Parliamentary Under Secretary Jenny Marcroft shares her vision, addressing challenges and championing the people and potential of New Zealand's vital seafood industry.
Wellington – Parliamentary Under Secretary to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Jenny Marcroft, is passionately engaging with New Zealand's seafood sector, bringing a fresh perspective and a focus on people and progress to her pivotal role.With an initial limited knowledge of the kaimoana (seafood) industry, Marcroft has swiftly immersed herself, identifying key challenges, burgeoning opportunities, and outlining a vision for the sector's sustainable future.
Marcroft's primary mandate is to support the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries by fostering direct engagement with stakeholders across the country. Her role involves extensive travel, meeting industry members, gathering their concerns and ideas, and reporting back to the Minister, ensuring a consistent government presence despite the Minister's own deep familiarity with the sector."I just love meeting people and hearing their stories,"Marcroft remarked, highlighting the passion and potential she observes throughout the industry.She diligently tracks her nationwide visits using maps in her office, a visual testament to her commitment.
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Marcroft's personal connection to the ocean stems from a typical Kiwi upbringing in the 60s and 70s, spent at a family bach in Pukehina, where activities like surfcasting, hand lining, and gathering tuatua were integral to daily life. Her professional journey began as a teacher, transitioning into over 30 years in media, which honed her communication skills before a natural progression into politics. Joining New Zealand First in 2017, she entered Parliament, returning in 2023 to be appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary, specifically offered the Oceans and Fisheries portfolio by Minister Shane Jones (Matua Shane).
A Vision for Undervalued Protein
Marcroft views the seafood sector as a highly productive part of New Zealand's economy, but crucially, an "undervalued source of clean, sustainable protein." Her vision centers on ensuring continued access to this fresh, healthy resource. She notes that while the industry has faced significant criticism from environmental groups, the vital health benefits of seafood are often overlooked in public discourse. Marcroft advocates for reducing misinformation about the sector and fostering greater appreciation from everyday New Zealanders, drawing a parallel to the dairy industry's successful efforts in countering disinformation and marketing the value of its products.
Since assuming her role, Marcroft has been consistently impressed by the passion of the people within the industry, from individual fishers to large commercial operations.She observes a deep commitment to sustainable practices and healthy fish stocks for future generations.Her travels have taken her across the country, from the impressive mussel spat project at Te Aupōuri Fisheries in the Far North to exciting developments in whitebait farming by Manāki Whitebait in Bluff, and the leadership in blue carbon research in Nelson and Marlborough. A particular highlight was Whangaruru, where Ngātiwai ki Whangaruru's vision for marine gardens and their incredible hospitality left a lasting impression.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Marcroft acknowledges several significant challenges facing the commercial fishing sector. Foremost among these is the pervasive misinformation, which she believes detracts from the industry's continuous innovation and improvements. "It’s not the 1980s anymore," she stated, emphasizing the need for updated recognition.
Economic challenges also loom large, particularly the aging fleet. Many fishers operate vessels over 40 years old, lacking the financial reserves for upgrades. These older boats are less fuel-efficient, compounding the impact of high fuel prices. Fleet modernization, Marcroft suggests, would lead to reduced fuel consumption and alleviate some economic pressures.
Another critical concern is attracting, training, and retaining Kiwi crew. Marcroft links this directly to the "social license" issue, noting that persistent negative media, especially on social media, deters young people from considering fishing as a viable career. This is regrettable, as the sector offers promising career paths and a consistent pipeline of work, further bolstered by exciting scientific advancements and the growth of the aquaculture industry, which are attracting younger talent.
Despite these hurdles, Marcroft sees numerous opportunities. She highlighted the upcoming Seafood Sustainability Awards as a platform to showcase amazing work and innovation, including technologies like Flip Farm, hook pods, and advancements in longliner fishing. The government, she asserts, must recognize the collective effort contributing to nearly $2.2 billion in export revenue, a significant achievement worthy of celebration. Anticipated drops in fuel prices and renewed demand from the China market are expected to improve returns in the next financial year. Furthermore, the ongoing Fisheries Act reform presents a major opportunity for more responsive and efficient decision-making, stronger protection for onboard camera footage, and updated rules regarding landed vs. returned quota management system (QMS) fish.
To the sector, Under Secretary Marcroft's message is clear and encouraging: "This government sees them and understands their worth and value, and to encourage them to keep doing what they’re doing, because we understand that it’s not always easy."
When asked about her favorite seafood, Marcroft admitted a love for nearly all of it, with the sole exception of kina (sea urchin). Her preferences are seasonal, citing recent enjoyment of Bluff and Pacific oysters, pāua, and crayfish. Tuatua remains a consistent favorite, enjoyed year-round. She typically eats fish a couple of times a week, with pan-fried blue cod being her top choice, favoring fresh seafood "without adornment."
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Marcroft's primary mandate is to support the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries by fostering direct engagement with stakeholders across the country. 
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