Seafood Saturday set to dock again in Nelson CBD in March 2024
Following the success of the inaugural Seafood Saturday earlier this year, which saw hundreds flocking to Upper Trafalgar Street in Nelson city, the celebration of all things seafood is returning on Saturday 9 March 2024.
Once again made possible by Seafood New Zealand and locally based companies, the one-day event will showcase even more of what makes the region’s seafood sector world-leading. It will also importantly add to the city centre’s event calendar in March, vitalising the city centre and helping bring people to town and into its restaurants, shops and the museum.
Seafood NZ CEO Dr Jeremy Helson says the high demand shown for the 2023 event made it an easy decision to renew their support.
“We know this event was extremely popular last year and we are pleased to support it. We think it’s a great chance to celebrate what our seafood people do.
“The seafood sector and blue economy make huge contributions to the Nelson Tasman region, and we’re pleased to put the spotlight on the many businesses that help our sustainable industry thrive alongside other key sponsors Sealord, Talley’s, Publik Agency, FPS, NZ King Salmon and Sanford.
“It’s also great to have Nelson City Council supporting the 2024 event as a sponsor, as well as Uniquely Nelson, helping get the word out there. We hope this can be a template for similar celebrations in other New Zealand centres where fishing and seafood are a key part of the local economy and culture.”
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says Seafood Saturday is a great way for Nelson to celebrate its role as the fishing capital of New Zealand.
“We have dozens of businesses and thousands of people who work so hard in the industry to produce the tasty products that earn millions for our local economy. My support for this event is part of my ambition for Nelson of strengthening our industries and brand around our connections to the sea.”
More details will be released early next year when tickets go on sale, but seafood lovers can expect family-friendly, ocean-themed activities and entertainment, expert fish filleting demonstrations, a space to engage with industry education and career opportunities, and a showcase of industry innovations. And, of course, there will be the chance to once again savour some top-quality local kaimoana prepared by some of the region’s best chefs and matched with wines from Seifried’s, Neudorf, Waimea Estate and Kahurangi Estate.
The Nelson-based blue economy cluster Moananui has also come on board this year. Moananui will open its new headquarters' doors on Trafalgar Square to showcase ‘bluetech’ (maritime industry technology promoting sustainable activities) innovations. People from Moananui’s partner businesses will also be helping out on the day in the community hub.
Moananui Chief Executive Jodie Kuntzsche says kaimoana is key to the social, cultural, ecological and economic success of the region.
“We are incredibly lucky to have one of the largest ocean estates in the world, with Nelson right in the centre. It’s very special to come together and celebrate not only the beautiful seafood, but also the exceptional opportunities the industry generates through marine technology, innovation and employment.”