Our annual conference
Each year on the last Thursday in May, the Federation hosts its conference in a region with a significant commercial fishing presence, usually alternating between the South and North Island. The annual event is a key Federation activity, bringing members together from around the country to reconnect and engage with the commercial fishing industry’s latest developments.
The day always closes with a fish n’ chip dinner and charity auction to support the New Zealand Shipwreck Welfare Trust.
Wellington - 28 and 29 May 2026
Registration is now open for the 2026 New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermens' annual conference and AGM, on May 28-29 in Wellington at Tākina, the Wellington Convention Centre.
Discounted rates are available for rooms at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington for bookings between 26-30 May 2026.
In order to secure this the Federation discount rate, you will need to call the hotel at 04 494 8952 to book and reference the code 598429.
It is no longer possible to get this discount rate when booking online.
Note: Booking is essential and the discounted rooms are subject to availability. Credit card details are required at the time of booking to guarantee the reservation. Contact the hotel at 04 494 8952 or email groups_willington@grandchancellorhotels.com if you need assistance.
Our conference sponsors
Become a conference sponsor
Want to support our conference and benefit from getting your business in front of a group of passionate maritime industry people? For information about our different sponsorship tiers, click the image below.
Have an item to donate to the fish n’ chip charity auction?
The Federation is looking for items to auction at the annual fish ‘n’ chip dinner, with proceeds going to support the New Zealand Shipwreck Welfare Trust. If you have something you’d like to contribute, please bring it along on the day and drop it off at the registration desk. It is NOT possible to ship items directly to Tākina.
If you have any questions please contact Fishserve at office@fishserve.co.nz.
Seafood New Zealand Conference
In 2026, the Federation conference is being held alongside the Seafood New Zealand conference (May 26-27).
This supercharges your access to each other as well as to government Ministers and opposition spokespeople. In particular, we encourage you to register for the Seafood Showcase and Awards held on Wednesday 27 May, which includes the presentation of the annual Seafood Stars Awards and the mouthwatering Seafood Showcase.
You can register for the Seafood New Zealand conference by clicking here.
Seafood New Zealand has kindly provided a discount code for Federation members, which will be sent to separately.
