.”
The seafood sector plays a significant role in the Nelson Tasman region, providing hundreds of jobs and earning millions for the local economy. Many of the country’s seafood providers are headquartered here, including Sealord – the platinum sponsor of Seafood Saturday – who has supported the initiative since its inception.
Sealord CEO Doug Paulin says the company is proud to support Seafood Saturday.
“As New Zealand’s largest seafood company, Sealord is happy to play a role in bringing this event back to Nelson and making it as accessible to the community as possible. That’s why for the second year we’ve come on board as the event’s Platinum sponsor and why we’re also donating fish fillets for the build-a-fish-burger bar as well as free fish ‘n chips for kids. We’re a company that’s focused on whānau, and Seafood Saturday really speaks to our ethos.”
Building on the success of last year’s event, Seafood Saturday 2024 is expanding its free community events beyond Upper Trafalgar Street to include an inshore fishing boat experience at the port, and an expo at the headquarters of blue economy cluster Moananui on the corner of Trafalgar Square and Selwyn Place.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says he’s looking forward to Seafood Saturday next month.
“Nelson is proud to be the fishing capital of New Zealand. Seafood Saturday is an opportunity to showcase our fine products and to celebrate the thousands of people who work in the industry.
“I’ve already bought my ticket to the Chef’s Choice progressive lunch – Seafood Saturday will be a great day out in Nelson and I’m looking forward to seeing the CBD bustling with families.”
What you can expect on the day:
In the morning, head to the Nelson Marina for a chance to climb aboard The Gleam, one of the region’s oldest fishing vessels. Owned by New Zealand’s oldest fishing family, the vessel is retired from active service but continues to give back to the community and foster a connection with the moana. This is a very special chance to experience what it’s like to be on a fishing vessel for yourself, and ask a fisher about what it’s like to make your living on the ocean.
Then from midday, head to Upper Trafalgar Street NZ Fish Fed Community Hub for an afternoon of family-friendly activities. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll be able to:
- Watch a fish filleting demonstration by some of Sealord’s top filleters and learn more about the species of fish caught in the waters of New Zealand, plus get some serious knife-skills envy.
- Explore a pop-up exhibition by local artist Luke Heal, who specialises in colourful paintings of fish and other marine life. Or browse industry expo tents to learn more about what makes our seafood industry tick.
- Head around the corner from 1903 Square to the Moananui blue economy cluster headquarters building, which they’re opening up to the public for the first time to showcase blue technology. Don’t miss your chance to see the latest in maritime technological innovations in person and the chance to ask questions about how they work.
- Build-your-own fish burger thanks to Sealord and Culture Burger Joint with a gold coin donation to Coastguard Nelson Tasman. Or nab some tasty kaimoana from one of the participating food trucks, Sushi Punch and Top of the South Seafood.
- For the tamariki, there’s a station at the Nelson Provincial Museum, where there will be ocean-themed activities such as colouring in, creating and decorating a unique little fish and exploring the museum’s digital display of historic photos of Nelson’s maritime history from its extensive collection. And outside, little ones can also get their faces painted, enjoy a fun pirate show with Captain Stinkypants and make some sea-inspired crafts at the FirstMate kids zone!
Learn more at seafoodsaturday.nz and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram, @seafoodsaturday.
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