The New Zealand fishing industry has been called the ‘Cinderella’ of the primary industries. It has never had the political clout of those who farmed the land. The government has frequently treated the fishermen with disdain – access to fisheries was almost sold to foreigners for the right to export other primary produce to their country. The industry, despite promises to the contrary, has become a ‘milch cow’ for the government. It has been over-taxed and increasingly over-regulated.

It was to help fishermen fight these battles that the Federation of Commercial Fishermen was set up. It grew from the numerous port associations that looked after the interests of fishermen in the local area. Tides of Change tells the story of the owner-operators – the independent fishermen – who sailed smaller vessels to harvest the seas. Through that it also tells the story of the industry and its battles over the last 50 years.

Its achievements over its 50 year history are astounding. The Federation was in the forefront with demands for change. It was the work of their leaders who set up the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, established the quota management system and fought for safety on the high seas. It battled for a fair deal for smaller fishermen against the foreign fishing vessels and the big companies.