Newsroom

The Northland mudfish has completed a remarkable victory in Fish of the Year 2026, having first taken the lead with less than 24 hours left to run. It takes the crown from the blobfish, whose viral 2025 victory took the competition to an international audience. The mudfish prevailed despite vigorous campaigning from its competitors, with scales flying in schools, dive shops, and on airwaves and social media across the country. All up, 5896 New Zealanders cast their vote, a ne

Man re-writes rulebook as longfin eel and whale shark take the lead An unprecedented late entrant has shaken up New Zealand’s favourite aquatic popularity contest. Whale shark and longfin eel/tuna are neck and neck, with big-belly seahorse/manaia currently rounding out the top three on the Fish of the Year leaderboard. However, the registration of ‘honorary fish’ Jono Ridler has left some fellow contenders feeling salty. While ineligible for the overall crown, members of the

Community celebrates success of hapū led marine protection More than 250 locals and visitors have been left in awe at the abundance of marine life at Maitai Bay in the Far North. The bay has been under a strict ‘no take’ rāhui for nearly nine years, since local hapū Te Whānau Moana me Te Rorohuri took action at the alarming decline in fish numbers. To see the impact of the protections, the bay’s annual community snorkel day was hosted by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

The summer of 2025/26 promises to be a busy one, with our full list of events now pencilled in! Take a look below. There's a range of snorkelling, kayak, and paddle boarding events listed, so there's plenty of different ways to connect to the water! Please note these events are subject to change - weather and partner availability may influence our schedule. Also note some events are targeted at specific groups (eg locals) first, so you may not have access to book all events w

This October, we brought our Marine Mahi For Rangatahi project on an exciting journey to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.

We are pleased to announce the release of the Wai Connection Year 2 Report.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Protections Act has been a long time coming. Does it do a good job of protecting the Gulf? Here's what we think.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: the profound and reciprocal relationship between our mental health and the environment.

Based on extensive peer-reviewed science and recent High Court rulings, we’re urging the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to implement the maximum feasible reductions in Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and introduce targeted spatial closures. This is the only way to restore the ecological balance our reefs and marine ecosystems desperately need.

You might wonder, ‘how do you protect something that swims between rivers and the ocean?’ Part of the answer is to ensure īnanga have optimal spawning habitat. That's why we’ve developed a process to ensure these important fish have the best chance to reproduce and thrive.