How much kahawai is caught from New Zealand waters, per annum?

May 29, 2025

Below is the breakdown of kahawai catch in 2024;

  • Commercial landings – 2,158,000 kilograms, for sale.
  • Recreational landings – 370,600 kilograms, to feed our families.
  • Māori customary – unknown, however, it is common for kahawai to be caught for customary purposes under the amateur fishing regulations, as part of a person’s recreational daily bag limit.

Sources –
Fisheries New Zealand, Fisheries Assessment Plenary. May 2024. Page 723
Fisheries New Zealand, National Panel Survey of Recreational Fishers 2022-23. Page 69