Top 10 Best Fishery Companies in Hastings

Hastings and the Hawke's Bay Coast

Although Hastings is best known for orchards and vineyards, it sits close to a long and productive coastline stretching from Cape Kidnappers to Mahia. The waters of Hawke Bay and the wider east coast support fisheries for snapper, gurnard, tarakihi, crayfish, hapuku and other species. The nearby Port of Napier serves fishing vessels and seafood exporters, while restaurants and fish shops in Hastings proudly serve locally caught seafood. Fishing also has deep cultural significance for Ngāti Kahungunu, whose relationship with the moana spans many generations.

The fishery companies in this guide were selected for sustainability practices, product quality, local presence, cultural connection and contribution to the Hastings and Hawke's Bay seafood supply.

Sustainability and the Quota Management System

New Zealand manages its commercial fisheries through the Quota Management System, which sets catch limits for each species and area based on scientific assessments. This system aims to keep fish stocks healthy while allowing a sustainable commercial harvest. Leading seafood companies go further by investing in selective fishing gear, camera monitoring, bycatch reduction and research partnerships. In Hawke's Bay, concerns about sediment from land runoff, particularly after major storms, have highlighted the connection between land management and marine health. Many local fishers and iwi organisations advocate for integrated approaches that protect both catchments and coastal ecosystems.

Seafood in the Hastings Food Scene

Hastings diners increasingly value fresh, local seafood. Fish and chip shops, cafes and fine dining restaurants feature Hawke's Bay catch alongside regional wine and produce. The Hastings Farmers' Market and local fishmongers offer residents access to fresh fish and shellfish, while seafood exporters send premium products to markets in Asia, Australia and beyond.

The Top 10 Fishery Companies Serving Hastings

1. Takitimu Seafoods

Takitimu Seafoods is a Hawke's Bay seafood company associated with Ngāti Kahungunu interests. It supplies fresh fish to local and national customers and emphasises sustainable practices and the cultural connection between iwi and the moana.

2. Kahungunu Asset Holding Company

Kahungunu Asset Holding Company manages fisheries assets on behalf of Ngāti Kahungunu, the iwi of the Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa regions. Its role ensures that fisheries settlement assets generate long-term value for iwi members and support cultural and economic development.

3. Hawke's Bay Seafoods

Hawke's Bay Seafoods is a local seafood business supplying fresh and frozen fish to retailers, restaurants and the public. Its local focus means Hastings customers can access freshly caught regional species with short supply chains.

4. Moana New Zealand

Moana New Zealand is the country's largest Māori-owned seafood company, operating fishing, processing and marketing businesses. It is known for its commitment to kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, and for premium products such as crayfish, oysters and wild fish.

5. Sanford

Sanford is one of New Zealand's oldest and largest seafood companies, with operations in wild-catch fishing and aquaculture. It invests heavily in sustainability, innovation and value-added products, supplying seafood to retailers and restaurants nationwide.

6. Sealord

Sealord is a major New Zealand seafood company known for deepwater fishing and a wide range of consumer seafood products. Its familiar brand appears in supermarkets across Hastings, and it has invested in sustainable fishing certification and technology.

7. Talley's

Talley's is a diversified New Zealand food company with significant fishing operations. It harvests a range of species and supplies seafood to domestic and international markets, contributing to the national seafood supply chain.

8. Lee Fish

Lee Fish is a New Zealand seafood exporter known for line-caught fish and a focus on quality and freshness. Its emphasis on premium handling practices delivers top-grade fish to restaurants and export customers.

9. Solander Group

Solander Group is a New Zealand fishing company operating deepwater and inshore vessels. It supplies a range of species to domestic and export markets and has invested in modern vessels and responsible fishing practices.

10. Fiordland Lobster Company

Fiordland Lobster Company specialises in live crayfish exports, sourcing from fishers around New Zealand, including the east coast. Its expertise in live handling and export logistics delivers premium New Zealand crayfish to high-value international markets.

How to Choose a Seafood Supplier

Restaurants, retailers and caterers in Hastings should look for seafood suppliers that combine freshness, traceability and responsible sourcing. Ask where and how fish was caught, how long it has been since landing and how the cold chain is maintained from vessel to kitchen. Suppliers that can provide species, catch area and method information help businesses answer customer questions confidently and support sustainability claims on menus. Consistency of supply is also important, particularly for menus that feature signature dishes, so it can be wise to work with suppliers that offer flexible substitutions when weather keeps boats in port. Building a relationship with a local fishmonger or iwi-connected seafood business adds authenticity and helps diners connect with the Hawke's Bay coast, while national companies provide depth of range and dependable year-round volume.

Fishery Industry Trends

Electronic monitoring, traceability technology and sustainability certification are becoming standard in New Zealand fisheries. Iwi organisations are playing an increasingly influential role in fisheries management and seafood enterprise. Demand for local, traceable seafood is rising among Hastings consumers, while climate change and coastal habitat protection remain significant long-term challenges.

Conclusion

The fishery companies serving Hastings combine tradition, cultural connection and modern sustainability practices. These ten businesses help bring the bounty of the Hawke's Bay coast and New Zealand waters to local tables and the world.