Global Scholars return home from Nissui in Japan
Strong fishing and aquaculture skills honed in Japan are what Francene Wineti and Joseph Butterworth hope to bring back to Te Ohu Kaimoana-owned fishing businesses.
The two Global Scholars have returned home from a 12-month tenure at Japanese fishing giant Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd (Nissui) and are looking forward to using the knowledge they've gained in Japan for the benefit of Maori aquaculture and business development.
“There was a good mixture of broad and intensive training at Nissui,” Francene, of Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi and Ngati Kahungunu, said. “My background is in aquaculture, so three weeks at Kurose Suisan, a Nissui kingfish farm, was invaluable. Kurose Suisan controls the whole production chain – that's a major difference from the way New Zealand aquaculture is managed.”
She was impressed by how some factories were managed, such as the Imari and Nagasaki fish feed factories. “We spent one week working at the Imari and Nagasaki fish feed factories. I had never seen this type of process before and was surprised factories that size needed only eight people to operate.”
“The technology they use is very up to date and their logistics are extremely sophisticated. In the future, I'd like to establish a feed production company along similar lines here in New Zealand.”
While working at the Hachioji Central Research Laboratory, Francene was able to design and conduct her own sensory evaluation test aimed at identifying Japanese taste preferences when consuming aquaculture products. Francene said this was one way of ensuring that New Zealand could tailor products to meet the demands of the Japanese consumer market.
“I now have a better understanding of what drives a large international fishing company. I'm really looking forward to applying the things I've learnt at Nissui and being a part of Maori's fishing and aquaculture future.”
“Being accepted for the programme was a once-in-lifetime opportunity. I've always been passionate about the marine environment and combining that with my love of travel has been a real privilege,” Francene said.
Joseph, of Te Arawa and Ngati Porou, said he gained a huge understanding about sustainable fisheries management through the International Fisheries Strategic Office in Tokyo. “The myriad of agencies, associations and organisations that come together to manage Japan's fishery is extremely complex,” he said.
“This was the last section of our training and involved lectures at head office about trawler operation, education, exploration activities of new fishing grounds, and the domestic seafood distribution system.” It was here that Japan's capacity for oceanographic research through companies like JAMSTEC and NME with their highly-trained staff, equipment and research vessels was bought home, he said.
“There is a wealth of positive research coming from Nissui,” Joseph said.
He now wants to put those skills into action. “I'll put the skills I've gained into practice by promoting and contributing to a much-needed increase in Maori fisheries management involvement. The final goal is to gain and sustain the most benefit out of received fishery assets to further economic development for Maori.”
“Living in Japan has helped to open my mind. Seeing the differences in how another people live, work, think and go about their lives was an eye-opening experience.”
They were both amazed at the many different aspects of Japanese life and how hard working, polite and hospitable the people were. For Francene, the Japanese hot pools were an eye opener while Joseph said trying to keep up with workers twice his age could be a struggle.
Te Ohu Kaimoana Director the Hon. Koro Wetere said "The support our scholars receive from Nissui President Kakizoe and his Senoir Executives is extraordinary, our young people are very fortunate to have such opportunities."
Now that they have returned to Aotearoa, Francene has joined Te Ohu Kaimoana and Joseph plans to carry on with his Masters course at Waikato but also work for Te Ohu Kaimoana researching and developing Maori interests in the freshwater environment.
The Global Fisheries Scholarship Programme was established in 2000 as an elite 12-month international business-training programme that provides for two Maori students each year to work in Japan with Nissui.
If you have any news or events coming up that you'd like covered
in an issue of Te Tai Pari, drop us an email at
Tiakina ngā rawa hi ika, a tātou kaimoana mo ngā uri whakaheke
Protecting Māori fisheries assets for future generations