It’s been an interesting couple of weeks analysing which parties are committed to delivering more fish in the water.

The 2026 election is shaping up to be close. That makes cross-party support for restoring the abundance of fish more important than ever, because the broader that support, the better chance that whoever forms the next government will work towards this collective goal.

Four out of seven parties have said outright that they support managing our fish stocks at higher levels. This includes ACT, Greens, Te Pāti Māori, and Opportunity parties. 

Without more abundance and diversity of fish in our coastal waters, we’ll keep facing more closures and reduced access to gathering kaimoana.

Rebuilding our inshore fish stocks to at least half the estimated biomass that existed before industrial fishing began means the good stuff follows: better fishing, healthier ecosystems and a more resilient ocean. 

Why policy matters

Six out of eight political contenders now have a dedicated oceans and fisheries policy. The two outliers are Te Pāti Māori and NZ First.

LegaSea views that as real progress. At the 2023 election, none of the current coalition parties had an oceans and fisheries policy. This time round, both National and ACT do.

Having policy matters. It shows a party has thought about our oceans and is willing to be held to account. But words on paper only go so far. What counts is whether parties hold the line on those commitments once they go into coalition talks. 

So before you head to the voting booths this week, check out our updated election scorecard and make an informed choice that reflects your values.

I Fish. I Care. I Vote.