Two longtime fishers were surprised to receive accolades at the 67th New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen’s conference on 29 May in Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

First, Southland fisher Pat Nyhon was announced at the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen conference as the 2025 winner of the prestigious Electronic Navigation Shield. 

A member of the Federation Executive since 2017, Nyhon trawls on the Cressy out of Bluff. His career began in 1987 as a crew member on inshore trawl, crayfish and oyster boats, progressing to skipper of a cod, cray and tuna vessel. Eventually Nyhon purchased two trawlers of his own – Antares and Cressy. 

Federation President Doug Saunders-Loder said choosing Nyhon was a “no brainer.” 

“He’s actively involved in FirstMate and doing everything with a mind to keeping that alive. Pat is an outstanding contributor towards that and to the Federation.” 

Nyhon admitted receiving the prestigious kauri wood trophy, which is given to someone who has gone above and beyond ‘without fear or favour’ to support and promote the Federation and its members, was a surprise.  

“I think this is the first conference I’ve seen – and I've been here for about seven or eight years in the Executive – where there seems to be a lot of confidence. People seem a lot more confident, they seem happier and I think it means we might be on a better path.” 

Federation President Doug Saunders-Loder then presented Phil Clow with a Life Membership to the Federation. Clow, who represents the Whitianga and Coromandel Peninsula Commercial Fishermen’s Association, echoed Nyhon’s positive sentiment about the industry’s trajectory. 

“This is one of the biggest turnouts I’ve seen since I’ve been coming to the conferences. I deeply appreciate [being given the Life Membership]. That’s a gobsmacker, I didn’t see it coming.”