New Zealand frozen fish firm Sealord is mooting transitioning parts of its Nelson-based operations to seasonal operations, running only during the peak hoki season from May to September.
The proposal, which affects its wetfish and by-products factories as well as the Thomas Harrison fresh fish trawler, follows a review to ensure the long-term sustainability of Sealord’s retail branded frozen fish and export businesses. If implemented, the change would result in 59 roles being lost, with staff currently under consultation.
“We would prioritise roles for our hard-working wetfish and coated factory staff during hoki season should these proposals go ahead and they wish to come back,” said Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin.
He noted that a complete shutdown of the Nelson site had been under consideration but was ultimately avoided in favour of this seasonal model. “Instead of closing our Nelson site completely… this seasonal proposal would mean that we’re able to retain the majority of our Nelson-based operations and the jobs associated with them,” he said. This includes 81 permanent and 400 seasonal jobs, preserving over 90% of the economic benefit to the region.
Paulin stressed the changes are not a reflection on staff performance, but a response to sustained economic pressures with rising costs, falling fish volumes and declining global prices creating an unsustainable situation.
“The export commodity products produced in our wetfish factory… are loss making in every month except for hoki season,” he explained.
A final decision on the seasonal proposal is expected in mid-October. Consultation on a separate proposal to close the coated fish factory has concluded with a decision due on 3 October.
