Applications now open for prestigious Global Fisheries Scholarship Programme

Te Ohu Kaimoana is proud to announce it is now accepting applications for the prestigious Global Fisheries Scholarship(GFS) in Japan for 2027. 

The GFS is a six-month scholarship open for Māori who are seeking a rewarding career in the seafood industry. The scholarship was established in 2001 as a joint initiative between Te Ohu Kaimoana and Japanese company Nissui Corporation as an innovative programme to develop and grow the skills of Māori wanting to work or already employed in the seafood industry of Aotearoa. 

“Te Ohu Kaimoana is honoured to once again manage the Global Fisheries Scholarship. Being able to provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for Māori interested in a career in the seafood sector is one of the many exciting actualisations of the Māori fisheries settlement we are proud to support”, said Brianna Boxall (Interim Chief Executive) of Te Ohu Kaimoana.  

The scholarship, now in its 25^th year is well regarded in the seafood industry. It is open to a committed, hardworking individual to spend six months at Nissui, Moana New Zealand’s 50%partner in Sealord Group Limited, in Japan. The scholar will be learning aspects of the seafood industry from aquaculture to processing, food safety to food technology, sales and marketing, all while immersing themselves in daily Japanese life. 

“As a Kāhui we hold a long-term view and investment in this industry; values that are shared by our partner Nissui, so this scholarship complements both of our cultures by investing in our people for the future.”, said Boxall. 

Te Ohu Kaimoana is seeking applicants who are Māori and have studied or who work in fisheries management, aquaculture, marine biology, business management and fisheries orfood processing, legal or accounting and are looking at a career in the New Zealand seafood industry.  

For more information or to apply, visit the Global Fisheries Scholarship page on our website (www.teohukaimoana.nz). Applications close on 5pm Friday 24^th July 2026.