A one week Fisheries Study Tour, involving the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) and Central Pacific Producers Ltd (CPPL), has officially concluded in Auckland, new Zealand.

On arrival in New Zealand, the team were warmly welcomed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington through a cultural Maori welcome, Mihi Whakatau, followed by visits to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Te Pātui programme. In Nelson, the team visited research fisheries Institutes, the Bioeconomy Institute, Cawthron Institute and a leading seafood company called Sealord. Upon returning to Auckland, the team visited the Kiribati historic Baurua from Taratai kept at the Auckland museum. They also met with organizations responsible for trade and blue economy, the Pacific Trade Institution (PTI) and a consulting firm KPMG.  This MFOR study tour was concluded by a debrief with Skills Group, consulting firm contracted by MFAT to support this mission and the presentation of certificates.

The visits provided valuable insights through New Zealand’s seafood value chain, including fisheries management, aquaculture, research, seafood processing, export readiness, value addition, workforce development and trade opportunities. The team also shared Kiribati’s fisheries priorities, challenges and the sector’s important role in the country’s development, while exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

As the team returns home, the focus will be on translating the lessons learned into practical actions suited to Kiribati’s context.

MFOR acknowledged the continuous support of MFAT to the fisheries sectors, through the Tobwan Waara Programme. Special thanks to Skills Group New Zealand for organizing the tour and providing pastoral care, including all the hosts, institutions, companies and organizations for generously sharing their knowledge and experiences to the Kiribati study tour delegations.

MFOR value the importance of this study tour and look forward to strengthening the enduring partnership between Kiribati and New Zealand and learn from the outcome of this mission for the benefit of Kiribati and our ocean.