Global Fisheries Scholars Sought

MEDIA RELEASE 11 February 2008

Global Fisheries Scholars Sought

Te Ohu Kaimoana is looking for keen Maori scholars for its Global Fisheries Programme.

Chief Executive Peter Douglas said the Global Fisheries Programme is an elite scholarship that allows for industry workers or students to spend 12 months in Japan learning and working with major international fishing company, Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Limited (Nissui).

"This is an exciting opportunity for Maori," Mr Douglas said. "Our students who have completed the programme so far have benefited from this scholarship with many in significant roles within the fishing industry."

"Scholars are immersed fully in Japanese culture while they're living in Tokyo and will learn new language skills and improve their current knowledge of fishing practices," he said.

The Global Fisheries Programme provides successful candidates with the opportunity to live and work in Japan for a year with Nissui, a large fishing company with offices in every continent of the world.

The scholarship programme covers different industry components and is tailored to the skill sets of successful candidates seeking business experience in fresh chilled products, aquaculture, fisheries operations and corporate business. The programme is primarily aimed at Maori who want to improve their skills and education to help advance development of iwi and Maori generally.

Former scholar Nathan Reid, who spent 2006 in Japan with the programme and now works at Moana Pacific Fisheries in Auckland, used the opportunity to further understand the global fisheries supply chain, identifying opportunities to further expand and develop marketing for the New Zealand fishing industry.

"Nippon Suisan does everything and more. I spent time in fish markets and finfish aquaculture operations through to producing pharmaceuticals out of fish oil. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work in Japan, experience first hand Japan's legendary hospitality and unique culture and learn about the largest multi-national fishing company in the world."

Nathan undertook eight months of Japanese language and cultural education before moving to Tokyo. He says that while his working life posed challenges with language skills and other cultural differences, he learnt new business skills and knowledge that have helped advance his career at Moana Pacific Fisheries, owned by Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd.

Applications for the scholarship close 5pm, on February 27th 2008. Please contact: Leanne Betty at Te Ohu Kaimoana on (04) 9319-500 Leanne.betty[at]teohu.maori.nz

ENDS

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