Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Sealord has made significant improvements to its Nelson site ahead of Hoki season, as the Wetfish factory and trawler Thomas Harrison begin operating under a seasonal model rather than year-round. The first Hoki season under the new approach started on Monday 4 May.
The seasonal operating model follows a review of Sealord’s Nelson-based business. Under changes announced last year, the Coated Factory was closed with processing moved to Vietnam, and Wetfish processing now running from May to September during the peak Hoki catching period.
General Manager Operations Rui Ventura says the change has created valuable downtime allowing improvements to Wetfish and Fishmeal facilities, including a more compact and efficient wetfish factory layout with new machinery. Dockside time for FV Thomas Harrison has enabled an engine rebuild and maintenance. And in the cold store, resourcing changes have streamlined work and increased container-loading capacity.
Staffing for the season is tracking well. For the first time, Sealord hasn’t needed to advertise roles, with more than 450 applications received via its website, including local applicants and Working Holiday Visa holders.
Sealord is aiming to fill around 430 positions for the season, including 44 returning former Wetfish or Coated Factory staff. The company is also recruiting around 220 overseas workers from Vietnam and Samoa through the new Peak Seasonal Visa pathway.
Sealord’s coated products are now being processed by Vietnam-based VDTG, using equipment purchased from the decommissioned Nelson Coated Factory. Sealord staff have supported installation and training in Vietnam to maintain product quality, recipes and standards.